Oil Painting for the Serious Beginner

The single best book for someone who has never touched oil paint. Steve Allrich strips away the mystique and hands you a clear, practical path from blank canvas to finished painting.

Why Start Here

This book has sold over 50,000 copies because it does one thing exceptionally well: it teaches a complete beginner how to actually paint in oils. Allrich walks you through materials, color mixing, and composition with step-by-step demonstrations that assume zero prior experience. Every chapter builds on the previous one, so you are never asked to attempt something you have not been prepared for.

What sets this book apart from other beginner guides is Allrich’s focus on doing rather than lecturing. He spends minimal time on art history or abstract theory. Instead, he puts a brush in your hand early and keeps it there. The demonstrations cover still life, landscape, and plein air painting, giving you a well-rounded foundation rather than locking you into one subject.

What to Expect

At 144 pages, this is a focused, efficient book. You can read it in a weekend and start painting immediately. Allrich includes a clear materials list so you know exactly what to buy before you begin. The tone is encouraging and direct, like learning from a patient instructor who respects your time. By the end, you will understand how to set up a palette, mix colors confidently, and complete a painting from start to finish.