The power of pure pigment is at your fingertips with portable, versatile watercolor sticks. Painting, drawing, scribbling and mark-making come together for maximum creative expression. Each stick is the equivalent of three full pans of paint, making it a fantastic value.
Alizarin Crimson is the oldest synthetic deep red-crimson pigment. It is a lake pigment which when applied in strength and kept from the direct sunlight will last for many decades. Alizarin is a treat to paint with, just the sheer joy of the depth and uniqueness of color is invigorating. A beautiful bluish-red pigment from the staining family, Alizarin Crimson is listed on the basic palette of a vast majority of artists. Intense and dark in value, Alizarin Crimson mixes cleanly with most pigments to create dark mixtures and warm neutrals. A combination of Aureolin (Cobalt Yellow) and French Ultramarine with Alizarin renders a surprising range of other colors resembling everything from Burnt Sienna and Umber to Payne’s Gray, while Alizarin Crimson with French Ultramarine creates an intense purple.
Here are five ways to use them as an alternative to watercolor in tubes or pans.
1. Dip and smudge
Dip the stick into water, then smudge saturated color on to wet paper.
2. Rub and blend
Rub different sticks into a small puddle of water to create a blend.
3. Brush the tip
The flat tip and the sides (once the label is removed) of the stick are similar to a pan when used with a wet brush – it’s like a pan in your hand!
4. Make marks
Sharpen a dry stick to draw distinct marks on wet paper that can be slightly softened with a damp brush.
5. Create a wash
After sharpening your sticks, save the shavings to dissolve in water to draw distinct marks on wet paper that can be slightly softened with a damp brush.
