Scumbling??? Is that scrubbing the crumbs off the floor or some such surface ? It could be ! but to an artist

it is a painting technique. It is painting a light color over a dark color using a dry brush & dryish paint on a textured surface. Ultimately is creates a “soft” look.

Scumbling by Melody Phaneuf

It is used to create a light or a veiled effect. Melody Phaneuf uses it in her work in both ways and especially in her snow paintings. In Melodys paintings the effect she achieves with her oil work has been compared to the “softness” of working with pastels. Scumbling is used to create a “fuzzy” effect, a translucent effect or in the case of the Dutch Masters the light effect.

Still curious about scumbling? Melody Phaneuf has a Snow exhibit currently displayed at Bank Gloucester (160 Main St., Gloucester MA 01930) where this technique is instantly recognizable!