Brush Handling Techniques for Oil Painting

What brush habits and brush handling techniques do you need to know to create better alla prima oil paintings? Today I'm talking all about setting yourself up for success with your tools and workspace, and talking about techniques for cleaner, more precise and expressive paint application.
M E N T O R S H I P
If you’d like to work with me to achieve your painting goals, you can find out more about the program here: www.allaprimabootcamp.com/about/
And apply to work with me here: webinar.chelsealang.com/book-...
T I M E S T A M P S
0:00 Why Brush Technique Matters
0:55 The Brushes I Use and Why
4:12 Easel Orientation
5:00 Painting Posture
7:24 Posture and Setup for Sitting
8:00 How I Hold the Brush
9:25 Brushstroke Demo
11:44 Painting Shapes Instead of Lines
13:08 Making Efficient and Decisive Marks
14:54 Loading Enough Paint Closeup Demo
18:00 Boomer Cameo
NEW - Download my guide to mastering your unique style of oil painting: webinar.chelsealang.com/
B O N U S C O N T E N T
View my full palette used for this painting, see my full list of holy grail art supplies, and download my favorite brushes all within my free guide to mastering your painting style: webinar.chelsealang.com/
Commission a painting like this one: www.chelsealang.com/portraits
F O L L O W
Instagram: / chelsealangart
Facebook: / chelsealangart
TikTok: @chelsealangart
C O L L E C T
Website: www.chelsealang.com/

[@mimigarritydenman2896]

soooo helpful! I find most teachers talk mostly about value, composition and color. As a watercolor artist and graphic designer I'm already familiar with these concepts but really struggled with how to apply oil paint. Your instructions are so valuable!

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you Mimi! If you're interested in mentorship specifically to help you achieve your oil painting goals I'd love to hear from you. :) The link to connect with me is: webinar.chelsealang.com/book-a-call-page-template1618080185703

[@bethcarr4405]

You are a wonderful person to share your knowledge. Making up for a very bad formal art education...

[@NarsilRenewed]

I love how clean your colours are on the whites and on the flowers! This is something I have always struggled with, in my desire to capture the most precise colour

[@glaparl]

Thank you, Chelsea. This was very helpful. Having so much fun with my exercises. Love being a Patron!

[@ChelseaLang]

Yayyy!!!!! I am so glad it was helpful. I hope it makes your exercises all the more fun and fruitful. I can't wait to see what you've painted, and thank YOU for being such a wonderful Patron!

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Very useful and helpful. Clear, concise and informative. Thanks so much for another amazing lesson!

[@lunadargent5292]

I discovered Rosemary&Co about a year and a half ago now and, as an artist who is still in her infancy, was so overwhelmed with the sheer number of choices at the website. I now have an embarrassing amount of brushes in my collection; masters choice, eclipse, ivory, sable and evergreen! I’ve been playing around with them and really trying to figure out what makes them different, how do you use them, why do I want this one or that one and so this video is just spectacular. Thank you so much for being wise enough to teach something like this.👍🏻😃👏🏻

[@gerriekaychurch658]

Great video! First time i have seen someone demonstrate this. Thank you for your generosity🤗

[@elizabethcarney1010]

Great videos to help artists. Beautiful way to teach your lessons,it keeps the student focused while learning!

[@Doppy34]

You are a great teacher, helped me a lot. Thank you

[@callmedeno]

Exactly what I was looking for, thanks a lot for this deep dive !

[@louisevillegas6739]

Wonderful! I am a struggling “intermediate” painter, and this is one of the most helpful oil painting videos I have seen on You Tube. Thank you for the close-ups of your brushwork and how much paint to apply.

[@dorothytomaszewski5953]

This is such a helpful video. Indeed an excellent instructor. Thank you. I m ready for the next one

[@ec633]

I like the way you hold the brush like holding a violin bow. Excellent example. Thank U

[@karensheehan4885]

Thank you for sharing this. Struggling so much right now with alla prima and having to go back to the basics. Liked the info about stance and staying back from the canvas- will try it! Happy New Year to you.

[@leonormartinez6378]

This was a great instruction on brush holding. Thank you so much.

[@geoffheath3333]

Chelsea hello from England. Thankyou for sharing and for being so natural and informative. I have learnt a lot. More please.

[@damnn2265]

Love this video learned a lot about brush holding!🥰 it can definitely help me to progress in my painting so wellll Thank youuu soo muchh for making this video and sharing your information with us.. Much love ❤❤❤❤

[@ChelseaLang]

I'm so glad! Thank you for your kind comment - it makes me so happy to hear that this is helpful and that you enjoyed it! Sending love right back. :)

[@trishsaunders4296]

Chelsea, This is so clear. Thank you. Excellent tutorial.

[@artdhananjay]

You use the ability that you have and that is awesome...always keep it up

[@ChelseaLang]

Always! :) Thank you!

[@sulamith105]

This is sooooo great. One of the biggest struggles that I had learning to paint was application. While my drawing and values were great I didn't know how to pressure, hand holding, and loading enough paint were my real issues. It was a breakthrough when I finally learned all three. Thanks so much for this!

[@elanamarino2624]

When you have the brush in hand...think of it as your drawing with a pencil let's say...but your using a brush and a medium like oil paint. ..one must think of it as "writing" not "painting" If you can draw and shade....with pencil...find your signature brushstrokes to "write" with oils..or whatever medium...

[@SibzelChebst]

Hi Chelsea. No formal training here, and I haven't painted since high school or early college, 30+ years ago. I've always been up close with pencil grip, and my brush control stinks. I will be interested to try, but it seems so counter-intuitive to be at the end of the brush... I also worry about fatigue... it will be interesting to try.

[@englishclub6732]

Thank you so much! It was really informative and useful!

[@jennypetitephotography9600]

Very thorough and a lovely presentation. I have painted for years successfully, but I really need to learn techniques and better brush technique. This video was solid and easy to comprehend, thank you

[@ryanoconnor7957]

Me too! this was such a concise reminder. At least I built my vertical easel a while ago, now I just need to take full advantage of it.

[@joypinturra6151]

One must think of "painting " as not painting ..your "writing " using brushes with lets say oil paint on a surface to create a story...tell your story.....writers use words...painters use brushstrokes.... When practicing....most important is to begin with "brushwork "... Just like handwriting...we all practiced...and we all have our own signature handwriting.. No one can duplicate anothers.. With "writing" using a medium such as oils.... Practicing your brushstrokes ...you will develop your own signature brushstrokes... Always keeping in mind when the brush is in hand...what mark making you want to make.... Also....once your brushstrokes are established....experiment with the different ways to manipulate the brush for many different marks... Also...the handling of the brush...once on the surface...light pressure...dabs...more pressure and such... The most important is the painter's brushstrokes and their ability to see and mix colors.. Again we all can mix colors...BUT its that one painter who can mix colors out of 50 people all painting the very same subject...that will stand out from the rest....

[@Bozemancurtis]

This was really helpful, in particular learning how to get wet on top of wet by going flat with the brush. Thank you!

[@Epicmango7]

Your paintings are amazing. I'm very inspired

[@rajagopalanravindran7619]

❤️ Your better brush handling techniques presentation. Thank you for sharing ❤️🙏

[@impish22]

so helpful... and continue to search out your videos... there is a lot of great information..

[@frostieone]

You are one of the top instructors easy to follow interesting to watch! Thanks

[@AleksandrOdintsov]

Thank you for the video! Very useful!

[@ChelseaLang]

You are welcome! I'm glad it was helpful. :)

[@Antonioprophoto]

You got that Geneva easel!!! How cool!!!!!!!!!

[@fishymcfish7923]

great stuff Chelsea , thank you.

[@tpitman]

Thanks for this video. I've seen glimpses of how you held your brushes in others, but was really curious as to exactly how you held it. Thanks again!

[@graysonsoldahl]

Thanks for making this! I never knew you were so beautiful!

[@jehzelortiz663]

ty so much for your time and knowledge!

[@ambarkantichairace8621]

Very very helpfull and informative video.. You are awesome.

[@karencolpitts732]

Thank you - very helpful!

[@katz103]

Thank you so much for the tips!

[@giovannisiano574]

Very very useful!!!

[@AndieStardustDraws]

I've played violin when i was a teen, so when you first put your hand and brush into position, i immediately thought of holding the bow. I always struggled with holding the brush as i would a pencil, I'm grateful for this comparison.

[@laurelglenn]

Thank you for the very good lesson

[@art_julio_lancis]

Awesome you are very skilled friend 👍 👍

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@nikkiswenson54]

Good info....and I thank you!

[@droghtak]

Just the video I needed even if I didn't know it!

[@elanamarino2624]

This is a really good tutorial...very good points....something instructors never talk about... Thank you for taking the time and sharing this valuable neccessary information...... The tip shared regarding the position of the easel is an important one as well.... Again...not addressed by many instructors.... If your a self taught painter....this shows you that there's so much to learn....always look for learning material....even when you have experience it's a never ending learning curve. I fell like the more you learn the more there is. ... One book is great all serious beginners should read...and understand it well. .Carlson's landscape...if your into landscape and seascapes....

[@sharondempsey9329]

Thank you! That was really helpful

[@MYST3RYLC]

great video💓😍

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you! Cheers! :D

[@dawnemile4974]

Thanks for the tips.

[@huntsail3727]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@MM-um4pi]

This video is the highlight of my self learning

[@user-bl7eb3nd8e]

Thank you, elegant woman...the lesson is useful. ...and the presentation method is excellent

[@ManojKumar-pb2jp]

Wow looks very beautifull👍👌💞💞👌

[@allenvoss7977]

I have found using a synthetic brush for blocking in is helping it smooth together better I also add a slow dry liquid original. What are your thoughts?

[@bryanmartin9420]

Excellent thanks

[@hryall123]

wonderful! I am really interested in your course!

[@chrishayes4195]

This is very helpful. I've only ever used stiff bristle brushes because I couldn't figure out how to make a soft brush useful. I'd have loved to see how you load a brush too.

[@Art_e_motion]

Really...thank you so much.

[@errolstanding8483]

Very helpful. Not the same old use bristle brushes only fully loaded with paint that had me confused for years

[@nicolebrown6382]

Thank you! I hear you about holding the brush out and standing back so you can see, but I still don't understand. I have been drawing for about 20 years and painting for 1, so perhaps it is old habits from holding a pencil, but I don't get the paint brush holding thing :( I put details in the whole painting, so I feel like if I was standing back, I would be sacrificing quality... ?

[@christinelong8177]

Thank you so much👍

[@JB-zh1bo]

Good video, interesting that easel, greetings from Colombia.

[@scarz1951]

Boomer is a good looking cat. My cat is Cooter. Jet black with golden yellow eyes. Can't be in the same room when I'm painting. He wants to eat the paint. I love your work. You do make raw paint come alive.

[@pialehmann9806]

Oh this is wonderful thank you so much Chelsea. Can we use your techniques also for acrylic painting?

[@lisengel2498]

I loved this very clear and very sensitive demonstration - only thing I missed was a list with a written note on the sizes and types of brushes you use that I might print and carry with me 🙃🎶🌷🎵💗

[@raindog2262]

Brush sizes would be nice

[@anthonypc1]

you're so helpful.

[@angelawraybeam5691]

Thanks for this video, I learned about how to properly hold a brush that I've never been told before! And how to properly apply the paint to the canvas, I can now see why this is so advantageous, and will be so helpful to me as I progress with painting. I love all your videos, you explain painting technique so well, and I appreciate your videos so much!

[@ChelseaLang]

Angela, your comment made my afternoon, thank you! That makes me so so happy to hear how helpful this video was! I know it'll take a little bit to get used to, but hope that this leads to huge breakthroughs in your painting.

[@user-jf4xi4tv3q]

Thank you so much

[@BarBaraWhorleyCrawfordESS]

Thank you thank you.

[@MM-um4pi]

Thank youu so much

[@africo9104]

Fabulous video as always. I can't afford the Gamsol so bought white artist spirit. Can I use it like you use Gamsol ? And what medium are you now adding to your oils to dilute them ? Thanks.

[@elanamarino2624]

Everyone learning...think of it like this....your telling your story on a flat surface...using let's say here oil paints ...it's your brushstrokes that write the story .. Your writing your story using brushes and a medium...it's your signature brushstrokes that are unique. . A painters works will stand out...if there's a class of 40 people all writing the very same scene...using same brushes and same color palette....no one will look the same...and there will be that ONE that stands out from all the rest.. It's a painters brushstrokes and ability to mix colors ... When learning...the very first thing is to practice (just like we all did with handwriting ) to establish your signature brushstrokes... Always keep in mind while writing...and brush in hand ..the marks your making...want to make... Also...so many brush shapes/type of...have purpose.... Work with a few brushes and become familiar with how you can make different brush marks... Also keep in mind...pressure....angles and such...manipulating the brush when practicing to find what kind of Mark's or effects you can make... When forming a tree...the foilage... keep in mind with brush in hand...what marks your making...what kind of marks you want to achieve to give the illusion of foliage .... This is a subject that many art instructors never talk about...never teach.....how can you write your story if you can't write with a brush .. This is why many refer to "painting" as " writing"....your not painting....your writing with a brush using a medium....on a surface... Experiment with what "type" of brush ....each can be manipulated in many ways for different effects... Many ask on KZbin painting channels (what brushes are you using) what colors are you using... Remember...no one can duplicate another painters piece.....you must find your own "color palette " it's the way you "see" color...and how to mix colors...the resulting color mix will always be different that anothers....you can get the information of what colors that painter used for that particular tree...but in the end it's your color mix that will be the result... Brushstrokes are unique and individual.....one must learn their own signature brushstrokes....and experiment with types of brushes and what kinds of "marks " can be made..... There are specific brushes for specific phases of course...for Alla prima- wet on wet.. .the blocking in stage....should be blocked in thin...not thin paint...but not using alot of paint....scrubbed into canvas ....coverage here...cover all the white or canvas And...establish darks...lights...values. This is done using a bristle brush...coverage...the surface of canvas ...pressure all factors...the bristle will stand up to... Next....a softer brush...as talked about here

[@maeshaw3417]

What size are the brushes you are featuring? Just discoverd you. Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@angeleeshaw]

It may seem scary to paint this way- but I can attest that this method does in fact work!!

[@SharifD-PaletteAnArtdsb]

Cheers. Subscribed.👍👏🤝

[@Wandering_maggie]

Omg where did you get that easel. Please let me know thank you so much!!! Awesome video 👍

[@allenvoss7977]

Do you have a different video talking about paint on your pallet and mixing in mediums? What is the consistency of your paint when you do blocking in?

[@callmedeno]

Would appreciate such a video judging by the quality of this one, you could shed light on that topic that would help many

[@roxannekeomaka4754]

What size are the brushes and are they hog bristle

[@janet4900]

I don't think there's a right or wrong way to hold a brush. I wouldn't split hairs on brush holding (no pun intended). That's what makes it such a creative process. I like the idea of few brush strokes as possible. That's the challenge.

[@metebal-ghamdi4814]

UR Amazingly

[@evandegenfelder4554]

I'm acres older than you, but I can't sit to paint. I've never felt it allowed for freedom of movement; great video with good tips/techniques.

[@roxanaley5189]

How do you clean your brushes??

[@sasa_candyy]

Thanks for your video! It’s useful! I always find it’s difficult to hold the far end of the brush and yet control the accuracy of the marks we laid on canvas. Will practice more on this.

[@ChelseaLang]

Glad it was helpful! Practice definitely makes a big difference, so if it feels strange at first try not to worry and just keep going. :) As kids we take years to learn how to hold a pencil correctly, and we forget how much time it can take to train (or untrain) that muscle memory, but it can be done, and will go faster than you think. :) When I was in the atelier we all learned this method for holding charcoal, and it was a bit awkward at first but we all adjusted within a week, and these were artists of ALL levels. :)

[@abdelillahessaken2571]

Very goode

[@davidgibson1342]

Chelsea, you are an excellent teacher. For a beginner like me, it would be helpful if you created a new video that would include painting from start to maybe a quarter of the way through a painting showing the different brushes you use, and also, applying the paint to the brush, and then the application of applying the paint to the canvas. There are thousands of videos at every video length so you creating one just on these aspects I am confident would be a big plus to your audience, i.e., beginners like me. Just a suggestion.

[@alenasuprun8870]

What camera gear do you use

[@paulusirawanwinata3590]

Alla Prima, wet on wet, easy to blend

[@michaelderebello3592]

I am so sorry but just fell in love with the way you were explaining everything!

[@cynthiamarston2208]

I finally ordered my sable choices from Rosemary as a christmas gift to me. Saw a comber and passed! Dang.

[@user-dh5jq8nk5w]

👍👍👍

[@ChelseaLang]

😍

[@patrickcrowe1611]

thanks for keeping us abreast

[@nadineessary1038]

Thank you for the detailed instruction. Do you still have a patreon account?

[@ChelseaLang]

Thank you Nadine! And I don't have a Patreon, but I do offer mentorship. If you're interested I'd love to hear from you. :) The link to connect with me is: webinar.chelsealang.com/book-a-call-page-template1618080185703

[@g.c.harikrishna92]

hi very nicely explained i want u to do ur self portrait pls do and do that video thank u

[@atlantic_love]

Creepy

[@KiuomarsKavoosifar]

🌻

[@abdullahnaseer815]

Maam all the time when i start painting my brush goes out of borders and then i reuine my paintinga💩

[@bimz2710]

hi Chelsea..what is your reaction as an artist about this AI generated artworks that now starting to become more popular?

[@jitendrabadgujar]

U r so beutifhul

[@jjk2one]

Being left handed makes it a bit more confusing

[@cengizozdelice3358]

Türkçe alt yazılı da yayınlar mısın güzel kız..?

[@ikissedalady200]

Awesome, LeeLoo from The Fifth Element teaching painting!

[@barodarockers]

I am having hard time focussing on the painting

[@marthacanady9441]

Show the marks as you explain them.