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Lesson 2 of 7

Painting: brushwork: techniques for texture and precision

I can use brushwork to dramatically affect the surface quality and expressive power of my painting.

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Lesson 2 of 7
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Painting: brushwork: techniques for texture and precision

I can use brushwork to dramatically affect the surface quality and expressive power of my painting.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Painters us a range of brushwork techniques including: dry brush, impasto feathering and stipping.
  2. Brush choice and handling affect texture and precision.
  3. Brushwork effects contribute to mood, form, and surface.

Keywords

  • Dry brush - using very little paint on a dry brush to create rough, textured marks

  • Impasto - a technique where thick paint is applied to create a textured, 3D effect

  • Feathering - a painting technique which creates smooth transitions between two colours or tones, by blending

  • Stippling - involves dabbing a brush or sponge to apply small dots of paint

Common misconception

Pupils may think that only brushes are used in painting.

Through modelling and explanation - remind pupils that there are a range of painting tools and materials that can be used to apply paint to a surface.

Model the process step by step before asking students to try it themselves. Encourage experimentation with tools and techniques, but keep linking back to the learning outcome so students stay focused on why they are using a method, not just how.
Teacher tip

Equipment

A range of brushes, palette knives, sponges, or improvised tools such as card and sticks; acrylic paints in a variety of colours; mixing palettes or trays; water pots; sketchbooks or paper towels.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the technique to the description:

Correct Answer:Impasto,where thick paint is applied to create a textured, 3D effect

where thick paint is applied to create a textured, 3D effect

Correct Answer:Feathering,a painting method that blends colours to create smooth transitions

a painting method that blends colours to create smooth transitions

Correct Answer:Stippling,involves dabbing a brush or sponge to apply small dots of paint

involves dabbing a brush or sponge to apply small dots of paint

Q2.
True or false? There is only one type of paint and one way to apply it.

Correct Answer: False, Incorrect

Q3.
What does the term "support" mean in painting?

The paintbrush used to apply colour
Correct answer: The surface on which paint is applied, such as canvas or wood
The type of paint used, like oil or acrylic
The frame that holds the artwork when displayed

Q4.
Order the steps for creating an Impasto painting:

1 - Use thick paint and mix each colour in a palette with a heavy body medium.
2 - Use a palette knife, spatula or brush to lay the paint onto the support.
3 - Scoop the paint up with the tool you have chosen, then lay it onto the support.
4 - Lay different strokes side by side, or build them up in layers.
5 - Use the brush or tool to shape the paint, and create texture.

Q5.
True or false? Old, blunt, or split brushes create interesting textures.

Correct Answer: True, Correct

Q6.
Which of the following best describes a controlled painting technique?

Correct answer: Using a steady hand and careful brushwork to achieve precise detail
Applying paint quickly with bold, sweeping strokes to create energy
Letting paint drip and run freely to build texture

Lesson appears in

UnitArt and design / Fine Art

Art and design

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