Paint – Artist Colors for Every Style and Medium

Colour is the base of creativity. Whether you’re mixing soft watercolor washes, blending acrylic colors, smudging oil pastels, or drawing characters that seem to jump right off the page, so much of those timeless impressions rely on great from under your brush. At Optic Art Supply , we carry everything from washable, classroom-safe tempera to professional-quality artist paints catered for any skill level, style of work, and surface.

What Makes Artists' Paintings Different?

Artist paint sets feature stronger pigments, meaning you get brighter and richer colors. These paints react on the paper in a predictable manner, allowing artists complete control over their work and bringing views of reality to life.

Key Types of Paints We Offer

• Acrylic Paint – Fast-drying, vivid, and adaptable to canvas, paper, or mixed media.
• Oil Paint – Slow-drying, richly pigmented, and ideal for blending or layered detail.
• Watercolor Paint – Transparent, light, and perfect for the building of soft layers and washes.
• Gouache Paint and Sets – Matte, opaque color for illustrators and designers.
• Tempera Paint – Washable and non-toxic, great for classrooms and young artists.
• Craft Paint – Versatile for decorative projects, crafts, and mixed media.
• Pastels – Soft, oil, and hard varieties for expressive drawing and painting.
• Spray Paint Supplies – Brilliant aerosol colors for murals and street art.
• Fabric Painting and Decorating – Durable paints for textiles and wearable art.
• Caseins and Egg Tempera – Historic mediums known for natural matte finishes.
• Paint Mediums and Varnishes – Add gloss, texture, or durability to your work.
• Oil Painting Solvents – Refine, thin, and clean oil-based paints safely.
• Primers and Gessoes – Prepare your canvas or board for smoother application.
• Paint Pens and Markers – Controlled color for fine detail and lettering.

Every product is chosen for performance, safety, and pigment consistency, ensuring reliable results across all applications.

How to Choose the Right Type of Paint?

Watercolors will give a more transparent, lighter look; acrylics and oils lend more texture and time to blend. Tempera and gouache work well for flat, bold scenes.

For Beginners

Watercolor and tempera sets are an easy introduction to mixing colors and controlling brushes. They wipe clean and are forgiving for practice.

For Professionals

Acrylics and oils offer a broad color range and are ideal for detailed, layered, or textured work.

For Classrooms

Tempera cakes and liquid tempera provide brilliant color without the spills, easy to clean from skin and most clothing.

For Specialized Techniques

Traditional Materials for Modern Artists: From Sumi-e Painting to Casein and Egg Tempera, traditional materials remain strong, with contemporary artists seeking texture.

What Surfaces Work Best for Each Paint Type?

Different paints adhere best to specific surfaces. Using the right one enhances both color vibrancy and longevity.

Watercolor

Select heavy watercolor paper or pads that soak up the moisture evenly and do not warp.

Acrylic

Best on primed canvas, wood panels, or heavy mixed-media paper. Acrylics stick, and they dry quickly.

Oil

Apply to gesso-primed canvas or board for smooth blending and depth.

Tempera

Works perfectly on paper, cardboard, or poster board, ideal for classroom creativity.

Paint Sets and Essentials

A well-stocked art setup makes all the difference. Pair your paints with:

• Brush Sets suited to each medium.
• Mixing Palettes for easy color blending.
• Media and Additives to adjust drying time or texture.
• Storage Racks for an organized classroom or studio use.

We also carry tempera paint cakes, paint sticks, and powder pigments for experimental work and workshops.

Why Artists Choose Optic Art Supply

We curate paints from trusted brands that value pigment quality, durability, and safety. Whether for fine art studios or classrooms, every paint is tested for consistency and performance.

• Non-toxic and safe for all ages
• Smooth application and strong color payoff
• Reliable quality across every collection
• Options for both professional and educational use

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best paint type for beginners?

Watercolor and tempera paints are ideal for beginners. They’re easy to use, washable, and help develop brush control and color mixing skills.

Can I mix different paint types in one artwork?

Yes, but surface preparation is key. Acrylics can act as a base for other mediums, but mixing oil and water-based paints directly isn’t recommended.

Which paints are safest for children?

Tempera paints and tempera cakes are AP-certified, non-toxic, and designed specifically for classroom safety.

What’s the main difference between artist-grade and student-grade paint?

Artist-grade paints contain higher pigment levels, offering richer colors and smoother blending. Student-grade paints are more affordable and suited for practice or study.

Final Thoughts

Paint connects imagination with expression. Each one is a story, from the quick classroom sketch to the gallery-ready canvas. Discover our paint brands and find the perfect, unique quality paint for your next project.