Some think it was because he was too old and sick and bound to the chair and bed. There are however paintings that show him standing and painting with a long brush, so there must be more to it. Velazquez also used a long brush, so what was it that caused these artists to pick up the long brush? Unfortunately its too late to ask them but luckily today there is artist Bob Booth, who uses a 1.2 metre long brush. Bob says, “The advantages of using a long brush are huge!”.
The long brush allows his paintings to be brought to life allowing dynamic loose brushstrokes that throw the canvas into an array of emotion and cohesion. Bob is too far from his canvas to feel locked into small parts of his painting. He is detached and sees his painting as a whole. He allows creativity to take over observation, the long brush gives way to accidents and does away with precision. It is a wonderfully loose style. I wonder if Matisse and Velazquez felt the same way.
For a free demonstration please visit http://www.trinitypaintbox.com/collections/all and click on Loosening up in painting.
More info: trinitypaintbox.com
Matisse painting with a long brush
You can see the advantages with using a long brush when working on a large piece of work.
Matisse used a long brush often
Lack of precision allows for a loose style.
The long brush in action.
Artist Bob Booth enjoys the distance he gets from his work using a long brush.
Last of the Nomads by artist Bob Booth
Painted by artist Bob Booth with a 1.2 metre long brush.
Street Scene by Artist Bob Booth
Also by artist Bob Booth. You don't get trapped by detail.
Fish 8 by Artist Bob Booth
Lack of control from a long brush allows for a loose style.