Making Every Brushstroke Count
from Colley Whisson
When it comes to painting, every brushstroke matters. A well-placed mark can elevate a piece, while an aimless stroke can detract from its impact. Brush economy—the idea of making each brushstroke intentional and meaningful—is one of the most powerful tools an artist can develop.
Think of brushstrokes like musical notes. In a song, a misplaced note can throw off the entire melody. Similarly, in painting, a misplaced brush mark can disrupt the harmony of the composition. It’s not just about getting the values right (though that’s crucial), but also about ensuring that each stroke carries purpose.
Artist Colley Whisson often emphasizes the importance of brushwork in bringing a painting to life. In the scene below, the deep shadow on one side was painted with a single, unified value, allowing the light to stand out more dramatically. Once the shadow was established in the correct value, the light could be introduced, allowing the brushwork to define the form
The Balance Between Precision and Expression
A painting doesn’t have to be highly detailed to be effective. A single well-placed stroke can suggest form, movement, or atmosphere. In one of Colley’s works, a city street was defined using bold, confident marks that captured the essence of the scene without overworking individual elements. The rough texture of a brick wall was conveyed with just a few directional strokes. This approach allows for movement and life in the painting, rather than a stiff, overly polished result:
Creating Interest with Intentional Strokes
One key technique to improve brush economy is to vary brush direction and shape to enhance interest. In a recent painting, Colley primarily used horizontal brushstrokes to represent wooden boards but strategically introduced vertical marks in certain areas to break the monotony and create a dynamic effect. This subtle adjustment added energy to the composition without disrupting the overall harmony:
Less Can Be More
This principle of brush economy is evident in the work of artists like Ray Hewitt, a Melbourne-based tonal impressionist. His paintings are thinly applied and minimal in detail, yet they carry a strong, powerful message. He proves that a painting doesn’t need excessive detail or flashy techniques to be compelling:
By Ray Hewitt
By focusing on value and using brushstrokes to describe form efficiently, artists can create impactful paintings without unnecessary fuss. It’s all about planning marks, knowing where accents will go, and allowing for some flexibility along the way.
So next time you pick up a brush, remember—every stroke counts. Make them intentional, and watch paintings come to life with energy and clarity.
Join Colley on a journey of artistic growth and learning! Whether through his in-depth mentoring course, insightful free webinar, or inspiring video series on painting, there’s a path for everyone to sharpen their skills and unleash creativity: