Creating art in the style of Van Gogh involves adopting his distinctive techniques in brushwork, colour, and emotional expression.
Van Gogh's style is characterized by his bold use of colour, thick application of paint (impasto), and dynamic brushstrokes that convey movement and emotion. To emulate his work, focus on these key elements.
Mastering the Brushwork
One of the most recognizable aspects of Van Gogh's art is his unique brushwork. He didn't blend colours smoothly but applied them in distinct strokes.
- Direction and Variety: Van Gogh utilized varied strokes. As the reference notes, he would "go vertically, diagonally and try quick flicks of the brush at right angles".
- Cross-Hatching for Texture: The reference highlights his use of a "cross hatching style to add texture to his backgrounds". This was achieved by "painting short, quick, vertical, and horizontal lines with different colours", which helped add texture to his artworks. This layering of strokes in different directions creates depth and movement.
- Visible Strokes: Don't try to hide your brushstrokes. Let them be visible and textured, adding to the tactile quality of the paint.
Using Colour Expressively
Van Gogh used colour not just to represent reality but to express feeling.
- Vibrant and Contrasting Hues: Employ bright, saturated colours. Often, he used complementary colours side-by-side (like blue and orange, or yellow and purple) to make them appear more vibrant and intense.
- Subjective Colour: Don't be afraid to use colours that aren't strictly accurate to reality but convey the mood or atmosphere you want to create.
Applying Paint Thickly (Impasto)
Van Gogh frequently applied paint very thickly, straight from the tube in some cases.
- Layering: Build up layers of paint to create texture and dimension on the canvas. This gives the artwork a sculptural quality.
- Paint Consistency: Use paint that is thick enough to hold its shape when applied.
Choosing Subject Matter
Van Gogh painted what he saw and felt around him, often focusing on everyday scenes.
- Everyday Life: Look for inspiration in simple subjects like landscapes, portraits of ordinary people, still lifes (sunflowers, chairs), and interior scenes.
- Connecting with the Subject: Paint subjects you feel a connection to, as Van Gogh infused his work with deep personal emotion.
Infusing Emotion
Perhaps the most crucial element is conveying emotion through your artwork.
- Subjective Interpretation: Don't just paint what you see; paint how it makes you feel. Let your emotions guide your colour choices and brushwork.
- Energy and Movement: Use dynamic strokes and vibrant colours to create a sense of energy and vitality.
By focusing on these techniques, particularly his characteristic textured brushwork involving vertical, diagonal, and cross-hatching strokes with different colours as described in the reference, you can begin to capture the expressive and vibrant style of Van Gogh.
