brushwork

American  

[bruhsh-wurk] / ˈbrʌʃˌwɜrk /

noun

1. the use of a brush as a tool, as in painting.

2. Fine Arts. the surface quality of a painting produced by the distribution of pigment with a brush.

3. work for which a brush is used, as painting.

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brushwork British  

/ ˈbrʌʃˌwɜːk /

noun

1. a characteristic manner of applying paint with a brush

   that is not Rembrandt's brushwork

2. work done with a brush

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Etymology

Origin of brushwork

First recorded in 1865–70; brush ¹ + work

Example Sentences

Oil also allowed passages of bravura brushwork that often dissolved forms in a freewheeling, coloristic haze.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

"Raeburn's expressive, seemingly effortless brushwork, the characteristic warm palette, soft atmospheric lighting and sensitive rendering of the instantly recognisable Robert Burns are a joy," she said.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

From what we’ve seen of Santos' brazen fibs, his artistry is lacking; his embellishing brushwork lacks precision and shadow.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2023

“Millions came to know Marvel through his art, and millions more came to know Peter Parker through the unmistakable bold brushwork Romita brought to his pages,” the statement said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2023

He seemed to recognize his own brushwork, and the frame was his own design.

From The Picture of Dorian Gray by Wilde, Oscar