Watercolour Paint Sticks
Watercolour sticks offer a direct and versatile way to work with colour. They’re made from the same pigment-rich formulation found in watercolour paint, but in a convenient stick format.
You can use watercolour paint sticks wet with a brush or dry for expressive drawing. Their shape makes them perfect for broad strokes, fine lines, and everything in between. Explore the creative possibilities of watercolour sticks for both painting and mark-making.
Watercolour Sticks: Popular Questions from Artists
What Are Watercolour Paint Sticks?
Watercolour sticks are highly concentrated watercolours shaped into a solid stick form. They offer artists a versatile medium that can be used for both wet and dry applications.
Watercolour sticks are designed to be activated with water, providing the same vibrant, transparent colour you would expect from watercolour paints. Artists can draw with them directly on paper or dissolve them in water to create washes and blends. They are ideal for sketching, detailed work, and expressive mark-making.
Artists use watercolour sticks for their portability and convenience, as well as their intense pigmentation.
Shaped like crayons, watercolour sticks offer a simple solution for artists on the go, providing a concentrated colour source without the need for palettes, tubes, or liquid paint. Because of their solid form, they can be used directly on paper for sketching, then activated with water to blend and create washes. This makes them a popular choice for plein air painters and those looking for an easy, mess-free way to work with watercolours.
‘I found it immensely pleasing to be able to shift between such a large range of different artistic techniques using just paper, a paintbrush, water, and a handful of watercolour sticks.
I enjoyed the expressiveness of using the sticks, as I was less inhibited than I would have been using a delicate brush on its own or a freshly sharpened watercolour pencil. It was satisfying not to be continually sharpening an aquarelle pencil and yet to see my colour on the page before converting it into paint. I was also pleasantly surprised at how well the sticks worked as traditional watercolour pans.’
— Lucy Tittle, Watercolourist, Jackson's Art Blog
Watercolour paint sticks are a more recent innovation compared to traditional watercolours. They became popular in the late 20th century as artists sought more convenient, portable mediums.
While there isn't a long history behind watercolour sticks, many artists have embraced them for their ease of use and versatility. Contemporary artists often use watercolour sticks for urban sketching, quick studies, and experimental works, where the combination of drawing and painting in a single tool is a significant advantage.
At Jackson's Art Supplies, we pride ourselves on offering watercolour paint sticks from leading brands such as Daniel Smith, known for their exceptional colour vibrancy and durability.
- Competitive Pricing: We offer affordable prices without compromising on quality.
- Customer Satisfaction: With a 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot, we are trusted by artists worldwide for our product range and customer service.
Shop for Watercolour Sticks
Explore our selection of watercolour paint sticks and discover the perfect choice for your next project. Whether you're looking for bold colour, portability, or versatility, Jackson's Art Supplies has you covered. Order online today and enjoy fast delivery and exceptional customer service.
Need more help? Visit Contact Us and Help & Advice pages for help choosing the right watercolour supplies for you.