While not a fixed idiom, the phrase appears in art criticism and studio guides from the 19th and early 20th centuries. For example:
A Little Dash of the Brush The phrase "a little dash of the brush" evokes a sense of effortless artistry. It suggests that beauty, transformation, and expression do not always require grand gestures or hours of labor. Sometimes, the most profound changes come from a single, intentional stroke. Whether you are standing before a canvas, a vanity mirror, or a scuffed hallway wall, the philosophy remains the same: a small application of color and technique can redefine an entire space or mood. A Little Dash of the Brush
"It will take more than just a little dash of the brush," Barnaby murmured, though he was already reaching for his paints. While not a fixed idiom, the phrase appears
The dash is a record of the artist’s motion and decision-making. It is time made visible. Sometimes, the most profound changes come from a
He said it like a secret password. A little dash of the brush. It was Arthur’s answer to everything. When a varnish wouldn't dry right, when a veneer chipped, when the chemistry of the wood refused to cooperate with the chemistry of the modern era—he always fell back on that phrase. It drove Penny crazy. It sounded like nonsense, a platitude for a craftsman who should have been relying on science and grit.
: For farmers struggling with a drought, he paints a flowing river that becomes real, saving their crops.
Practice "expressive painting" for just ten minutes. Don't try to paint a "thing"; just paint a feeling using strokes and colors that resonate with your current mood.