120 – The Different Styles of Brushwork in Oil Painting

Oil painting is a form of visual art that has been around for centuries. It is one of the oldest forms of painting, and it is still popular today. One of the things that makes oil painting so unique is its versatility. There are many different techniques that can be used to create a picture, and each technique has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. In this minilesson, we will explore the different styles of brushwork that can be used in oil painting. We will also provide tips on how to choose the best brushwork style for your own oil painting.

What is brushwork in oil painting?

Brushwork is the technique used to apply paint to a surface. In oil painting, there are many different styles of brushwork that can be used. Each style has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we will explore the different styles of brushwork and discuss the pros and cons of each. We will also provide tips on how to choose the best brushwork style for your own oil painting.

The most common styles of brushwork are as follows:

There are a few different techniques you can use to use negative space in your artwork. Here are a few of them:

1. Wet into Wet

Also known as alla prima or direct painting. 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.

2. Impasto

This is a technique in which the brush is loaded with a thick amount of paint. The brush is then pressed into the surface of the painting, creating a raised effect.

3. Stippling

This is a technique in which the brush is used to create small dots on the surface of the painting. This technique is often used to create texture or to add dimension to a painting.

4. Scumbling

You can also use negative space to create movement in your image. This can be done by using the negative space to lead the eye around the image or by using it to create patterns that suggest movement.

5. Glazing

This is a technique in which a thin layer of paint is applied over another layer of paint. This technique is often used to create a luminous effect.

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
In this piece Sorolla has used wet into wet strokes to create soft blended transitions in the figures.
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
In this painting, van Gogh has used impasto to create a sense of texture. The impasto gives the painting a rough, textured feel.
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
This painting is a classic example of the use of stippling. In this painting, Seurat has used stippling to create a sense of dimension and depth. The stippling is also used to create shadows and highlights, which give the painting a three-dimensional feel.
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
In this piece Monet has used scumbling to create a misty, atmospheric effect.
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
In this painting, La Tour has used glazing to create a luminous effect. The glaze gives the painting a warm, golden glow.

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.

  1. Make sure that you have enough paint in your brush before you start .
  2. If you are mixing a color, make sure you don’t overmix.
  3. Use less mineral spirits than you think.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Painting Minilessons
with Marla Baggetta

My free online minilessons in art are a fantastic way to learn more about your craft, regardless of your skill level. There are lessons available on everything from basic drawing techniques to complex painting methods, and no matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something that appeals to you. Whether you’re a beginner who’s just starting out, or a seasoned artist who wants to brush up on your skills, these minilessons are a great resource. These lessons are available anytime, anywhere. So whether you’re looking for a quick refresher or want to explore something new, be sure to check out some of my minilessons at Painting Lessons with Marla.

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