I am thinking of trying to learn how to use oil paints, can you tell me what I need to get started? I have no experience with painting so please explain what the items I need will be used for.
Here is a list of items you will need to begin oil painting:

1. Oil Paint - Oil paint comes in tubes that can be purchased individually or in a set. As you are new to oil painting, a set with basic colors is a good place to start. You will need tubes of white, black, red, blue and yellow.

2. Brushes - As a beginner, you do not need many brushes, it is best to master a few basic sizes before branching out to more costly options. A variety of one or two small, medium, and large round brushes will be enough to begin with. 

3. Turpentine or Mineral Spirits - Oil paint does not require water for brush cleaning. Instead, you use a paint-thinning solution to clean excess paint from the bristles. Turpentine is a commonly used phrase for this substance, but mixtures of odorless mineral spirits are a common alternative. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area as these liquids can be harmful.

4. A jar for cleaning brushes - You will need a glass vessel with a lid to store your turpentine or mineral spirits for cleaning. Ensure the vessel has a secure lid to seal in the vapor when not used.

5. Linseed Oil or Oil Medium - Much like mineral spirits and turpentine, linseed oil will dilute oil paint. However, as it is oil-based, it creates an ideal consistency without sacrificing the paint’s texture when painting. You can use this in the same way you would use water to thin-down other paints, such as watercolors.

6. Rags - Rags are used to wipe your brushes after cleaning once you have dipped them in your jar. 

7. Palette - You will need a clean, hard, non-porous surface to decant and mix your paint on.

8. Painting Surface - Any surface can be painted with oil as long as it is primed with Gesso. The most common surfaces are canvas, thick paper, or wooden panels.