Hobby Lobby, for those like me who hadn’t shopped there before, is a craft supermarket that also does a brisk business in frames and framing. They carry art supplies too–stretchers, acrylics, brushes, and oil paints. In Hobby Lobby’s case, they sell Winsor Newton paints along with their own brand, Master’s Touch.
I have 2 tubes of Master’s Touch oils, Green Grey, and Red Ochre, which are highlighted in this photo. Both paints are blends of pigments, which are listed on the tubes. The best paints are made with single pigments but all brands have blended colors.
I added both to my normal palette and put them through their paces by using them on this unfinished painting–T51. The best way to test materials is to use them on actual pieces.
The best thing I can say about Master’s Touch paints is that they’re dirt cheap. Both paints have body straight from the tube but lose body when thinned. Heavily-bodied paints should remain covering even when thinned. (Some pigments are naturally transparent and are judged instead by their tinting strength.)
The paint is dull, which is a bad thing. To be fair, this judgement should be tested by using additional paints.
I normally don’t review student-grade paint, which is what I consider this brand, but a lot of students and hobbyists will experiment with it. If I was on a restricted budget, I would build a palette with earth tones from top brands augmented by select paints from Master’s Touch. Earth colors, such as burnt sienna, are inexpensive even for the most expensive brands, such as Old Holland.
Master’s touch rating: Quality: F, Price: A+
I am a professional artist and have been using Masters Touch oils for 10 years. They have been great until the packaging changed from an aluminum tube to a plastic. I have noticed the paints drying in the tube very fast. Saddly, I will be looking for a different brand to buy. 🙁
I love that painting!!!
I have painted for a very long time….and never ever had paint dry in the tubes until recently. I have a large tube of zinc white Masters Touch oil paint half used. It is dried down to end of tube. Lid was on tight and stored in a box. I shall discontinue use of this product. I agree packaging has changed and not good. Very dusappointed.
I have a question.
Will Masters Touch work on resin figures for outside display?
Thank you, in advance.
Hi Carolyn,
Most resin figure painters use acrylics but some of the top painters use oils. Oil paints are especially prized for there ability to produce lifelike flesh. Master’s Touch is pretty standard oil paint so any figure on which you can use oils, you can use Master’s Touch.