What Are Oil Sticks and Bars?

Oil sticks and oil bars are innovative painting tools that combine the qualities of oil paint with the convenience of a crayon. Made from pure pigments, oils and a small amount of wax, oil sticks deliver vibrant, rich colours. Oil paint sticks offer artists a portable, mess-free alternative to traditional oil paints. They are perfect for direct application to surfaces or for use with brushes and mediums. Our Guide to Oil Painting is an exhaustive resource that provides everything you need to know for oil painting, including expert techniques and tips for using oil sticks.

Why Do Artists Use Oil Sticks and Bars?

Artists use oil sticks and bars for their versatility and convenience. Ideal for sketching, layering, and blending, they allow for bold, expressive marks and detailed work. Their compact form makes oil painting sticks perfect for on-the-go creativity, eliminating the need for extensive equipment. Solvents and brushes can also be used alongside them, offering even greater flexibility in techniques. ‘Whether used for the initial gestures to sketch out a composition or for the addition of accents and highlights on a more developed piece, the application of colour is directly in the artist’s hand. A light touch will make a crayon-like line, and a hard touch will produce thick, painterly marks. Once the colour has been laid down, it can be manipulated with a palette knife or a brush or extended with an oil medium. Dipping the stick directly into linseed oil before using achieves a wonderfully soft and luxurious mark.’ - Evie Hatch, Studio and Materials Specialist, Jackson's Art Supplies

How Long Have Artists Been Using Oil Sticks and Bars?

Oil sticks and bars are a relatively modern addition to the artist’s toolkit. They were first developed in 1949 by Henri Sennelier, son of Gustave Sennelier, who founded Sennelier. The creation of this new medium was in response to Pablo Picasso’s request for a versatile medium he could apply to any surface. Other renowned contemporary artists like Cy Twombly and Jean-Michel Basquiat have famously incorporated oil sticks into their work, showcasing their potential for creating bold, expressive marks. Despite their modern origins, oil sticks have quickly become a staple in studios around the world.

Why Choose Oil Sticks and Bars from Jackson’s Art Supplies?

At Jackson’s, we offer a carefully curated selection of high quality oil sticks and oil bars from leading brands, including Sennelier and R&F. With a 4.8-star Trustpilot rating and a reputation for outstanding service, we’re proud to support artists of all levels with materials they can trust.

Oil Sticks & Oil Bars for Painting

Oil sticks and bars are oil paints compressed into a convenient stick and encased in wax. Once favoured by Picasso, they can be used directly for bold, expressive marks or combined with a brush for more traditional techniques.

Oil sticks are versatile tools that are ideal for artists who enjoy combining drawing and painting. Whether you're working quickly on large surfaces or building rich layers over time, oil sticks and oil bars offer freedom and immediacy. Shop our full range of oil paint sticks from trusted brands such as R&F and Sennelier, known for their smooth texture and vibrant colours.