Brushstroke USA - Photography Terms & Glossary

Glossary Of Art Terms [1]

Brushstroke A brushstroke is a visible mark or gesture made by a paintbrush or similar tool on a surface, typically associated with painting and drawing techniques. Brushstrokes vary in size, shape, direction, and pressure, reflecting the artist's intent, technique, and expressive style. They can range from precise and controlled to loose and gestural, conveying a sense of texture, movement, and spontaneity within a composition.
Brushstrokes play a crucial role in creating visual interest, rhythm, and depth within a painting, allowing artists to manipulate color, form, and texture to evoke emotions, suggest spatial relationships, and capture the essence of their subjects with nuance and sensitivity. From the impasto textures of Vincent van Gogh to the delicate washes of watercolor landscapes, brushstrokes serve as a signature of artistic identity and a testament to the creative process of painting as a medium of expression and exploration.