Gamblin Artists Colors
Est. 1980
Heritage & History
Robert Gamblin founded Gamblin Artists Colors in Portland, Oregon in 1980 with an explicit mission: make oil painting materials that are safer and more technically sound than what was available from European manufacturers who had dominated the market for centuries. Gamblin's background in chemistry and his concern about artist health — specifically, the toxic solvents that painters were using daily in poorly ventilated studios — shaped every product the company developed.
The most significant early contribution was Gamsol, introduced in the late 1980s. Gamsol is an odorless mineral spirits refined to remove the most toxic aromatic hydrocarbons, producing a solvent that is genuinely safer for regular studio use. It became the standard recommendation in art schools and studios, and remains the best-known product in the Gamblin catalog.
Made in Portland, Oregon
Every Gamblin product is manufactured at the Portland, Oregon facility. Gamblin grinds its own paint — the pigment-to-oil ratio in each color is calibrated for that specific pigment's oil absorption and handling characteristics, rather than using a one-size formula across the entire range. The result is oil paints that handle consistently: each color has the brushability, body, and drying time appropriate for its chemistry.
Gamblin also produces all its painting mediums in Portland, including Neo Megilp (an alkyd gel medium for impasto), Refined Stand Oil for glazing, and Gamvar Picture Varnish, which is conservation-grade and reversible — a standard that museum conservators apply to paintings intended to last centuries. Portland's proximity to Oregon State University's chemistry department has provided useful academic relationships over the years.
What Sets Them Apart
Gamblin's commitment to artist health sets it apart from any other professional paint manufacturer. The company was among the first to eliminate lead and cadmium from its formula options, offers cadmium-free alternatives that perform comparably to traditional cadmium colors, and provides detailed safety data sheets for every product. For students in academic settings where ventilation is limited, Gamblin's low-toxicity philosophy makes practical sense.
The 1980 Oil Colors line offers professional-grade paint at student-grade prices by using slightly more economical pigment choices without compromising lightfastness — a realistic option for painters who work at large scale and need quantity as well as quality. Portland's manufacturing operation has stayed true to Gamblin's founding vision for over four decades.
Gamblin 1980 Oil Colors Set, 6 Colors
Gamblin Artists Colors
Arts & Crafts
Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits 32oz
Gamblin Artists Colors
Arts & Crafts
Gamblin Cold Pressed Linseed Oil 8.5oz
Gamblin Artists Colors
Arts & Crafts
Gamblin Artists Oil Color Titanium White 150ml
Gamblin Artists Colors
Arts & Crafts
Gamblin Oil Painting Medium Neo Megilp 8.5oz
Gamblin Artists Colors
Arts & Crafts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gamblin Artists Colors made in the USA?
Yes. Gamblin Artists Colors manufactures 8 verified products in Portland, OR. Gamblin Artists Colors has manufactured professional oil paints and painting mediums in Portland, Oregon since 1980, building its reputation on safe solvents, conservation-quality materials, and formulas designed specifically for working painters.
Where is Gamblin Artists Colors manufactured?
Gamblin Artists Colors is headquartered in Portland, OR. Manufacturing takes place in Portland, OR.
What Gamblin Artists Colors products can I buy?
We carry 8 verified Gamblin Artists Colors products across Arts & Crafts. Every listing links directly to Amazon with verified American manufacturing.
When was Gamblin Artists Colors founded?
Gamblin Artists Colors was founded in 1980. Gamblin Artists Colors has manufactured professional oil paints and painting mediums in Portland, Oregon since 1980, building its reputation on safe solvents, conservation-quality materials, and formulas designed specifically for working painters.