Which action is useful for making a petal-like stroke?

Correct answer: Pressing, dragging, and gently lifting

The governing concept is changing brush pressure during one continuous stroke. Pressing at the beginning spreads the bristles and creates a broad base; dragging maintains the form, and gently lifting reduces contact so the stroke narrows to a pointed end. Therefore option D is correct. Leaving the brush in water, storing it upside down, or cutting paper does not create a controlled petal shape.