brushwork
/ˈbrʌʃˌwɜːk/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The way paint is applied with a brush in a painting. It describes the visible marks, strokes, and style made by the brush.
- Her brushwork is loose and energetic.
- You can see delicate brushwork in the portrait.
- The artist's brushwork gives the scene movement.
Adinary Nuance
Brushwork is more specific than style or technique. It means the actual marks made by the brush, not the whole painting method. In art criticism, it often sounds more precise than brushstrokes, which can refer to individual marks or the general effect.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nét cọ
- Spanish
- pincelada
- Chinese
- 笔触
- Japanese
- 筆致
- Korean
- 붓놀림
Etymology
Brushwork is an English compound from brush + work. It appears in art writing from the 19th century, when critics focused more on technique and style.
Common phrases
fine brushworkloose brushworkdelicate brushworkmasterly brushwork
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is brushwork used only in painting?
- Usually, yes. It most often describes how paint is applied in a painting.
- What is the difference between brushwork and brushstrokes?
- Brushwork is the overall style or effect of the brush marks. Brushstrokes are the individual marks.
- Is brushwork a formal word?
- Yes, it is common in art writing, reviews, and classroom discussion.