Creating your own version of Van Gogh's iconic "Starry Night" can be a delightful and rewarding experience, even for beginners. To start, gather your materials: a canvas, acrylic or oil paints in vibrant blues, yellows, and whites, and a set of brushes in various sizes.

Begin by priming your canvas with a layer of a deep blue base. Once dry, use a large brush to sketch the swirling sky and bold shapes of the hills with a lighter blue. For the stars and moon, employ a round brush to dab on bright yellow and white, allowing them to blend slightly for that characteristic glow.

As you work, don’t hesitate to layer your colours—Van Gogh often applied paint thickly, a technique called impasto. For added texture, use a palette knife to slice into your paint, creating movement and depth. Remember to step back regularly to view your work from a distance; it helps to capture the overall composition.

Finish with the cypress tree on the left-hand side, using dark greens and blacks, then add the village below with small dabs of colour for the rooftops and windows. The beauty of art is in its expression, so allow your creative spirit to shine through. Enjoy the process, and before you know it, you’ll have your own captivating rendition of "Starry Night" to admire!

How to Paint Realistic Trees in Three Steps | Oil Painting Tutorial - Pintando.org

Step 1: Establishing the Structure
Begin by sketching the basic outline of your tree using a thin brush and a mixture of raw umber and white. Focus on capturing the silhouette, considering the shape and height of the trunk and branches. This foundational layer lays the groundwork for realism; don’t rush—take your time to ensure the proportions feel natural.

Step 2: Building Layers of Colour
Once you’re satisfied with the shape, start adding colour using a palette of greens, browns, and yellows. Apply darker shades at the base of the trunk and in shadowed areas, gradually transitioning to lighter tones where sunlight hits. Use a fan brush or stippling technique to create the texture of leaves, layering colours to bring depth and dimension to your foliage.

Step 3: Adding Details and Highlights
To finish, refine your painting with details. Use a fine brush to add bark texture by layering thin lines and dabs of lighter colour on the trunk and branches. For foliage, highlight the leaves with a mix of light green and white to mimic sunlight filtering through. Step back frequently to assess your work and make adjustments, ensuring a harmonious and realistic appearance.

With practice and patience, your trees will come to life on the canvas, capturing the beauty of nature in oil paint!