Tips for a newbie oil painter?

[Kim]

I've never been taught how to or ever used oil paint before. I would really like to give it ago though because I see the most beautiful oil paintings. I'm not really an "artist" but I did take a few art classes in high school and found I really enjoyed watercolor painting. Since then I've pretty much stuck with that.

I guess the question is, what are some things I should know when oil painting. Not techniques or anything like that but what do I buy! Do I just need the paints and brushes, do I need some special thinner for cleaning brushes? Do you use water or something else? Is it even wet painting or dry painting. I'm really confused. Whatever I look up online mostly just gives me "techniques" but that doesn't help me much if I don't even know what to use or how to use it. Some help would be great. Thanks guys!
Thanks for suggesting Acrylics. I've worked with them for a few years in high school and for awhile after. I've already been there done that, ya know? As far as them drying quick, that is partly the problem I have with them. I'm a blender. I love pastels. Acrylics you only get 1 shot really because you can't layer and they almost dry "to quick" for me. Thanks for the suggestion tho.
Okay, so now I need to know. Do you thin the oil paints with whatever much like you thin watercolors with water? Is it the same concept. If so I got this, if not I'm a little confused.
As for spirit_Q, I love you input, but way way off subject. I already know what I want to paint... just now sure how to use the medium.

 

[Cancan]

i think you should get acrylic paints first .they r like oils but dry much quicker and dont smell strong like oils.

 

[gildersleeve]

Find a hobbyist painting society in your area and go to a couple of trial meetings. If they seem helpful and encouraging, join the group. Hobbyist groups usually aren't costly, and many of them have a library, a public annual show of members' work, and lots and lots of good tips and leads for resources in their area.

This was what I did when I wanted to learn watercolor painting. It wasn't that expensive, and every meeting was a "working" meeting (meaning, the usual admin stuff got done in 15-20 minutes, the rest of the meeting was spent painting). We used the art room of the local high school, so it had sinks and worktables and everything. And the people were so friendly and informative!

Good luck! And have fun!