What is brushwork in oil painting?
The most common styles of brushwork are as follows:
1. Wet into Wet
2. Impasto
3. Stippling
4. Scumbling
5. Glazing
Pros, cons and examples of each style
1. Wet Into wet
In this technique you are applying one layer of paint on top of another while they are both still wet. This technique allows for easily blending of edges and smooth gradations.
Pros:
-This technique allows for smooth blending of strokes
-Can be used in a bold and loose manner
Cons:
-It can be difficult to keep the colors clean
-It can be difficult to control the amount of paint used.
"Children on the Beach, Valencia" by Joaquin Sorolla
2. Impasto
This technique is often used to create depth, texture and a sense of movement with a thick application of paint.
Pros:
-Impasto is an effective way to create depth, texture, movement.
-It can be used to create a variety of textures, depending on the type of brush or palette knife and the amount of paint used.
Cons:
-If not done correctly, impasto can create a lumpy, messy effect.
-Needs to be applied to throughout a painting.
"Wheat Field with Cyresses" by Vincent van Gogh
3. Stippling
This technique is often used to create texture, dimension and optical mixing to a painting.
Pros:
-Stippling is an effective way to create texture or to add dimension to a painting.
-It can be used to create a variety of textures, depending on the type of brush and the amount of paint used.
Cons:
-If not done correctly, stippling can create a dotty, messy effect.
-It can be difficult to control the amount of paint used.
-It can be time consuming.
"A Sunday on La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat
4. Scumbling
This technique is often used to create a textured effect. It is also used to create soft gradations and to start the beginning stages of an oil painting.
Pros:
-A Scumbling technique can create a textured appearance or soft gradations.
-depending on the type of brush and amount of paint used, it may be employed to produce a wide range of textures.
-It can produce soft gradations.
Cons:
-It needs to be applied over dry layers
-It can be time consuming
"The Seine at Giverny Morning Mists" by Claude Monet
5. Glazing
This technique is often used to create a luminous effect.
Pros:
-It can be used to create a luminous color, transparency, and depth in a scene.
Cons:
-If not done correctly, glazing can create a streaky, muddy effect.
-It is a relatively slow and difficult technique to learn.
"The Nativity" by Georges da la Tour
Tips for choosing the best brushwork style
- The best brushwork style for your painting will depend on the overall effect you are trying to achieve.
- Texture and dimension can be added with stippling or impasto, while a luminous effect can be achieved with glazing.
- If you want a raised effect, impasto is the best option, while scumbling is ideal for a soft, fuzzy effect.
- Experiment with different techniques and brushwork styles to find the ones that work best for you.
How to choose the best style for your own painting
When choosing the best brushwork style for your own painting, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The type of paint you are using
- The type of surface you are painting on
- What style you are trying to achieve
Tips for beginners
If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with a simple wet into wet or drybrush technique. Once you have mastered these techniques, you can then move on to more complex styles such as glazing or impasto.
- Make sure that you have enough paint in your brush before you start .
- If you are mixing a color, make sure you don’t overmix.
- Use less mineral spirits than you think.
- Practice on a piece of scrap paper or small canvas before you start on your painting. This will help you to get a feel for the technique.
- Work in small sections, and take your time. These techniques can be time-consuming, but it is worth it!
Conclusion
Overall, oil painting is a very versatile medium that can be used to create a variety of different effects. With the right brushwork style and technique, you can create paintings that are both beautiful and unique. We hope that this article has helped you to understand the basics of oil painting and given you some ideas for your next project. Happy Painting!
Resources for oil painting brushwork techniques
Looking for more information on oil painting brushwork techniques? Here are a few resources to get you started:
The Oil Painters of America: This website is a great resource for both beginners and experts alike. It includes a variety of tutorials on different brushwork techniques, as well as tips on how to choose the right brush for your project.
Bob Ross: Bob Ross is a well-known name in the world of oil painting, and for good reason! His step-by-step tutorials are both informative and easy to follow. If you’re looking for a more hands-on approach, this is the perfect resource for you.
Artists Network: This website offers a variety of articles on oil painting, including several that focus specifically on brushwork techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’re sure to find something of interest here.
Happy Painting,
Marla
