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Learn MoreMastering Brushstrokes - Part 1
Mastering Brushstrokes - Part 1
Master key brushstrokes that lie at the core of watercolor, oil, and acrylic painting.
Bestseller
Created byJill Poyerd
Last updated 4/2025
English
What you'll learn
- Gain a thorough understanding of a broad range of brushstrokes
- Develop a toolbox of strokes for reference when creating works of art
- Learn how each brushstroke impacts form
- Learn the history behind brushstrokes and paint application
- Expand your creativity by increasing your knowledge base
- Understand how brushstrokes are affected by painting medium
Explore related topics
Course content
10 sections • 72 lectures • 6h 18m total length
- How to Use the Course Tools (Optional)13:25
Whether you are new to UDemy or would like to make sure you are maximizing the available tools in the course, this video guides the viewer through all of the technical workings of the course, from the dashboard to the actual video playback. Topics include:
How to get started
Understanding the dashboard
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Locating and downloading activities
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Skipping lectures
Setting closed caption and video quality
Messaging the instructor
Locating UDemy help
Accessing assignment responses
Completing and resetting the course
- Introduction5:11
- Dilution4:05
Dilution has an important role in painting, and can influence application, color, and value. In this lecture, we discuss the various aspects of dilution's influence.
- Brush Load1:54
Brush load refers to how much paint your brush is holding. Some brushstrokes can work with any brush load while others require specific amounts of paint. This lecture discusses the variables, giving visual examples.
- Viscosity2:47
Viscosity is basically a liquid's level of fluidity - it's resistance to flow. The more diluted a paint, the less viscose the paint. In this lecture, we discuss how viscosity effects paint application.
- Surface Condition1:25
Whether your painting surface is wet or dry will have a huge impact on paint application, especially for artists working in water media. This lecture discusses the two surface options and how they can impact results.
- Absorption1:53
How absorbent your surface is will also impact paint application. If a surface is absorbent, it will soak up more paint. If it's not, the paint will sit on the surface. In this lecture, we briefly discuss how this effects brushwork.
- Preparing to Paint2:51
There are a few more brief topics we need to discuss before beginning the actual lessons. In this video, we go over a few things students need to know before practicing strokes at home or painting the object painting. Be sure you watch this first before trying the painting exercises. Note the attached resources after watching.
- If You Run Into Problems0:10
If you work with watercolors and you find that as you practice the various brushstrokes you're unable to achieve the right results, you may want to watch Bonus Section 10 where I show you first-hand how painting materials can impact watercolor results.
- Glazing8:07
One of the most basic brushstrokes in a painter's repertoire is a glaze - a thin, transparent coat of paint. In this section, students learn about this versatile stroke and how it has been used by artists for centuries.
- Glazing in Watercolor3:57
In this lecture, we discuss how to glaze using watercolor paints.
- Glazing in Oil8:23
In this lecture we discuss how to glaze using oil paints.
- Glazing - Stroke Practice2:36
Now that you've learned about glazing strokes and watched example demonstrations, it's time for you to try it on your own. This lecture walks you through how to practice glazing at home. I recommend using one color for this exercise, unless otherwise indicated. Includes two helpful handouts.
- Glazing - Object Painting2:54
Applying the brushstroke is a critical part of the learning process. In this lecture, I demonstrate painting an object using only glazing brushstrokes.
When you're ready to try it on your own, select up to four colors, prepare your paint mixes, and create a glazed version of your chosen image. I've included a TIPS sheet for this exercise - applicable to all of your future object paintings.
- Blended5:26
Explore blended strokes, achieving smooth color transitions across portraiture, still life, landscape, and watercolor, from egg tempera to oil painting, with practical loading and blending tips.
- Blended - Oil3:19
- Blended - Stroke Practice5:17
Now that you've learned about blended strokes and watched example demonstrations, it's time for you to try it on your own. This lecture walks you through how to practice blending at home. I recommend using primarily one color for this exercise, with a second color available for part of the session. Includes a helpful handout.
- Blended - Object Painting2:24
Applying the brushstroke is a critical part of the learning process. In this lecture, I demonstrate painting an object using only blended brushstrokes.
When you're ready to try it on your own, select up to four colors, prepare your paint mixes, and create a blended version of your chosen image.
- Gradients7:09
- Gradients - Oil3:09
We demonstrate oil gradients by mixing red with white for light to dark, and ochre for dark to transparent, blending tones with a soft brush and no solvents, following fat-over-lean.
- Gradients - Stroke Practice4:12
Now that you've learned about gradient strokes and watched example demonstrations, it's time for you to try it on your own. This lecture walks you through how to practice gradients at home. I recommend using one color for this exercise, unless otherwise indicated. Includes a helpful handout.
- Gradients - Object Painting4:31
Applying the brushstroke is a critical part of the learning process. In this lecture, I demonstrate painting an object using only gradient brushstrokes.
When you're ready to try it on your own, select up to four colors, prepare your paint mixes, and create a gradient version of your chosen image.
- Gradients - Lime Painting9:56
- Pouring9:49
- Pouring - Oil4:41
- Pouring - Stroke Practice (Watercolor)4:49
Now that you've learned about pouring and watched example demonstrations, it's time for you to try it on your own. This lecture walks you through how to practice pouring with watercolor paints at home. I recommend using two colors for this exercise. Includes a helpful handout.
- Pouring - Stroke Practice (Oil)3:35
Now that you've learned about pouring and watched example demonstrations, it's time for you to try it on your own. This lecture walks you through how to practice pouring with oil paints at home. I recommend using two colors for this exercise. Includes a helpful handout.
- Pouring - Object Painting3:24
Applying the brushstroke is a critical part of the learning process. In this lecture, I demonstrate painting an object using only pouring techniques.
When you're ready to try it on your own, select up to four colors, prepare your paint mixes, and create a poured or wet-in-wet version of your chosen image.
- Direct Painting5:17
- Direct Painting - Oil2:55
Explore direct painting in oil, mastering line quality with hog hair and sable brushes, from squared to smooth marks, and understanding wet-on-wet blending on the bottom layer.
- Direct Painting - Stroke Practice1:53
Now that you've learned about directly painted lines and marks and watched example demonstrations, it's time for you to try it on your own. This lecture walks you through how to practice direct painting at home. I recommend using one color for this exercise, unless otherwise indicated. Includes a helpful handout.
- Direct Painting - Object Painting1:38
Applying the brushstroke is a critical part of the learning process. In this lecture, I demonstrate painting an object using only directly painted lines and marks.
When you're ready to try it on your own, select up to four colors, prepare your paint mixes, and create a directly painted version of your chosen image.
- Direct Painting - Coffee Pot Painting7:21
- Hatching3:47
Learn hatching and cross hatching to depict shade and tonal values, used in egg tempera and fresco; adjust brush size, pressure, and dilution to create parallel lines.
- Hatching - Oil3:14
- Hatching - Stroke Practice2:13
Now that you've learned about hatching and cross-hatching and watched example demonstrations, it's time for you to try it on your own. This lecture walks you through how to practice hatching at home. I recommend using one color for this exercise, unless otherwise indicated. Includes a helpful handout.
- Hatching - Object Painting2:44
Applying the brushstroke is a critical part of the learning process. In this lecture, I demonstrate painting an object using only hatching and cross-hatching strokes.
When you're ready to try it on your own, select up to four colors, prepare your paint mixes, and create a hatched version of your chosen image.
- Hatching - Pipe Painting7:24
- Bravura3:48
Explore bravura brushstrokes—confident, single-stroke marks in direct painting that convey form with painterly flair, planning end shapes and precise brush loading on a dry surface.
- Bravura - Oil1:12
- Bravura - Stroke Practice1:32
Now that you've learned about bravura brushstrokes and watched example demonstrations, it's time for you to try it on your own. This lecture walks you through how to practice bravura strokes at home. I recommend using one color for this exercise, unless otherwise indicated. Includes a helpful handout.
- Bravura - Object Painting2:06
Applying the brushstroke is a critical part of the learning process. In this lecture, I demonstrate painting an object using only bravura brushstrokes.
When you're ready to try it on your own, select up to four colors, prepare your paint mixes, and create a bravura version of your chosen image.
- Bravura - Tulip Painting9:00
- Dry Brushing5:24
- Dry Brushing - Oil2:22
- Dry Brushing - Stroke Practice2:48
Now that you've learned about dry brushing and watched example demonstrations, it's time for you to try it on your own. This lecture walks you through how to practice dry brushing at home. I recommend using one color for this exercise, unless otherwise indicated. Includes a helpful handout.
- Dry Brushing - Object Painting2:05
Applying the brushstroke is a critical part of the learning process. In this lecture, I demonstrate painting an object using only dry brush strokes.
When you're ready to try it on your own, select up to four colors, prepare your paint mixes, and create a dry brushed version of your chosen image.
- Feathering4:12
- Feathering - Oil3:08
- Feathering - Stroke Practice2:06
Now that you've learned about feathered brushstrokes and watched example demonstrations, it's time for you to try it on your own. This lecture walks you through how to practice feathering at home. I recommend using one color for this exercise, unless otherwise indicated. Includes a helpful handout.
- Feathering - Object Painting1:47
Applying the brushstroke is a critical part of the learning process. In this lecture, I demonstrate painting an object using only feathered strokes.
When you're ready to try it on your own, select up to four colors, prepare your paint mixes, and create a feathered version of your chosen image.
- Feathering - Vase Painting10:24
- Scumbling5:45
- Scumbling - Stroke Practice2:44
Now that you've learned about scumbled brushstrokes and watched example demonstrations, it's time for you to try it on your own. This lecture walks you through how to practice scumbling at home. I recommend using one color for this exercise, unless otherwise indicated. Includes a helpful handout.
- Scumbling - Object Painting2:38
Applying the brushstroke is a critical part of the learning process. In this lecture, I demonstrate painting an object using only scumbled strokes.
When you're ready to try it on your own, select up to four colors, prepare your paint mixes, and create a scumbled version of your chosen image.
- Scumbling - Oil2:40
- Scumbling - Strawberries Painting12:14
- Impasto Brush4:47
Explore impasto technique by applying thick paint with a brush or palette knife to create texture, distinguish brush and knife strokes, and trace Titian's early use in history.
- Impasto Brush - Oil2:54
Mix amounts of thick impasto paint from tubes for oil or body acrylics, no solvent, then compare hog hair and sable brushes to see how bristle stiffness shapes thick strokes.
- Impasto Brush - Stroke Practice4:25
Now that you've learned about impasto strokes and watched example demonstrations, it's time for you to try it on your own. This lecture walks you through how to practice impasto brushwork at home. I recommend using one color for this exercise, unless otherwise indicated. Includes a helpful handout.
- Impasto Brush - Object Painting4:19
Applying the brushstroke is a critical part of the learning process. In this lecture, I demonstrate painting an object using only impasto brushstrokes.
When you're ready to try it on your own, select up to four colors, prepare your paint mixes, and create an impasto version of your chosen image.
- Impasto Knife3:57
- Impasto Knife - Oil3:47
Explore impasto knife techniques for oil painting, contrasting brush and palette knife textures, edge qualities, and loading methods, then examine versatile knife shapes and practice approaches.
- Impasto Knife - Stroke Practice4:57
Now that you've learned about impasto knife strokes and watched example demonstrations, it's time for you to try it on your own. This lecture walks you through how to practice impasto knife work at home. I recommend using one color for this exercise, unless otherwise indicated. Includes a helpful handout.
- Impasto Knife - Object Painting3:42
Applying the brushstroke is a critical part of the learning process. In this lecture, I demonstrate painting an object using only impasto knife strokes.
When you're ready to try it on your own, select up to four colors, prepare your paint mixes, and create an impasto version of your chosen image using a palette knife.
- Impasto - Statue Painting7:54
- Quick Review - A Visual Quiz5:10
Part one of this course closes with a short visual quiz. Set to music, students are challenged to identify the brushstrokes learned up to this point in the works of some of the masters.
- Brushstrokes - The Early Masters14:54
How do brushstrokes influence a work of art? What are the different brushstrokes and which Masters made them famous? This three-part groundbreaking series traces the history of artistic brushwork beginning with the pre-Renaissance era up to the 1800s.
- Brushstrokes - The 19th Century12:39
Part two of this groundbreaking series on brushstrokes delves into the significant changes that occurred in the world of art throughout the19th Century. Many of the innovative brushstrokes developed by the masters during this time period set the foundation for the work and ideas seen throughout the 20th century and into today.
- Brushstrokes - The Modern Era14:49
In part three of this groundbreaking series, students take a look at the explosion of new ideas in brushwork and paint application. Focusing on select brushstrokes, the video walks through the gradual progression and shows how ideas of abstraction became part of the artist’s repertoire.
- How Paint Quality Impacts Results20:51
If you're struggling to achieve smooth glazes, gradients, or other brushstrokes in watercolor, the problem could be your paints. In this lecture, we examine professional, student, and academic grade watercolor paints and how paint grade can impact results when painting.
- How Paper Quality Impacts Results21:41
The quality and brand of watercolor paper can have an enormous influence on painting results. It could mean the difference between success and failure. In this lecture, we examine professional, student, and academic grade watercolor papers and how they impact results when painting.
Requirements
- Students should have very basic knowledge of their chosen painting medium.
Description
"This is the best online course I've ever taken. Jill has provided general and detailed information in a way that is easily understood and clearly defined." - Rebecca S.
"I feel like I learned more watching and listening to this course than any other class that I've ever taken. Thank you!" - Bonny E.
Brushstrokes are at the core of being an artist, and an individual's brushwork is one of the things that sets them apart from other artists. Using her approachable, easy-to-understand teaching method and lots of hands-on activities, artist Jill Poyerd breaks down historic and contemporary brushwork into twenty-two unique brushstrokes, using both oil and watercolor paint in her demonstrations.
This course is part one of a two-part series and covers twelve of the twenty-two strokes. They are broken down by style of application and include a brief history, examples of how they're used in masterpieces, visual demonstrations, and student practice exercises. By combining technical learning with visual and hands-on examples, students will gain a thorough understanding of each brushstroke variation. Part one covers invisible strokes, direct painting, strokes that use light amounts of paint, and strokes that use thick, impasto paint.
Note: Demonstrations are given in both watercolor and oil paint. Acrylic painters simply have to apply the knowledge depending on how they use that medium, whether thick (like oil) or thin (like watercolor).
Who this course is for:
- Any level painter working in watercolor, oil, acrylic, or gouache.