Juicy Strokes

Thirty-five strokes

Twelve strokes

Strokes are some of the distinguishable marks that separate painting from photography. Strokes allow the artist to interpret, to abstract, to simplify what is seen, or what is felt. Often when I am teaching I ask the students in what direction does the grass grow? Is it top down or bottom up? By flowing the paint in the same direction as the plant grows we have a better chance of creating a semblance of the object. Wild grass is a long way from manicured as well. By twisting the brush as we flow the paint in various directions the “grass” becomes more realistic in an abstract way. Length of stroke is another consideration. How long is the grass? The best method is to use juicy strokes. Juicy is full, fluid colour and body. Loading the brush with semi-mixed colours we get streaks that look like stems. Next time you are out for a walk in the country, or stop the car, take a look at the grass in the ditch before it has been mowed. The colours will amaze you. Enough about grass! The images are examples from the Cortez workshop as well. The exercise was using juicy strokes in a minimal matter. How few strokes can one use to create a painting? I managed twelve. How low can you go?