The SENNELIER Oil Stick Set with basic introductory colors is a curious entry point for artists who want to test oil sticks without committing to a larger, more expensive collection. Priced reasonably for six 38ml sticks, it offers a decent range of hues that cover primary and secondary needs. But as with any specialized medium, there are nuances worth considering before you reach for your palette knife.
In real-world usage, these oil sticks behave much like traditional oil paint but in a solid, crayon-like format. You can draw directly onto canvas, paper, or board, then blend, smear, or manipulate the pigment with a brush or solvent. They are particularly useful for sketching out compositions on the go, adding thick impasto details, or working in a more direct, painterly manner without the mess of tubes and brushes. However, they are not a direct substitute for liquid oil paint—the consistency is stiff, and you will need to warm them slightly in your hand or near a heat source for smoother application, especially in cooler conditions.
Key functional features include the use of high-quality pigments and a blend of safflower oil and poppy seed oil as binders, which means they are less likely to yellow over time compared to some linseed oil-based products. The sticks are also formulated to be archival and lightfast, which is reassuring for finished works. Each stick is wrapped in a paper sleeve that peels away as you use it, keeping your hands relatively clean. The set includes Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Blue, Viridian Green, and Ivory Black—a classic starter palette that lets you mix a wide range of secondary and tertiary colors.
One limitation is the size of the sticks themselves. At 38ml each, they are smaller than standard oil paint tubes, and if you work large or use heavy layering, you may find yourself running out of a particular color quickly, especially Titanium White, which tends to see the most use. The set also lacks a neutral earth tone like raw umber or burnt sienna, which can be helpful for toning down colors or creating natural shadows. You will likely need to supplement with additional sticks or tubes if you want a more complete range.
Compared to a traditional oil paint set in tubes, these sticks offer convenience and portability, but you sacrifice the ability to mix large batches of color easily. With tubes, you can squeeze out as much as you need and blend on a palette; with sticks, you are drawing directly and then blending, which can be less efficient for achieving subtle gradations. If you are used to the fluidity of liquid oils, the stick format may feel restrictive at first. On the other hand, for artists who enjoy working in a more spontaneous, gestural manner, or who do a lot of outdoor sketching, the oil stick set is a practical alternative that reduces setup time and cleanup.
Who is this set for? It suits beginners who want to experiment with oil sticks without a large investment, or experienced painters looking for a portable sketching kit. It is also a good choice for mixed-media artists who want to add thick, textured marks to their work. However, it is not ideal for artists who require precise, thin washes or who need a full spectrum of colors for detailed realism. If you primarily work in large-scale, heavily layered oil paintings, you will likely prefer the flexibility of tubes and a more extensive palette.
Overall, the SENNELIER Oil Stick Set is a functional, no-frills introduction to the medium. The quality is there, but the limitations in color range and stick size mean it is best viewed as a starter or travel companion rather than a comprehensive studio solution. It does what it promises, but do not expect it to replace your entire oil painting setup.