Oil Paint Bars

Artists' Oilbar was developed in the late 1980's by two American artists who wanted the characteristics of oil colour combined with the immediacy of pastels. Following the initial success in America, Winsor & Newton launched Oilbar in 1992.

Oilbar is an artists' quality range of oil colour in a solid, stick form. The range of 35 colours are made by combining pigment,oil and a blend of specially selected waxes. To start working with Oilbar, simply wipe away the thin surface film which forms on drying. Underneath is fresh, clean oil colour ready for use which softens and flows as pressure is applied to the bar. Artists' Oilbar presents the exciting possibility of drawing directly onto the canvas with wet oil colour. Working with Oilbar is expressive and immediate; nothing comes between the artist and the surface, not even a brush.

As little equipment is required Oilbar is popular for painting outdoors, however, the colours can always be used on a palette and with brushes to further manipulate them. Artists' Oilbar has the same permanence ratings as other Winsor & Newton artists' quality ranges. The range includes a Colourless bar which is the binder without pigment, the equivalent of linseed oil in oil colour and is primarily used for blending and glazing colours directly on the canvas.

Primed canvas and canvas boards are the popular supports for oil painting although paper may also be used when correctly sized and primed. Hog brushes are the most commonly used due to the thick nature of Oilbar colours.