meticulous-brushwork
/mɪˈtɪk.jʊ.ləs ˈbrʌʃ.wɜːk/ IELTSAcademic
noun
careful painting or drawing done with great attention to small details. It suggests neat, controlled brush use and a very exact finish.
- The artist's meticulous brushwork made the flowers look real.
- She is known for meticulous brushwork in watercolour paintings.
- Close up, the meticulous brushwork was easy to see.
Adinary Nuance
Meticulous brushwork is more specific than careful work or fine detail. It points to the actual use of the brush, not just the final result. Writers choose it when they want to praise skill, control, and precision in painting. It is stronger and more visual than neat work or detailed work.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nét vẽ tỉ mỉ
- Spanish
- pincelada minuciosa
- Chinese
- 细致笔触
- Japanese
- 緻密な筆致
- Korean
- 정교한 붓질
Etymology
This phrase combines meticulous, from Latin meticulosus, and brushwork, a later English art term for work done with a brush. It became common in art criticism to praise careful technique.
Common phrases
meticulous brushworkfine brushworkcareful brushworkdelicate brushwork
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is meticulous brushwork a formal phrase?
- Yes. It is common in art writing, reviews, and academic descriptions of paintings.
- What is the difference between meticulous brushwork and detailed work?
- Meticulous brushwork refers to painting technique. Detailed work is broader and can describe many kinds of careful effort.
- Can I use meticulous brushwork for digital art?
- Yes, if the artist creates a brush-like effect or very careful painted details.
- Is meticulous brushwork a common phrase in everyday speech?
- Not very common. People use it mostly when talking about art or design.