Watercolor Paint Sticks
Watercolor sticks are made of pure dry watercolor paint, exactly as you would find in a watercolor pan. Apply wet with a brush or use as a drawing tool. Explore the diverse mark-making potential of watercolor paint sticks.
Watercolor Sticks: Popular Questions from Artists
What Are Watercolor Paint Sticks?
Watercolor sticks are highly concentrated watercolors shaped into a solid stick form. They offer artists a versatile medium that can be used for both wet and dry applications.
Watercolor sticks are designed to be activated with water, providing the same vibrant, transparent color you would expect from watercolor 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 watercolor sticks for their portability and convenience, as well as their intense pigmentation.
Shaped like crayons, watercolor sticks offer a simple solution for artists on the go, providing a concentrated color 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 watercolors.
‘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 watercolor 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 watercolor pencil. It was satisfying not to be continually sharpening an aquarelle pencil and yet to see my color on the page before converting it into paint. I was also pleasantly surprised at how well the sticks worked as traditional watercolor pans.’
— Lucy Tittle, Watercolorist, Jackson's Art Blog
Watercolor paint sticks are a more recent innovation compared to traditional watercolors. They became popular in the late 20th century as artists sought more convenient, portable mediums.
While there isn't a long history behind watercolor sticks, many artists have embraced them for their ease of use and versatility. Contemporary artists often use watercolor 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 watercolor paint sticks from leading brands such as Daniel Smith, known for their exceptional 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 Watercolor Sticks
Explore our selection of watercolor paint sticks and discover the perfect choice for your next project. Whether you're looking for bold color, 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 watercolor supplies for you.
How Can Artists Use Watercolor Sticks?
Watercolor 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 color. Watercolor sticks are versatile and can be used for both simple sketching and complete paintings.
How Can I Achieve More Intensity With Watercolor Sticks?
To achieve a more vibrant, saturated color, dip the tip of the watercolor stick in water before applying it to the paper. This activates the pigment directly, resulting in bold, rich colors. Alternatively, apply the stick to dry paper and use a wet brush to intensify the color further.
Can I Use a Brush with Watercolor Paint Sticks?
Yes, many artists use a watercolor brush with watercolor 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 Watercolor Sticks with Water?
While you can use watercolor sticks dry for drawing, they are designed to be activated with water. This releases their full color intensity and vibrancy. Using water allows for smoother blending and layering, much like traditional watercolor paints.
What Surfaces Can You Use Watercolor Sticks On?
Watercolor paper is ideal for use with watercolor 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 Watercolor Paint Sticks?
Blending watercolor 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 colors. Another method is to lift pigment from the stick with a wet brush and blend colors on a palette before applying them to the paper.
Can You Sharpen Watercolor Sticks?
Yes, watercolor 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 Watercolor Sticks Be Reactivated After Drying?
Like traditional watercolors, watercolor 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 Watercolor Sticks Dry Out?
Watercolor 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 Watercolor?
For a guide to watercolor painting, which includes more information on painting with watercolor sticks, visit our Guide to Watercolor.
You can also learn more about watercolor on Jackson’s Art Blog.