Watercolour Paint Sticks

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.

How Can Artists Use Watercolour Sticks?

Watercolour paint sticks can be used in several ways. You can apply them directly to paper for drawing, then activate the pigment with a wet brush to create washes and blends.

Alternatively, wet the tip of the stick before applying it to the surface for a more intense colour. Watercolour sticks are versatile and can be used for both simple sketching and complete paintings.

How Can I Achieve More Intensity With Watercolour Sticks?

To achieve a more vibrant, saturated colour, dip the tip of the watercolour stick in water before applying it to the paper. This activates the pigment directly, resulting in bold, rich colours. Alternatively, apply the stick to dry paper and use a wet brush to intensify the colour further.

Can I Use a Brush with Watercolour Paint Sticks?

Yes, many artists use a watercolour brush with watercolour sticks. You can wet a brush and lift the pigment directly from the stick, just like using paint from a pan or tube. This method allows for more control over the application and can be useful for creating washes or detailed brushwork.

Do I Need to Activate Watercolour Sticks with Water?

While you can use watercolour sticks dry for drawing, they are designed to be activated with water. This releases their full colour intensity and vibrancy. Using water allows for smoother blending and layering, much like traditional watercolour paints.

What Surfaces Can You Use Watercolour Sticks On?

Watercolour paper is ideal for use with watercolour paint sticks due to its ability to handle wet techniques without warping. Cold pressed paper has a textured surface that adds character to your work, while hot pressed paper offers a smoother finish for more detailed work, such as botanical painting.

How Can I Blend Watercolour Paint Sticks?

Blending watercolour paint sticks can be done in various ways. You can use the dry-on-dry technique, where you apply the sticks dry and then blend them with a wet brush.

Alternatively, use the wet-on-wet technique by applying water to the paper first and then using the sticks to blend colours. Another method is to lift pigment from the stick with a wet brush and blend colours on a palette before applying them to the paper.

Can You Sharpen Watercolour Sticks?

Yes, watercolour paint sticks can be sharpened for finer lines and details. You can use a craft knife to carefully sharpen the sticks, ensuring precision in your artwork. Sharpening also allows you to create different textures and effects in your work.

Can Watercolour Sticks Be Reactivated After Drying?

Like traditional watercolours, watercolour sticks can be reactivated with water even after they have dried on the paper. The degree to which they can be reactivated depends on the amount of pigment applied and the type of paper used. Thicker applications may be more challenging to fully reactivate, but adding water will still blend and soften the edges.

Can Watercolour Sticks Dry Out?

Watercolour paint sticks don't dry out in the same way liquid paints. Over time, they may harden slightly, but their water-soluble nature means they can always be reactivated with water.

How Can I Learn More About Watercolour?

For a guide to watercolour painting, which includes more information on painting with watercolour sticks, visit our Guide to Watercolour.

You can also learn more about watercolour on Jackson’s Art Blog.