There are many different types of paint that many use when they are going to follow any sort of artistic endeavor. There are water paints, pastels, and many other types of water based paints. There are some that will only use oil paint, and they do that because they like the way it looks and the way it mixes. Each is a personal choice of the artist, but most at least try oil at one time or another. If you have a child interested in painting, they are going to want to try it as well. If you have a child trying out oil paint for the first time, take some precautions. Oil paint is not washable, and you might have to have strong chemicals to remove it from any part of your home.