>>5832493Why would the lasso tool be important? Not sure where you heard that from or why that person said that. You can have a painterly style without ever using more than one layer, lasso/selection tools, or any other tool other than brushes. Selection masks are helpful, but not necessary. I would argue selection tools create a less painterly style because it prevents you from blending across selections or layers, which happens in a traditional painting.
Also, I found it helpful to check out videos of digital artists with a painterly style, e.g., look at the amount and types of brushes used in the time stamp:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy3c_PhoFLI&t=1907s 
