Brushing Up on Photoshop's Brush Tool

Smashing Magazine has an excellent article on Photoshop's brush tool.
When laid by a learned hand, brush strokes can convey a sense of energy, tactility and humanness. These qualities speak to your audience's subconscious, whispering ideas that words alone can't convey. In the digital realm, a website with beautiful brushwork is a welcome break from the stark precision of most corporate websites.

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/11/16/brushing-up-on-photoshops-brush-tool/