In the press-and-lift technique for making small leaves, what is done first?

Correct answer: The tip or belly of the brush is placed on the surface with light pressure

The press-and-lift stroke depends on a deliberate sequence. First, the tip or belly of the loaded brush touches the surface with light pressure, creating the wider base of the leaf; the brush is then lifted to taper the mark into a point. Hence option C is correct. Rotation, wetting, or drying is not the first required action in this stroke.