- Teacher: Ruthie V.
- Course Length: 6 weeks
- Class Days: Saturdays, begins June 6
- Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm PST
How can brushstrokes carry structure, light, and emotion all at once? In this course you will learn how Van Gogh builds paintings through color, surface, and directional brushwork.
Van Gogh approached painting as a physical act. Instead of blending paint into a smooth illusion, he constructed images from visible strokes that follow the form of what he saw. Sky moves in arcs, trees twist in spirals, and fields stretch in repeated rows. Color is placed with intention so that every stroke contributes to both structure and intensity.
In this class you will learn how to build a painting the way Van Gogh did. We begin with simple compositions and block in large shapes, then develop the surface using directional strokes that describe form and movement. You will practice loading the brush, placing paint with clarity, and keeping the surface active and visible.
We will focus on how color relationships create light, how brush direction reinforces form, and how repetition builds rhythm across the painting. Ordinary subjects such as trees, lamps, chairs, flowers, and still life become material for exploring bold color and expressive surface.
Each week you will complete a painting that develops a different aspect of Van Gogh’s approach, including shape, color contrast, impasto, and rhythmic brushwork. By the end of the course you will have several finished paintings.
This course pairs well with Draw Like Van Gogh.
Prerequisite: Some experience with drawing and painting is recommended.
MATERIALS
Paint
Oil or acrylic paint. Bring a basic palette with a range of colors.
Brushes
A selection of bristle or firm synthetic brushes in small, medium, and large sizes
Flat and filbert shapes work best for directional strokes
Painting Surfaces
Canvas, canvas panels, or heavy painting paper
Bring a range of sizes you are comfortable with, roughly 8×10 to 18×24
Sketching
- Paper, pencil, eraser
- Colored pencils or crayons
- Saral Transfer paper (blue works well)
Other
- Palette knife
- Rags or paper towels
- Water container for acrylic, or solvent and medium for oil painters
REFERENCES FOR DAY 1
Bring 2–3 printed reference images.
- Choose simple subjects such as trees, paths, or still life objects. Look for images with clear shapes and a strong sense of form.
- Personal photos work well, but are not required.
- Avoid images with tiny details or visual clutter.
- We will also provide still life setups and additional reference options in class.
