Vincent van Gogh’s art is instantly recognizable—swirling skies, thick brushstrokes, and intense emotion bursting from every canvas. But while his work looks complex, Van Gogh’s expressive style is actually very approachable for beginner artists. You don’t need perfect lines or academic training—just a willingness to experiment, feel deeply, and paint boldly.
If you’ve ever dreamed of painting like Van Gogh, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through beginner-friendly tips, essential tools, and mindset shifts to help you tap into the expressive spirit that defined his iconic art.
Why Van Gogh’s Style Is Perfect for Beginners
Van Gogh broke the rules of traditional painting. He didn’t aim for photorealism. He wasn’t obsessed with symmetry. What mattered to him was how a painting felt, not how perfectly it resembled reality.
That’s why his technique is perfect for new artists. It encourages experimentation. It welcomes visible brushwork. And most importantly, it allows for emotional expression above all.
Tools You’ll Need to Paint Like Van Gogh
Before you start, gather some basic supplies:
- Canvas or acrylic painting paper (start with 9×12 or 11×14 inches)
- Acrylic paints: blue (ultramarine, cobalt), yellow (cadmium, lemon), white, black, burnt umber, red, and green
- Brushes: round, flat, and fan brushes in medium and small sizes
- Palette knife (optional, for texture)
- Palette and water jar
- Rag or paper towel
Van Gogh painted primarily with oil paints, but for beginners, acrylics are easier to work with—they dry fast and clean up easily with water.
Understanding Van Gogh’s Painting Techniques
1. Bold, Expressive Brushwork
Van Gogh’s most distinctive feature is his bold, directional strokes. He didn’t blend smoothly—instead, he left visible marks that followed the movement of what he was painting.
Beginner tip: Load your brush with plenty of paint. Use short, thick strokes to follow the curves of your subject. Let the texture show. Don’t overwork the surface.
2. Thick Paint Application (Impasto)
Van Gogh often applied paint so thickly it stood off the canvas in peaks. This technique, called impasto, gives energy and movement to his work.
Beginner tip: Try layering colors before the first layer fully dries. Use a palette knife or stiff brush to create visible ridges and texture.
3. Vibrant, Contrasting Colors
Van Gogh used bold, unnatural colors—yellows against purples, oranges against blues—to create emotion and light. His color palette was expressive, not realistic.
Beginner tip: Use complementary colors to create contrast. Paint a blue sky with hints of orange. Add yellow light to dark purple shadows.
4. Rhythm and Repetition
Many of Van Gogh’s compositions, like The Starry Night, feature repeated shapes—swirls, waves, stars—that create a visual rhythm.
Beginner tip: Pick a shape or pattern (like curved brushstrokes or dots) and repeat it across your painting. It builds harmony and flow.
Choosing Subjects Inspired by Van Gogh
If you’re unsure where to start, here are beginner-friendly subjects inspired by Van Gogh’s famous paintings:
- Sunflowers: Focus on petals, bold yellows, and loose structure
- Starry Night sky: Use swirls, circles, and layered blues and whites
- Cypress trees: Paint upward strokes and exaggerated curves
- Wheat fields: Mix golds and greens with directional strokes
- Simple landscapes: Include rolling hills, a colorful sky, and emotional tone
Step-by-Step: Your First Van Gogh-Inspired Painting
Step 1: Sketch a Simple Outline
Use a pencil to lightly sketch your subject—whether a flower, a field, or a night sky. Keep it loose and general.
Step 2: Block in Basic Colors
Start painting large areas first. Use bold, unblended colors. A blue sky doesn’t need to be one shade—use three!
Step 3: Add Texture and Movement
Use thick paint and expressive strokes to follow the contours of your subject. For example, swirl the sky or curve the lines of a flower stem.
Step 4: Layer Highlights and Shadows
Use white or yellow to highlight, and darker blues or browns for shadow. Don’t blend too much. Let strokes overlap.
Step 5: Step Back and Reflect
Van Gogh’s strength wasn’t precision—it was emotion. Step back, squint, and ask: How does this feel? Adjust as needed.
Mindset Tips from Van Gogh’s Life
Van Gogh painted not because he was praised, but because he had to. He once said, “What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”
As a beginner, channel that courage. Don’t worry about perfection. Don’t compare your work. Paint what you feel—and let the rest follow.
Be Patient with Yourself
Van Gogh didn’t develop his style overnight. He studied, failed, and painted over 2,000 works before dying at 37. Your artistic journey takes time too.
Allow Mistakes
Every stroke teaches you something. Use “mistakes” to experiment with new textures, color blends, or composition ideas.
Paint for the Joy of It
Van Gogh found peace in painting fields, skies, and stars. Follow what makes you feel alive—whether it’s flowers, faces, or fantasy.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Blending everything too much: Let strokes show! Texture = emotion.
- Using too little paint: Be generous with your application.
- Being too detailed too soon: Focus on the big picture, not fine lines.
- Overthinking color: Use your instincts. Bright and bold beats realistic.
- Comparing to the original: Your version is your expression—own it.
Practice Prompts Inspired by Van Gogh
- Recreate Sunflowers using sponge or palette knife textures
- Paint a night sky with only five brushstrokes per section
- Use only three colors to capture a scene
- Draw a cypress tree from memory and paint it with emotion
- Journal how you feel, then paint with those feelings in mind
Conclusion: Express Yourself, Like Van Gogh
Painting like Van Gogh isn’t about copying—it’s about creating with heart. His art teaches us that it’s okay to feel deeply, paint messily, and let go of control. If you’re just starting out, don’t aim for perfection. Aim for expression.
Pick up a brush, grab your favorite colors, and allow yourself to play. The beauty of Van Gogh’s style is that anyone—yes, even a total beginner—can tap into its magic.
When you’re ready to bring his timeless beauty into your space, explore our collection of Vincent van Gogh wall art prints, including expressive expressionist and landscape wall prints that capture the emotion and energy of his timeless works.
FAQs
Is Van Gogh’s style hard to replicate for beginners?
Not at all. His style celebrates bold strokes, color, and emotion over precision—making it ideal for beginners to explore confidently.
What are the best subjects to start with?
Try sunflowers, night skies, simple trees, or open landscapes. These allow for bold color use and expressive lines.
Should I use oil or acrylic paint to imitate Van Gogh?
Acrylic is great for beginners. It’s easy to use and clean, though oil paints offer more texture if you’re ready for the next level.
Do I need drawing skills to paint like Van Gogh?
No. Start with loose sketches and focus on mood, color, and brushwork rather than technical drawing.
