How to Paint the Starry Night with Acrylic Paint Step by Step | Art Journal Thursday Ep. 24

Summary

In this episode of Art Journal Thursday, the host takes viewers through the process of painting Vincent van Gogh's 'The Starry Night.' The tutorial emphasizes the importance of using short brushstrokes and thick layers of paint to replicate Van Gogh's iconic swirling technique. The host demonstrates how to mix colors for the background, create a watercolor sketch, and layer various shades of blue and yellow to build the texture of the sky. They also provide tips on capturing the unique flow of Van Gogh’s style while encouraging creativity and experimentation in art. The episode ends with an invitation for viewers to share other artists or paintings they'd like to see recreated.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on experimenting with Van Gogh's painting techniques, such as using short, loose brushstrokes and thickly-applied paint.
• 🎨 Start by creating a base color for the background using yellow ochre, white, and a little black to achieve a grayish-brown hue.
• 🖌️ Use watercolor paint for a sketch to map out the painting, which will disappear as you apply the acrylic paints later.
• 🟦 Mix different shades of blue to replicate the sky, but don't worry about copying the exact tones—use them as a guide.
• 🌟 Emphasize the flowing, spontaneous brushstroke technique seen in Van Gogh’s 'Starry Night', particularly around the sky and stars.
• 💡 When applying the yellow paint, follow the shape of objects using short brushstrokes, and mix in white for brighter areas.
• 🖼️ Pay attention to the shapes and movements in the objects (like the trees and hills) to replicate the dynamic flow of Van Gogh's style.
• 🔄 Keep layering paint, adjusting colors and textures as needed, and focus on the overall feel of the piece rather than perfect replication.
• 🌙 Experiment with different elements like color contrast, texture, and movement to capture Van Gogh's emotive approach to painting.
• 💬 The video encourages viewers to explore other artists and their unique styles, emphasizing that every artist has their own approach to art.

Q & A

What is the main goal of this video?

The main goal of the video is to guide viewers through a creative process where they recreate Van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' using acrylic and watercolor paints while exploring his brushstroke techniques.

Why is a grayish type of brown used as the base color in this tutorial?

The grayish brown serves as an underpainting color, which is important because when you look closely at 'The Starry Night,' you can see some of the painting peeking through. This color helps to create that base layer, making the painting more authentic later on.

What is the purpose of sketching the painting with watercolor before starting the actual painting process?

The purpose of sketching with watercolor is to map out the painting's composition and have a clear guide for where to apply colors, helping the artist avoid feeling lost during the painting process. The watercolor lines will eventually blend into the acrylic layers.

Why is it suggested not to stress about copying the painting exactly?

The goal is to understand Van Gogh's technique and experiment with it, rather than making an exact replica. The focus is on learning how to apply the brushstrokes and colors in a similar style, not on perfection.

What role do short brushstrokes play in recreating 'The Starry Night'?

Short brushstrokes are a hallmark of Van Gogh's style and contribute to the dynamic, swirling motion in his painting. The technique creates texture and movement, especially in the sky and surrounding elements.

How should the paint layers be applied to the sky in the painting?

Start with darker blue shades and apply short brushstrokes loosely across the canvas, gradually building up layers. Later, lighter blues should be applied to fill in gaps and create depth.

What should the artist focus on when painting the city and trees?

When painting the city, focus on the general shape of the buildings and the areas of light without getting into every detail. For the trees, the goal is to paint the shape first and then add texture and movement later using short strokes.

Why is it important to use both blue and yellow shades in this painting?

The blue shades create the night sky and set the overall mood, while the yellow tones are used to highlight areas like the stars, adding brightness and contrast. The mix of both colors creates a vibrant, dynamic painting.

How can an artist ensure they are using Van Gogh's brushstroke technique correctly?

To use the technique correctly, the artist should focus on applying short, deliberate brushstrokes in the direction of the object or element being painted, rather than trying to create seamless lines. This mimics Van Gogh’s textured and expressive style.

What does the video suggest about different artistic styles and their uniqueness?

The video emphasizes that different artists have distinct styles, and there's no one 'better' way to paint. It encourages viewers to experiment with various techniques and embrace the uniqueness of each artist's approach, whether it's realistic, abstract, or expressive like Van Gogh's.