Loose Brushwork

Angela Moulton uses loose, fast and bold brushwork to make dynamic images

- Angela Moulton

Tother artists is how much they admire my loose brushwork. I will share some of my painting process and show how I achieve this loose style in my artwork.

Before we start, a little on my history and how I came about this loose brushwork technique. Being self-taught and coming from a point of learning from books like Color Creates Light with the teachings of Hans Hofmann, I first practiced applying color with large brushes in almost monochromatic abstract large paintings. Over time, I started narrowing my focus into the subjects I paint today, inspired by nature and human relationships. I kept a lot of the loose and fast, bold brushwork from my early abstract painting while training in a more classical technique. I fully expect my style and subject matter to change and evolve as I continue to grow as an artist.

Many artists can relate to holding onto certain techniques while discarding others on their artistic journey. I would say for me, the loose brushstroke fits very well with my personality. I don’t have a lot of patience for long-drawn-out details. This includes outside of art endeavors as well. I believe with my practice of painting in a quick manner, I have developed a sense of what details are most important to keep and which details can be left out.