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Michelle
Variation in Marks – Why It Matters
Here are two close-ups from paintings I’ve recently finished. I wanted to take a moment to talk about mark making — and why varying our marks is such a simple but powerful way to bring more energy and life into a painting.
If we keep everything the same — same brush size, same direction, same pressure — the painting can quickly start to feel flat or even a little boring to look at. But when we mix it up, something magic happens. Suddenly the eye has places to travel, pause, and explore.
Think of it like a conversation — if every word was said in the same tone, we’d lose interest. It’s the same with our brushwork. Variety brings rhythm, contrast, and personality.
Let’s look at a few of my favourite master examples…
Sargent — The Power of Restraint
Just look at this close-up of one of my favourite painters, John Singer Sargent. Look how he suggests all the folds and texture in the fabric with just a few confident strokes. He doesn’t overdo it — he just places the right marks in the right places. His brushwork feels so effortless and elegant, yet it tells us everything we need to know.
Ivon Hitchens — Movement Through Marks
Now have a look at this gorgeous piece by Ivon Hitchens. It’s full of life, and part of that comes from the way he uses such a wide variety of marks — big sweeps, tiny dabs, broken edges, dry brush. His work almost feels like it’s dancing on the canvas. Even in an abstract setting, the variation gives the whole thing direction and purpose.
Van Gogh — Marks with Energy
And I couldn’t not include the wonderful Van Gogh. In this painting, look at how the marks not only vary in size, but in direction too. You can feel the movement of the sky, the wind in the trees, the energy in the landscape. His mark making doesn’t just show the scene — it expresses how it feels.
✨ A Quick Tip
Next time you paint, try this: Vary the size and direction of your marks. Step back often, squint, and ask yourself — are my marks saying something interesting? Does the brushwork lead the viewer’s eye? This one simple shift can bring a painting to life.
Let me know in the comments if you’re going to try this.
10 thoughts on “Variation in Marks – Why It Matters”
I’m so impressed with the extra value you offer Michelle!
Love everything I see here – gorgeous work!
I could get overwhelmed with such beauty and feel discouraged – but
everyone has to start at the beginning… it’s always the beginning of more.
Toni you are so very kind and I really apprecaite your lovely words. Yes we all start someone and believe me when I say I never painted this way in the beginning. Time and practice makes progress : )
Thanks so much Michelle for sharing your knowledge….will definitely be paying attention to my brush strokes in my next painting
Love the colour mixing ideas….
Thank you and you’re very welcome. I’m pleased you are finding them helpful.
I love how you share your knowledge. Your art speaks to me. I love how you tell us what is really going on. I’m going to try to vary my strokes.
Thank you so much. I’m glad you find the tips helpful.
Yes,I am going try the the idea of different size brush strokes.
Thanks for the great tip
You’re very welcome. Enjoy!
I totally understood what you mean in Sargent’s post, amazing brush marks. I could’nt see Van Gogh’s painting, did you forget to post it or is it just me? Thanks for this I will be more aware of the marks I make following this little lesson.
Thank you Rita – nope it’s me lol! I forgot to add it. Thanks for letting me know. I’ve added it now. : )