Oil Sticks: Blending the Best of Painting and Drawing

Oil sticks are a dynamic and versatile medium that combines the rich texture of oil paint with the precision and control of drawing. Artists can use oil sticks for a variety of effects, from bold strokes to smooth gradients, making them an exciting choice for those looking to explore a new creative approach. In this guide, we’ll delve into what makes oil sticks unique, key techniques, and the range available at ArtStore Online to help you start your journey with this expressive medium.

What Are Oil Sticks?

Oil sticks, sometimes called oil bars, are made from oil paint mixed with a small amount of wax to create a stick form. This unique formulation allows for the fluidity of oil paint but in a solid, easy-to-hold stick that lets artists draw directly on their surface. Oil sticks are ideal for both small details and broad applications, giving artists control and versatility without needing a brush.

Combining the Texture of Oil Paint with the Control of Drawing

Oil sticks provide the lush textures and vibrant colours of traditional oil paint, allowing artists to achieve painterly effects without a palette or brushes. This direct approach gives artists the freedom to create bold, gestural strokes or detailed lines, perfect for everything from abstract works to intricate details. The tactile experience of applying pigment directly with the stick itself makes oil sticks feel as much like drawing as they do painting.

For artists looking to explore the full potential of oil sticks, the Sennelier Oil Sticks (38ml) offer high-quality pigments in a compact form. Known for their rich colours and buttery application, Sennelier oil sticks make it easy to achieve smooth, even layers and vibrant hues.

Differences Between Oil Sticks and Oil Pastels

While both oil sticks and oil pastels provide an intense, creamy texture, they differ in formulation and finish:

• Oil Sticks: Made with oil paint and a bit of wax, oil sticks dry to a traditional oil paint finish. Once applied, oil sticks oxidise and cure, forming a permanent layer similar to oil paint. This makes them ideal for artists who want to layer, blend, and build texture.

• Oil Pastels: Formulated without drying oils, oil pastels remain soft and blendable indefinitely. Unlike oil sticks, they do not cure and may require a fixative to prevent smudging. Oil pastels offer more of a matte finish compared to the glossy texture oil sticks can achieve.

For artists interested in a stable, durable finish with painterly quality, Sennelier Oil Sticks provides a reliable, professional-grade option. The vibrant pigments and smooth application make them an excellent choice for building layers that dry with the same resilience as oil paint.

Creative Techniques with Oil Sticks

Oil sticks allow for a range of techniques, from blending and layering to adding bold textures. Here are a few ways to make the most of oil sticks in your artwork.

Blending and Layering with Oil Sticks

Blending and layering are essential techniques in oil stick art, allowing artists to achieve subtle colour transitions, gradients, and depth. By layering colours, you can create stunning tonal effects and experiment with different levels of opacity.

• Soft Blending: Apply one layer of colour, then add a second colour on top and use your finger or a blending tool to blend the edges. The rich, creamy texture of Sennelier Oil Sticks is perfect for smooth blending, allowing colours to flow seamlessly together.

• Layering for Depth: Start with light colours as a base and gradually add darker hues to build depth. Since oil sticks can be reworked before they cure, you can blend and soften layers as needed or allow some layers to dry for sharper contrasts.

Creating Textured, Bold Strokes

One of the unique advantages of oil sticks is their ability to create rich textures and bold strokes. You can apply oil sticks directly to the surface for thick, textured marks or spread them out with a palette knife for a more controlled effect.

• Bold, Gestural Lines: For expressive strokes, hold the oil stick at an angle and apply it with varying pressure. These paint sticks offer excellent colour range and consistency, making it easy to achieve vibrant effects in a single stroke.

• Texturing with a Palette Knife: After applying colour, use a palette knife to scrape or spread the oil stick pigment for additional texture. 

How to Use Oil Sticks in Your Artwork

If you’re new to oil sticks, here are some tips for getting started and maximising their potential.

1. Choose the Right Surface

Oil sticks work best on rigid surfaces like canvas, wood panels, or heavy paper. The surface texture will influence your result, with smoother surfaces allowing for detailed blending and textured surfaces creating more dimension.

2. Prime Your Surface

For best results, use a gesso primer on your canvas or board before applying oil sticks. This will provide an even surface for the pigment and enhance colour vibrancy.

3. Experiment with Layering and Curing

Oil sticks have a unique property of curing over time, which can be leveraged for layering. Let some layers dry fully before adding new colours, allowing for more contrast and sharper detail.

4. Use Fixatives as Needed

While oil sticks cure to a dry finish, using a fixative or varnish can enhance durability and protect your work from smudging or damage.

Ready to Explore Oil Sticks?

With the texture of oil paint and the control of drawing, oil sticks offer a unique way to add depth, colour, and expression to your artwork. Check out our oil sticks range at ArtStore Online and start experimenting with this vibrant, versatile medium to bring a new dimension to your art!