First Lesson in Strokework

"Strokework: The application of paint with a single motion of the brush. Unlike painting-in an area with several strokes and the blending of colors to create the effects, strokework can make a whole object, section of an object, shadow or highlight with just one movement of the brush."

Strokework is the basis of all Decorative Painting. The first stroke we'll learn is the Comma stroke. The comma stroke in all its variations is one of the most useful strokes to learn. You can use a liner brush, a round brush or even a flat brush to make comma strokes and you can vary their appearance by using different sized brushes, by shortening or lengthening the "tail," applying more or less pressure, or by straightening or putting more "curve" in the belly, etc. This is an example of a Comma stroke using a round brush.



Load your brush and then pick up a little extra paint on the tip. Start the stroke at the head by applying pressure and pausing slightly to allow the brush hairs to fan out some. Begin pulling toward you, gradually releasing pressure as you reach the tail. Avoid sharp decreases in pressure and strive for a nice, smooth curve in the belly.

Now try a comma stroke in the opposite direction.



Now try a straight comma.



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