The Tool Is Half the Mark
Every mark records both an artist's decision and the instrument used.
Anatomy and Shapes
A brush consists of hair, a ferrule, and a handle. The heel is where hair enters the ferrule. Dried paint here splays the bristles permanently.
- round: produces lines varied by pressure.
- bright: short flat bristle for controllable strokes.
- long flat: carries more paint for broad bands.
- filbert: flat with rounded edges that blends smoothly.
- rigger: creates exceptionally long, fine lines.
Brush numbering is not standardised. Sizes vary by maker. Compare sizes by measuring the ferrule width directly.
Other Tools
- Painting knife: creates flat facets with sharp edges.
- Palette knife: straight blade for mixing paint, not application.
- Roller and squeegee: applies even films without directional brushstrokes.
- Rag: lifts paint to expose the ground beneath.
- Airbrush: sprays smooth gradients without hard edges.
Named Marks
| Mark | What it is | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Impasto | Thick paint raised from the surface | Stiff paint and bristle brush or knife |
| Glaze | Transparent dark layer over a light base | Dry underlayer and fat medium |
| Scumble | Opaque light layer dragged over dark | Stiff paint and dry brush |
| Dry brush | Broken texture dragged across the weave | Stiff brush and textured ground |
| Sgraffito | Wet surface scratched to reveal lower layers | Wet layer and hard point |
Common pitfall: leaving brushes resting on their tips in solvent. This bends the hair permanently and dissolves heel adhesive. Wash thoroughly to the heel, reshape the head, and dry upright on the handle.