I've been using the Paul Rubens 40-color oil paint set for a few weeks now, and it's quickly become my go-to for both detailed work and bold, expressive pieces. The creamy texture is just *chef's kiss*—it glides onto the canvas like butter, holding brushstrokes and palette knife marks perfectly.
What really stands out is the pigment density. I don't need to layer endlessly to get rich, saturated colors. The ultramarine blue? Absolutely stunning straight from the tube. Though I do agree with other reviewers—where are the purples? We get five greens but only one mediocre violet.
Working on a rainy landscape last weekend, I was amazed how well the paints blended wet-on-wet (yes, I'm a Bob Ross fan too!). The burnt sienna and phthalo green mixed into the most gorgeous earthy tones without turning muddy. The 50ml tubes are generous—I've done three 16x20" canvases and haven't even made a dent in my white paint.
One surprise: These dry faster than expected for oils. My impasto techniques with a palette knife needed some adjustment (a bit of cold wax medium solved this). But for brushwork? Absolute perfection. The linseed oil base gives just the right flow—no need to constantly thin the paint.
Would I recommend? Absolutely, especially for the price. Just wish they'd swap two of those duplicate browns for a proper magenta and cobalt violet!