How to Start Painting in Oil: A Beginner’s Guide with a Limited Zorn Palette

Hello and welcome! If you’ve ever wanted to try oil painting but felt unsure where to start — this guide is for you. As an oil painter myself, I know how overwhelming it can be to choose materials and get started. That's why today, I want to share a simple and effective way to begin oil painting using a limited palette known as the Zorn Palette.

This approach will help you focus on color mixing, values, and composition, without needing to buy dozens of tubes of paint. I’ll also share examples of my oil paintings (you can find more at www.galinamilton.com) to show what’s possible with this limited palette.

Why Start with a Limited Palette?

Using fewer colors may seem limiting, but it’s actually one of the best ways to learn. A limited palette helps you:

Understand how colors mix together
Keep a harmonious and balanced color scheme
Focus on light, shadow, and form without being distracted by too many color choices

What is the Zorn Palette?

The Zorn Palette is named after the Swedish artist Anders Zorn, who created masterful paintings using just a few colors. His limited palette typically includes:

Titanium White
Yellow Ochre
Vermilion (or Cadmium Red Light)
Ivory Black (which acts as both a black and a blue substitute)

🎨 Example of the Zorn Palette colors

With just these four colors, you can mix a wide range of skin tones, natural colors, and rich neutrals. It’s perfect for portraits, still life, and even landscapes.

Make Your Own Color Mixing Chart

Before starting a painting, I highly recommend creating a color mixing chart. This chart will help you see what combinations are possible and become an essential reference when you paint.

How to create it:

Draw a grid on canvas paper or a gessoed board.
Place each color along the top and side of the grid.
In each square, mix the two colors where the row and column meet.
Experiment with adding white to see lighter variations.

✨

You’ll be amazed at how many beautiful hues you can create from just these four tubes!

Prime Your Canvas: Don’t Skip This Step

Even if you’re using pre-made canvas, adding an extra layer of gesso helps create a smoother and stronger surface for oil paint.

To prime:

Apply one or two coats of gesso with a wide brush or palette knife.
Let dry completely.
Lightly sand between layers if you prefer a smoother texture.

Drawing on the Canvas: Use Charcoal if Needed

If you’re hesitant to go straight to paint, charcoal is a great tool for sketching your composition directly on the canvas.

You can adjust easily before committing to paint.
If necessary, use a light fixative to prevent smudging.

Recommended Brushes for Oil Painting

Choosing the right brushes makes a big difference. Here are my favorites for beginners:

Flats (sizes 4, 6, 8): Great for blocking in shapes and creating sharp edges.
Filberts (sizes 4, 6): Rounded tips for softer edges and blending.
Rounds (sizes 2, 4): For details and finer lines.
Fan Brush (optional): Perfect for soft blending and creating texture.

Look for hog bristle or synthetic brushes made for oils — they hold paint well and withstand heavy use.

I will get some of my oil paintings with limited palette next blog.

Final Thoughts: Take It Slow and Have Fun

Starting oil painting doesn’t have to be complicated. By limiting your palette, practicing color mixing, and focusing on the basics, you’ll develop strong foundational skills that will serve you well for years to come.

🌸 And remember — if you have any questions, I would gladly help!
Feel free to reach out or leave a comment. You can also explore more of my work and get in touch through www.galinamilton.com.

Happy painting! 🎨

— Galina Milton

How to Start Painting with Oil: A Beginner’s Guide