Winton Oil Colour: Student-Grade Winsor & Newton Oil Paints That Don't Cut Corners

 

If you're new to oil painting or simply looking for a reliable, budget-friendly paint to bulk out your kit, Winton Oil Colour by Winsor & Newton might just be your new go-to.

Designed for students, beginners, and hobbyists, this range offers the quality you’d expect from one of the most trusted names in art supplies—at a fraction of the price.

In this blog, we’ll unpack the range, explore its pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s the right pick for your palette. Spoiler alert: it probably is. ;) 

 

What Is Winton Oil Colour?

 

Winton Oil Colour is Winsor & Newton’s student-grade oil paint range, built to deliver on vibrancy, performance, and value.

It’s a step down in price from the premium Artists’ Oil Colour line, but it still brings plenty to the table—offering a wide range of 47 colours, each with consistent texture and excellent working properties.

Winton is ideal for large-scale work, underpainting, or for anyone looking to practice techniques without stressing over the cost of each squeeze.

 

Fun fact: The name ‘Winton’ comes from founder William Winsor’s wife’s maiden name—talk about a legacy!

Art Shed take: Cheeky AND sentimental? We’re into it. 

 

 

Winton vs. Artists’ Oil Colour: What’s the Difference?

 

Trying to choose between Winton and the pro range? Here's a quick breakdown:

Grade: Winton is student-grade; Artists’ Oil is professional-grade.

 

Pigment Load: Winton has a moderate pigment load using more affordable pigments, while Artists’ Oil features a higher pigment concentration, often with single-pigment colours.

 

Range: Winton includes 47 colours; Artists’ Oil boasts 120+.

 

Consistency: Winton is slightly stiffer—great for retaining brush strokes.

 

Price: Winton wins on affordability, especially for bulk paint use.

 

Art Shed verdict: If you're painting like there's no tomorrow (we see you, uni deadline warriors), Winton’s the budget-friendly bestie you need.

 

Pigment & Texture Breakdown

 

What gives Winton its reliable rep is the smooth, buttery consistency that still holds its body on the brush or palette knife.

The paints are made with a mix of linseed oil (great for colour brilliance and fast drying) and safflower oil in whites and pale colours to reduce yellowing.

The pigment load is lower than professional paints, but it still packs a punch—especially in stronger hues like Phthalo Blue, Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, and Cadmium Red Deep Hue.

Drying time ranges from 2–12 days depending on the colour and thickness.

 

Pro tip: Winton paints are triple-milled for smoothness, helping ensure a clean, even finish every time.

And if you’re heavy-handed like us, don’t stress—Winton handles the extra squeeze like a champ.

 

 

 

 

Best Techniques for Winton Oil

 

Wondering how to use Winton Oil Paint effectively? Because of its body and texture, it’s brilliant for:

 

Impasto: Lay it on thick—Winton holds brush marks beautifully.

 

Alla Prima (Wet-on-Wet): It blends well, especially with slower-drying colours.

 

Layering & Blocking: Perfect for underpainting large canvases without burning through your premium paints.

You can also mix Winton with other Winsor & Newton mediums, or even combine it with Artists’ Oil Colours when needed.

 

Art Shed hack: Grab a few 200ml tubes of your fave colours and you’ll be sorted for ages. It’s basically the Costco of oil paint.

 

 

 

 

Top 5 Winton Oil Colours to Try

Not sure where to start? Here are five MVPs from the range:

 

Titanium White – Your everyday mixing workhorse.

 

Phthalo Blue – Highly pigmented and vibrant.

 

Cadmium Red Deep Hue – A warm, bold red that performs beautifully in mixes.

 

Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue – Clean and bright, perfect for mixing greens and highlights.

 

Burnt Umber – An earthy, rich neutral with excellent coverage.

Looking for a set to test them out? Scroll on.

 

Winton Sets & Starter Packs

Whether you're just starting out or want to try a few colours before committing to larger tubes, Winton has a great lineup of starter packs and boxed sets.

 

Winton Oil Colour Set of 10 (21ml): Great entry point for beginners.

 

Winton Set of 20 (12ml): Offers a broad spectrum for more complex projects.

 

Shop Winton Oil Paints now at Art Shed and find the size and colour combo that works for you.

 

And remember – if you're unsure, come chat with us in-store. We love a yarn about paint.

 

 

 

 

Tips for Students & Beginners

Here are a few extra tips to make the most of your Winton Oils:

 

Clean-Up: Use odourless solvent or safflower oil for safe and simple cleanup.

 

Palette Planning: Lay out your palette in warm-to-cool order to train your eye for colour mixing.

 

Budget Hack: Use Winton for underpainting, and save premium paints for top layers.

 

Fun fact: Winton Oil Colours are manufactured in France and triple-milled for quality and consistency.

 

Art Shed tip: Save the mess for your masterpiece, not your desk—trust us on the odourless solvent.

 

FAQ

 

Is Winton Oil Paint good? Yes! While it’s a student-grade paint, Winton offers impressive vibrancy and texture at an affordable price.

 

Can I use Winton and Artists’ Oil together? Absolutely. They’re compatible and often mixed together by artists who want to save on cost but not compromise on effect.

 

What mediums can I use with Winton? Winton works well with Winsor & Newton's oil mediums like Liquin, as well as traditional solvents and oils.

 

In Summary:

Winton Oil Colour is the ideal range for artists who want dependable, vibrant oil paint without the premium price tag.

 

Whether you’re learning, experimenting, or creating in bulk, Winton has the pigment power and buttery smoothness to back you up.

And with Winsor & Newton’s legacy behind it? You know you're painting with a name you can trust.

Ready to give it a go? Shop the range now at Art Shed and start your oil painting journey without the stress.

Or better yet—pop in store and let us enable your next creative obsession.

 

We’d like to acknowledge the incredible artists whose work is featured throughout this blog. All pieces were discovered through the official Winsor & Newton Instagram.

Artwork by:
 @thecurlybrush, @sylwia.doktorczyk.art, and @reubennegron

Give them a follow and show some love — their work deserves it!