How to Paint like Monet – Part 1 of 4

how to paint like monet

Lessons on the Techniques of the Impressionists

A step-by-step Impressionist Acrylic Painting

How do you achieve a more painterly impressionistic approach with acrylics?

In this series, I will be posting a weekly video lesson that you can follow along at home. It’s free to subscribe to the blog to receive updates so you can keep up with the painting progress.

The first technique in mastering an impressionist style of painting is in the actual name itself,  ‘Impressionism‘.

We are trying to achieve an ‘impression’ of the subject, rather than a detailed copy, so squinting your eyes at the subject, to blur the details is one of the first tricks to adopt.

This tutorial is ideal to leave some of your fears at the door, have fun and loosen up a bit, ready to get started?…

The image below can be ‘right clicked’ and ‘Save image as’, so you can use it as a reference.

monet video lesson reference photo

Materials you will need:

Brushes

Canvas

  • 12 x 12 square pre-primed canvas. ( for this demonstration I’m using a Winsor & Newton deep edge canvas)
  • Kitchen roll
  • Clean water
  • Tear-off palette or stay-wet palette

Paints – The colour palette

Artist quality acrylic colours ( I’ve used a mix of Golden Heavy Body colours & Winsor & Newton Artist Acrylic)

  • Titanium White (modern equivalent to lead white)
  • Cadmium Yellow ( medium or light, I’ve used Cadmium Yellow Medium for this example)
  • Cadmium Red Light (this is an orange-red which is quite close to Vermillion used by Monet)
  • Permanent Alizarin Crimson (W&N)
  • Cobalt Blue Hue
  • Permanent Green Light ( similar to Emerald Green, when mixed with the Ultramarine Blue will produce a dark green similar to Viridian)
  • Ultramarine Blue
  • Cobalt Violet Hue

To better illustrate the Impressionist technique and speed of painting, I am using a more extended palette than I would usually recommend for painters just starting out.

The acrylic paint colours I use during this tutorial, are modern equivalents to the paint colours used by Monet.

Some of the exact pigments he used are no longer available, and replacements have been man-made out of a combination of pigments to replicate the original colours.

When a Hue is not a Hue

When a modern paint colour has been developed to replicate a historical colour, the word ‘hue’ is used on the tube, for example, ‘Cobalt Blue Hue’.

This is not to be confused with ‘hue’ – as in a colour’s hue, for example ‘that colour has a red hue‘.

I appreciate it can be hard not to confuse them as they are the same word!

But ‘hue’ when used on a paint tube, indicates that the pigments used in the paint mixture are a combination.

Step 1 – Use a coloured ground.

From the Old Masters to Monet using a coloured ground is a technique that is often forgotten in the art room.

It helps to take away the glare from the white of the canvas and gives you a mid-tone to paint onto. The technique is so easy to implement and will rapidly improve your painting almost instantaneously – It’s number 1 in my painting principles.

For this demonstration, I’m using Yellow Ochre.

Monet would have usually used a more muted ground colour, but for the choice of image we’re working from this seemed to fit the bill.

Simply apply a watered-down mix of Yellow ochre onto a pre-primed canvas or board.

You can read more about the benefits of a coloured ground; there is also a video demonstration on how I apply the coloured ground below.

Step 2 – Drawing out

simple landscape acrylic lesson

The next stage is to draw out the basic shapes in the piece.

As this demonstration is more of a study of impressionist techniques rather than an exercise in developing a more finished composition, you don’t have to spend too long on the drawing. I use a 3B pencil to roughly sketch in the main shapes.

Step 3 – Setting out the palette.

I then lay out my colours onto a tear-off palette. If you want a bit more working time with your acrylics, then you can set out your paints onto a stay-wet palette. There is a video tutorial below on how I would usually set out my colours on the stay-wet palette.

Plein air painting

Monet often began with a rapid blocking in of the colours, as he was working within the constraints of daylight.

When painting subjects ‘en plein air’ the colours in nature can change very quickly as the sun moves position throughout the day, the lower the sun is in the sky, the warmer the light, with sunrise and sunset having a warm colour in comparison to the cool blue light of north light.

Monet seemed to favor this warm light as it gives such a rich variety of tones in one scene. Some of the light techniques he was trying to achieve only lasted for less than 10 minutes, so we have to work quickly!

We are using a hog hair brush to move the paint around quickly and easily, it will also enable you to add thicker, impasto paint in future lessons on this painting and be closer to the materials he would have used with oil paint.

Here are my top 6 tips for achieving a successful Impressionist painting:

  1. squint
  2. use a hog hairbrush
  3. apply thick paint
  4. use complementary colours
  5. mix colour on the canvas
  6. adopt an impressionist palette

Step 4 – Wash in the sky

impressionist painting lesson

Using Cobalt blue hue and water, I add a very loose watery wash to the top of the sky. I’m just trying to establish some basic colours in the piece.

As the sky becomes lighter towards the horizon, I add Titanium White to lighten the mix.
During this process, I’m painting very quickly using gestural marks, and I’m not concerned with getting it spot on, it’s a case of getting it on there and getting a feel for the painting.

Step 5 – Block in the mountain.

simple landscape painting lesson

The mountain has 3 simple mixes; you can see how it changes from left to right.

The first mix is Cobalt Blue Hue and Titanium White which I paint with a thicker mix than the sky. I then mix a turquoise by adding the permanent green light to the cobalt blue hue.

I blend these colours ‘wet into wet’ and add more of the green to the mix as I get to the left-hand side of the painting to indicate trees.

Step 6 – Creating colour harmony.

brush stroke technique

When this colour is mixed, I scan the reference image for any examples of this colour appearing in the foreground of the piece. This helps to unify the scene and give a movement of colours throughout the painting.

I use short strokes to apply the paint slightly more impasto (thicker) than the initial wash in we used for the sky.

These dabs of colour help to move the viewer’s eye around the painting.

I then add Cadmium Yellow Medium and a touch of Titanium White to the mixture to vary the tints slightly.

optical mixing with paint

How to paint like Monet –  Free video Course |Part 1

This video below shows the first steps I take to start the painting process of this impressionistic landscape painting.

Make sure to subscribe (it’s free) to keep updated; you’ll get email updates when the next video is posted.

Next week, for Part 2, we’ll start to add the violets to bring the lavender to life and add some warm colours to the foreground.

You Might Also Like:
How to Paint like Monet – Part 2
How to Paint like Monet – Part 3

How to Paint like Monet – Part 4 

This Post Has 148 Comments

  1. Robert

    Many thanks for sharing your high quality videos. It’s very helpful to see your working method and how a painter actually gets the paint onto the canvas – this helps me loosen up my style.

    I like acrylics because they can be worked so rapidly although I find that oils are more subtle. The one thing that frightens me is filling the weave of the canvas and getting that horrible ‘plastic’ sheen effect. I’ve resorted to methylated spirit and sanding to get rid of it! That’s one reason I like working on MDF/hardboard because if things go wrong I can sand the (dry) painting down and paint over.

    Once again, thank you for your inspiring website.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Robert,

      Thanks for the comment, hope the video helps you loosen up your style.

      Will

    2. Jacqueline

      You are awesome. I have a BS in art and I love the way you teach solid principles. Thank you.

      1. Will Kemp

        You’re welcome Jacqueline, pleased you’ve been enjoying the lessons.
        Cheers,
        Will

  2. Dinah

    I am loving the tutorials that you do. I just found it today. Hoping to see you next one!

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Dinah,

      Thanks very much, looking forward to seeing how your painting turns out.

      Will

  3. Sara

    Looking forward to your next video. Thanks for the excellent lessons.

  4. Diane

    Very happy to have watched this video and looking forward to the continuation. It’s actually quite refreshing to watch a green being used straight from the tube rather than mixing it!
    Thank you for the time and trouble you go through in making these wonderful videos. It’s very much appreciated.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Diane,

      Thanks very much, yes a subtle use of pre-mixed green can be used to good effect. Glad you’re enjoying the videos.
      Will

  5. Yuval

    Hi Will.

    Great lesson and very cheerful image. Thank you.
    Recently I studied the works of Monet and I learned to appreciate his genius. The truth is I can sit for hours in front of his works on Google’s art project and look at every brushstroke and colors :-)

    Thanks .
    Yuval

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Yuval,

      Monet is a great painter to study, if you ever get the chance to see his work in the flesh, the L’Orangerie in Paris is awesome.
      You can read about my Monet guide to colour harmony here,

      Thanks,

      Will

  6. Yuval

    Thanks for the link will – very interesting and helpful. L’Orangerie – next time when I’m in Paris, no question,

    Yuval

  7. Sherrill Pearson

    Hey Will! Where is part 2 of this tutorial? I’m left here suffering with a bad case of tutorial interruptus. Seriously, I love your tutorials and i am anxious to see the next vital step here.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Sherrill,
      Not long to wait! I’m adding the final tweaks to the tutorial at the moment and it will go live in the next few days,

      Thanks,
      Will

  8. ardeshir bagheri

    Dear Master
    You are an alive Monet,you gave spirit to him and his works and let the would see the small details of his work.We are watching Monet once more in our time,by teaching,the hardest way for you and the easiest way for us to get his feeling .You are a genius too.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hey Ardeshir,

      You’re too kind!!! I’m glad you’re enjoying the Monet lessons,

      Will

  9. barbara reimann seals

    Mr. Kemp,

    Thank you for posting these videos. I have been a painter for most of my 70+ years, and since it becomes more difficult to find instruction at a reasonable price and close to home………..you are a breath from heaven.

    I will begin my own Monet style painting in the morning! Thanks again.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Barbara,
      Thanks for your kind comments. You’re welcome, hope you enjoy your Monet painting!

      Thanks,
      Will

  10. Angela Lovitt

    Okay! I’m caught up to the end of video tutorial #2. Now as I sit and look, I think I did too many small dabs and more dabs over those. Your painting has much larger painted sections than mine in comparison. Is that okay or is the idea to have really large paint strokes and very few smaller ones or are smaller ones okay as well? I also have to fix my sky somehow as I now have no other colors left other than the various blues. arg. Seems my underpainting in the sky is gone. It’s all okay though, I’m learning a lot! Thank you thank you for your tutorials, I’m loving it.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Angela,

      Pleased to hear you are enjoying the tutorial, small dabs are fine.

      I usually work from larger dabs to smaller dabs so you can adjust the tones and hues of the painting as it progresses, rather than feeling you need to alter the mood of the piece but have an army of small dabs to contend with!

      Thanks,
      Will

  11. Nancy Yanaky

    I LOVE this lesson and style of painting. Thank-you! I can’t wait to try it!
    I would be very interested to see how you would teach how paint in a style of Monet, or impressionist painting using a water scene. Would you use all the little strokes of varying colour in the water?
    I often struggle to paint water in an interesting, loose way…especially when the water is in the foreground.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Nancy,

      Painting water would be using a similar approach with the little strokes adding a variety of colour. I would probably start with a watery underpainting first and then paint the more impasto dabs of colour ontop.

      Thanks,
      Will

  12. rod hulme

    Once again Will, you have shown another avenue to we, the unwashed, in this Monet series which I just came across!
    It is so exciting to we who struggle, to see how easily you create…surely a challenge to select, and teach something that we will be able to grasp, after an appropriate amount of attempts, and practice.
    I had no idea what a genius looks like, good sir, but you certainly fill the bill !! Thanks, my man.
    Our move, and trying to fit two households into one by tossing possessions, long held onto because of sentimental attachment, or something that was treasured at the time and no longer has initial appeal, is a painful duty, but we are nearly done and I’ll be able to start painting again soon. Again, many thanks for the lucid and inspiring work you do for we
    brush pushers! Best to you on this lovely day in B.C., Canada .

    1. Will Kemp

      Morning Rod,

      Thanks for the glowing response, I’m flattered! Good to hear the Monet series is helping with your painting inspiration. Once your move is completed enjoy the tranquil scenes of a french landscape.

      Will

  13. Froggy

    Hi Will!

    Oh am I excited that I found you!!! I’m coming from a watercolor background and I’m ready to branch out. I plan to paint this Monet Impressionistic piece as my first acrylic painting. So here come the questions:

    1) Does my 12×12 canvas have to be primed (with gesso) before painting the color ground in Yellow Ocre?

    2) I live in a small town without a decent artist’s grade supply store. I’m wondering if I can use Cobalt Violet hue and Alizaren Crimson watercolor paint straight from the tube rather than purchasing those colors in acrylic online? Sort of as an experiment? I’m loath to get too invested in acrylics until I decide for sure that’s the direction I want to go. What do you think?

    3) I’ve noticed some words popping up that I don’t understand such as Golden Heavy Body, Gold Open – what do they mean heavy body vs. any other kind of body? And open? What?

    4) What do you think of Fluid Acrylics? and Interactive Acrylics? Since I am just starting to think about acrylics I wonder about interactive acrylics especially. And I’m not sure about fluid acrylics? Do you have opinions on these for a very new beginner?

    Thank you so much Will. I am so thrilled to have found you!!!

    Cheers! Froggy

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Froggy,

      Thanks for dropping by, great to hear you are going to give acrylics a try.

      To answer your questions:

      1) Does my 12×12 canvas have to be primed (with gesso) before painting the color ground in Yellow Ochre?

      It doesn’t have to be primed with gesso, but I would reccomend it. 95% of ready-made canvas already has been primed with gesso.

      2) I live in a small town without a decent artist’s grade supply store. I’m wondering if I can use Cobalt Violet hue and Alizaren Crimson watercolor paint straight from the tube rather than purchasing those colors in acrylic online? Sort of as an experiment? I’m loath to get too invested in acrylics until I decide for sure that’s the direction I want to go. What do you think?

      For a thick, impasto effect this won’t work as you will need to use sooo much of the watercolour. Also, the amount of water will behave differently with watercolours and acrylics, just something to be aware of.

      You can experiment with acrylics with a couple of colours untill you feel confident that they are the right direction for you, they won’t damage each other, so it might create some interesting results! Worth a go!

      3) I’ve noticed some words popping up that I don’t understand such as Golden Heavy Body, Gold Open – what do they mean heavy body vs. any other kind of body? And open? What?

      Golden ( Heavy Body) The ‘Golden’ part is the manufacter name, the heavy body part just denotes the thickness, heavy body has a consistency similar to oil paints.

      Golden ( Open ) is a range of acrylic paints that stay wet longer that standard acrylics, the ‘open’ relates to the term ‘open time’ or the ‘time before the paint dries’.

      Standard Acrylics have a short open time, ‘open acrylics’ have longer, oil paints have longest.

      4) What do you think of Fluid Acrylics? and Interactive Acrylics? Since I am just starting to think about acrylics I wonder about interactive acrylics especially. And I’m not sure about fluid acrylics? Do you have opinions on these for a very new beginner?

      Fluid acrylics just have a thinner consistency, handy if you work in a more watercolour style rather than oil painting style.

      Hope this helps,
      Thanks,
      Will

  14. Christina

    Hello Mr. Kemp

    I’ve been following your tutorial videos from the stiil-life ones and it really, really helped me on my traditional painting assignments so, a HUGE thank you for that! :)

    I’m going to have my mid-semester test this month so I’m thinking of making impressionist painting. For the brush, do I have to use the hog hair brush? or do you have alternative brush to use?

    Thank you for your time! You’re one of my favourite artists Mr. Kemp! :)

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Christina,
      really pleased to hear the tutorials have been helping you learn about traditional painting techniques. You don’t have to use a hog brush, a synthetic brush designed for acrylics would also work,(I use Isabey Isacryl) the filbert shape is best, but if you can’t find one try using a flat brush.

      Cheers,
      Will

  15. Susan

    Fabulous site Will.
    You make it look so easy….looking forward to giving it a try!
    Have always wanted to paint but never knew how to start.
    Thank you.
    Susan
    Western Australia

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Susan,

      Thanks so much, it really is easy! Looking forward to seeing how your painting turns out.

      Cheers,
      Will

  16. irina

    Will, thank you sssso much. Your work is breathtaking ( If i can say so in English).
    I am fond of your gift as a teacher)))))of your willingness to show and share your skills. I love the picture( and all other paintings), your easiness while mixing colors and touching the canvas. All in all, you are so kind and generous. ( now you have some fans in Russia:-)))
    Irina

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks Irina, good one! Really pleased you’re enjoying the lessons,

      Will

  17. Gordon Stirling

    Hi Will,
    So glad to have found your site – I really like the way you teach and admire your style.
    Took up acrylic painting about a year ago but know that I work too slowly and am trying to be more spontaneous and less fussy! Re your demo of the Monet/Provence scene – approximately how long should that take to paint? (In the studio – not plein air). With thanks for all your help –
    Gordon – Alberta, Canada.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Gordon,

      Thanks for your kind comments, great to hear you’ve been finding the site helpful in your paintings. In terms of time for the Monet painting it’s hard to say exactly as all painters vary in speed when painting. Some artists may complete the painting in 1 to 2hrs, others over a few days. If you have the coloured ground applied and the drawing finished and were painting a small scale (10 x 10 inch) then in an afternoon you would be pretty close ( depending, of course, on how much tea your drink!)

      Hope this helps,
      Will

  18. abbie oakley

    Hi Will

    While your Monet is fantastic… your palette is equally so! I see a flock of brightly coloured parrots!

    1. Will Kemp

      Hey Abbie,

      Nice vision on the parrots! pleased you enjoyed the videos,

      Cheers,
      Will

  19. maebel

    Hi Will,

    Great and awesome site. Thanks for sharing your knowledge in painting:) . Just found your blog today. I am new to painting can’t wait apply the knowledge.
    Keep it up and more power.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hey Maebel,

      Thanks for dropping by, so pleased to hear you’ve been enjoying the site!

      Cheers,

      Will

  20. Dave

    Hi Will. I stumbled onto your YouTube videos by accident. What a discovery! I’m a beginner painter with 3-4 pieces under my belt. You gave me confidence to give this project a whirl.

    One question.

    I have all the color except for Cobalt Violet Hue to get started. I’m unable to find that. I do have Dioxazine Purple. Can I make that work? DP seems cooler than CVH. What are your suggestions?

    Thank you so much!
    Dave

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Dave, yes a few students have had the same issues tracking down cobalt violet hue, Here are a couple of other Cobalt Violet Hue alternatives from different brands, they are all mixes as I haven’t tracked down another exact match to the Golden Acrylics version.

      From Liquitex heavy body

      Medium Magenta toned down with a touch of Ultramarine Blue

      From Sennilier

      Quinacridone Red light toned down with a touch of Ultramarine Blue

      Alternatively you could add a touch of either Quinacridone red light or Permanent alizarin crimson to your Dioxazine purple, you’ll be very close.

      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

      1. Dave

        Hi Will. Thanks for your reply.

        Like I said, I’m a beginner painter. And you gave me the confidence to do this project. I had fun painting it. It’s far from perfect. There’s plenty of room for improvement. But I’m happy with it. I plan to give it to my wife for Valentine’s Day tomorrow here in the States. She’s gonna love it. You will get half the credit. :)

        Any feedback would be appreciated.

        http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/382307_10200591670453546_2002770901_n.jpg

        You are making a difference in people’s lives. Keep up the grand work.

        p.s. I would love that Van Gogh tutorial that you mentioned elsewhere.

        Dave

        1. Will Kemp

          Hi Dave, good one, so pleased you had a go at the Monet style painting. As you’re new to painting I think you’re done really well. There is a nice balance of colours throughout the painting, and the layering of the different hues in the purples work well. For your next painting you could easily go a bit thicker with the paint to enhance a few areas of the colours. Really hope your wife loved the gift.

          Cheers,
          Will

          1. irina

            Dave, Your picture is so nice. I love looking at it))) It inspires me to take a brush and make a try. Your wife must be proud of you:-)
            My sweet heart ( my husband) is a good singer, by the way.
            greetings from Moscow.

  21. Monika

    Hi Will,
    The green you are striving for you call “Permanent green light” ( similar to Emerald green, when mixed with the ultramarine blue will produce a dark green similar to Viridian). Does that mean “Viridian” is the emerald green, or permanent green light you are looking for? I have “Viridian” and to me it looks very similar to the green in your palate for this painting. Please let me know if I’ve misunderstood. Thanks for your help and expertise. You are an amazing artist and I strive to one day be as incredible as you are :)

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Monika, the green I use is called Permanent green light (from Golden paints) which is close to a Emerald green.

      To mix a Viridian, (which is a darker blue green) just add in a touch of ultramarine blue to the permanent green light

      Usually viridian is a darker blue/green and not as vibrant as the permanent green light.

      If you already have a Viridian you might just need a brighter green or just add in a touch of cadmium yellow light.

      Hope this helps,
      Will

  22. Linda

    enjoyed the lesson very much. I have been doing a lot of portraits and now experimenting with a transparent type pallet- My big question is the mountains in the back- You seemed to have painted them so much lighter- I am struggling w getting values down especially from photos- I can’t get out w all my stuff to paint and have to rely on Photos- On book said to go to photoshop and take the shadows in adjustment down to 25% instead of the 50% they usually have it set at- I thought this was good advice- I assume it is more artistic they way you did it- It just seems so much lighter to me than the picture but look great.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Linda, pleased you’ve enjoyed the Monet style painting tutorial. The mountains are painted pretty close to the value they appear on the reference photo. When painting a mountain range just make sure you lighten the mountains the further they are away from you. You might be interested in this article on atmospheric perspective

      Cheers,
      Will

  23. Gena

    Thanks Will:

    For sharing with all of us.Thanks for take your time and explaining slowly how to do it,very helpful .
    good health and good luck to you.
    Gena

    1. Will Kemp

      Cheers Gena, pleased you enjoyed the lessons.

      Will

  24. Staedler

    You’ve totally blown me away sir. It’s my first time to meet an artist who has unselfishly shared his talents. Watching your videos is tantamount to enrolling in an expensive art school. If the student watching is really interested it’ll be enough to start to paint. And learn the rest from personal experience.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Staedler, really kind of you to say so.

      An understanding of the basic principles of painting can make a massive difference to a students progress, and gain the confidence to paint solo! Looking forward to seeing your results from the tutorials.

      Cheers,
      Will

  25. virginia nickle

    This is really beautiful, thank you with your help with our paintings. I really loved the Cherry Still Life lesson, Do you think you may in the future show us how to do other still life such as apples, they are really hard to do. Happy to see all your lessons.

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks Virginia. really pleased you enjoyed the cherry tutorial, I’ll add your request to the list!
      Cheers,
      Will

  26. April

    Hi Will,

    I just found your website today & have spent the whole evening watching your videos. It’s really great to find your tutorials. I’ve watched lots that assume that you know some basics (which I don’t). Thank-you so much for these resources.
    I’m quite new to painting, and thus, am the proud owner of a number of acrylic “starter” sets. I was sorting through them looking for the colours mentioned in this tutorial. I have a “system 3” green, called emerald, it looks pretty close in colour to the one in your tutorial. Do you reckon it would be OK? I also have a “daler rowney basics” called violet, which again looks pretty close. Any ideas if this would be OK?
    Thanks for your time
    April

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi April,
      Those two colours will be perfect for this demo, do you have any artist quality white? as for this demo we build up the layers of colour on top of each other, so having that extra opacity form the artist quality paint will make a huge difference.
      Cheers,
      Will

      1. April

        Thanks for your reply – after watching a number of your videos, I went out and bought artist quality white. You are correct, it does make a difference.

        Do you think other artist quality paints are worth the expense? I was thinking about replacing my other colours gradually as I use them up. (my budget (and husband’s nerves!) won’t handle replacing them all at once.

        thanks again for the tutorials

        April

        1. Will Kemp

          Hi April, pleased you are finding the artist quality white is making a difference to your painting. A gradual approach to adding artists quality paint is a worthy investment as you’ll always get better coverage and opacity. You’ll notice the biggest difference in the whites and the yellows.

          Cheers,
          Will

  27. Irene Radlett

    I loved this demonstration. It fired me up to use this technique and thank you so much for the pleasure of the mystery it leaves one with and that freshness.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Irene,

      Thanks for dropping by, really pleased you enjoyed the Monet lesson and its fired you up to create!

      Cheers,

      Will

  28. Amy

    I love this! I have been looking for a step-by-step. I have never painted before, but I all of the sudden feel inspired to try! I want to paint a field of flowers, — I will link this awesome post on my blog when I post about it :) thank so much ♥

    1. Will Kemp

      Hey Amy, thanks for the comment, great to hear you’ve been inspired to paint! Using this technique with flowers would work equally well. Enjoy the painting.

      Cheers,

      Will

  29. Mary Goldman

    Hi Will,

    I’ve been putting together my supplies for the Monet-type painting and am having a very hard time coming up with PERMANENT Alizarin Crimson and Cobalt Violet Hue.

    Can you suggest what colors you might blend to mimic a Permanent Alizarin Crimson?

    I did see that you did a combination of Quinacridone Red, Ultramarine blue and Titanium white for blending a copy of Cobalt Violet Hue. So, I’ll try that one.

    Any suggestions on the Permanent Alizarin Crimson?

    Thanks very much in advance.

    Mary

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Mary,

      It depends on what existing colours you already have, but if you have a standard Alizarin crimson then add a touch of Quinacridone red to it, this will help to mimic the brighter pinks you can achieve with this colour. The Permanent Alizarin Crimson is only available from Winsor & Newton, in both the Galleria and Artist acrylic range.

      Hope this helps,
      Will

      1. Mary Goldman

        Thanks once again, Will. I will try what you said to do.

        I did look in more than one store for the Winsor & Newton, and they had everything BUT the Permanent Alizarin Crimson…Oh Well!!!

        It will give me the opportunity to use one of your great suggestions on blending colors!!!

        Have a great day, Will!!!

        Mary

        1. Will Kemp

          Cheers Mary, isn’t that always the way!

          Will

  30. Ann

    Just found your site. It is wonderful. I have always loved impressionists’ paintings. I am a beginning oil painter. Do you have a site that deals with oils rather than acrylics?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Ann, pleased you’re enjoying the site. I don’t have a specific site for oil tutorials, however, many of the techniques I demonstrate are based on classical oil painting techniques so would equally apply when working with oils.

      Cheers,
      Will

  31. Karen

    Hi Will,
    I have already learned so much from your tutorials – thank you! I noticed that you use water a lot to thin out the acrylic paints. On other videos I’ve seen, art instructors warn against using water and recommend using mediums instead to keep the painting from peeling or flaking off the canvas. What is your take on this? Have you ever experienced this with your paintings? I sincerely appreciate you sharing your expertise and look forward to your videos.
    Karen

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Karen,

      So pleased you been enjoying the lessons, if you notice my use of water in the paintings that the most watery layers are usually applied on first application of colour to the canvas.

      By having less medium in these first mixes creates a more chalky finish to the paint, which allows the next layers to grab on really well (whilst also teaching you the classical painting techniques of ‘fat over lean’ if you ever want to paint with oils)

      If I then use thinner applications of paint in the final layer of a painting I mix the colour with Acrylic glazing liquid.

      I have never experienced any peeling, or flaking off the canvas with any of my acrylic paintings.

      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,

      Will

  32. Lynne Olson

    Hi,

    Do you know what green Monet used in his painting of the lady with the umbrella, standing on a hilltop? (obviously not the name of the painting) The green is quite
    iridescent and glowing. I have a hunch that the base is lead white. Any thoughts?

    This same green is in one of Latrec’s paintings-the one with the green faced lady at the left hand corner of the painting-looks like she is in a bar or at the Follies.

  33. Estelle

    You are one of the greatest teachers. Your videos have inspired me to try to take my paintings to the next level. Color mixing has been a problem for me in the past, but your video has made it simple for me.

    Thanks for sharing your talents and skills.

    1. Will Kemp

      Great to hear it Estelle, thanks for your kind comments.

      Cheers,
      Will

  34. Maryam

    Thank you so much for this amazing lesson.

    1. Will Kemp

      You’re welcome Maryam pleased you enjoyed it.

      Will

  35. Phillip Erasmus

    Hi Will

    Where do I get the “Monet” landscape image. I could not see the download option on the page.

    Kind regards

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Phillip, the reference image is at the top of the article, just ‘right click’ it on your mouse to download.
      Cheers,
      Will

  36. Sara Mitchell-Banks

    I find your instruction very clear and ‘cheery’ as well. Hearing your “good morning class” start off the class always gives me permission to step away from the heaviness of my work and life. Thanks to you and Vanessa.

    Sara in Canada

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Sara,

      Hope your keeping well, thanks for your kind comments and glad to hear you’re finding time for your paintings.

      Cheers,
      Will (& V)

  37. De

    Hi Will,
    Thanks again for this great resource! My question is regarding paint colors.. I have a Liquitex Basics set that has “alizarin crimson hue permanent,” “cobalt blue,” “cadmium yellow med hue,” and “cadmium red light hue.” Will these work with this demo? What is the difference between say “cobalt blue hue” like you have listed on the materials list and “cobalt blue?” Or “cadmium red light” vs “cadmium red light hue?”

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi De,

      What is the difference between say “cobalt blue hue” like you have listed on the materials list and “cobalt blue?”

      In this instance the word ‘hue’ denotes than a different pigment was used rather than the original pigment, so instead of using a pure cadmium pigment (which is expensive) manufactures create a colour that is close to cadmium red but use more affordable pigments to create it.

      You can read more about it here

      But those paints will be fine for this tutorial.

      Enjoy the painting!

      Cheers,
      Will

  38. Manijit Kaur

    Hi Will

    Though I m a beginner but I really enjoy your painting tutorials. They are very interesting and helpful. I observe very minutely every stroke of yours. Thanx Will

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Manijit, pleased you’ve been enjoying the painting lessons.

      Cheers,
      Will

  39. Kay @Kay's Korner

    We used your video and post for our homeschool art class this week. I am also sharing the pictures of our class and links to your video on my blog. Many thanks for teaching my kiddos what I can’t possibly teach them :-)

    1. Will Kemp

      Great to hear it Kay, really hope they enjoyed the lessons.

      Cheers,

      Will

  40. Andrew Garrido

    Mr. Kemp,

    I am a 15 year old amateur artist and your insight into the impressionist style has really helped to develop my technique. I really enjoy the works of Monet and his is an artistic style I usually adopt if I am to paint.
    With these videos you have created, you have really made me understand the style and processes needed (and reminded me I had ran out of Cobalt Blue!).
    I shall definitely be watching more of your videos as you offer the clearest artistic explanations I have seen.
    Thank you again for your time.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Andrew, pleased to hear you’ve found the tutorial helpful in developing your Impressionistic painting style, and great to hear you’ve found the tutorials clear to follow.
      Cheers,
      Will

  41. Angelina Stoyanova

    Thanks for sharing! A deep bow for your efforts! (-:

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks Angelina, hope you enjoyed the tutorial.
      Will

  42. jeanine

    I can’t wait to give this one a try. I didn’t have very much luck finishing the acrylic landscape for beginners. I started out okay and even went along alright but somehow I just couldn’t pull it together. Perhaps I ought to do it over but I think I’d rather try this one in the meantime. You are so talented. I hope someday to have atleast some of your talent. thank you a ton for sharing all of your knowledge. You are a wonderful human for doing this. Thank you thank you !!! I look forward to the next video.

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks for your kind words Jeanine, hope you enjoy the Monet painting lesson.

      Cheers,
      Will

  43. Kevin

    i was looking for “how to paint impressionism with acrylics”, I was having problems following the lessons, that is until I found your videos, you explained everything in easy to understand words, I just hope it is as easy as you make it look, as painting impressionism is my next project. Thank You for posting the videos, I look forward to seeing more of you videos.
    Thank you again,
    Kevin

    1. Will Kemp

      Good one Kevin, great to hear you’ve found the lessons easy to understand and follow.

      Cheers,
      Will

  44. Kara Spencer

    Hi Will,

    Thank you for being so generous and willing to share your knowledge allowing hundreds to access the joys of painting.

    I’ve never been particularly good at art, but then again, it’s never been explained and demonstrated as simply and effectively as you have managed to do with your tutorials! I think you are a wonderful teacher, I’ve watched all of the videos and have bought one of the course videos too.

    I cannot wait to get started at painting, your videos have inspired me greatly to pick up my paint brush :) I am bed bound and have a condition affecting the brain and spinal chord, so my aim isnt great! So thats why Ive decided to start with the impressionist style painting. It seems to be more forgiving if I suddenly aim drastically wrong!

    So my art things and table top easle have come in the post today, and are being bought to my care home later by Mum and Dad and I cannot wait to get going. The carers are looking forward to seeing what I paint too, and they’d like me to paint something for their hallway :-) We shall see how I get on!

    I can’t wait to get going, and I shall let you know how we get on! Thank you for your videos Will, if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to give this a go.

    Many thanks,
    Kara Spencer

    1. Will Kemp

      Hey Kara, so pleased you’ve been discovering your hidden talent for painting! Thanks for your kind words on my teaching, and for investing in the courses. Sounds like everything is falling into place with your new equipment arriving and some eager clients already! Looking forward to hearing how your impressionist painting turns out.

      Cheers,
      Will

  45. Jesus Rodriguez

    It’s amassing the talent you have but more amassing your talent to teach I don’t need to ask questions because you answer all questions on the proses of your painting. I’m going to dig more in you web to find as many tutorial videos as I can find. Thank you very much for the easy and practical way of teaching.

    1. Will Kemp

      You’re welcome, so pleased you’ve been finding the lessons helpful.
      Will

  46. Michael Foley

    I have almost no talent … I’ve attended a few “Paint Nites” …but generally have not painted or drawn since kindergarten. I followed along … and I am very very proud of what I painted!! And very enjoyable process. Great video lesson. I am starting the acrylic seashore lesson next!

    Thank you!!

    –Mike

    1. Will Kemp

      Great to hear you’re proud of your paintings Mike, good luck with the seascape.
      Cheers,
      Will

  47. Heather

    Will,
    Thank you so much for such a great tutorial, it’s generous of you and a real life saver for a beginner like me. I took a pic of my painting but wasn’t sure how to attach it.

    Heather

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Heather, you can email it through on the contact page.
      Cheers,
      Will

  48. Holly

    Thank you for making this tutorial available. You obviously have amazing talent. I, however, am new to painting and this set of tutorials has been an amazing guide. I was quite pleasantly surprised to see how my painting turned out. Thanks again!

    1. Will Kemp

      Great to hear it Holly, really pleased you’ve been finding the lessons helpful and are pleased with your results.
      Cheers,
      Will

  49. Tony

    Hi Will,
    Thought I’d give this one a try, but just wondered what is the best way to mix a colour close to the permanent green and cobalt colours? I have the following colours in my palette:

    titanium white / azo yellow / naphtol red / alizarin crimson / ultramarine blue / phthalo blue / burnt umber / raw umber / yellow ochre

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Tony,

      For the Permanent Green

      Azo yellow + touch of phthalo blue

      For the Cobalt Blue

      Ultramarine Blue + touch of Phthalo blue

      Cheers,
      Will

  50. Yuval

    Hi Will,

    Just introduced to painting (I’ve just turned 36 years old…) – I am getting so much progress and learning done, watching your exciting videos.

    Thanks for all the effort and talent.

    Best,
    Yuval

    1. Will Kemp

      Great to hear it Yuval, so pleased you’re finding them helpful.
      Cheers,
      Will

  51. Lori

    Will, I LoVe your teaching style and appreciate your FREE videos. I’m currently taking your Beginner’s Acrylic Course and have already learned much. Thank you!!

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks very much Lori, really pleased you’re enjoying the course.
      Will

  52. raymond siag

    good morning M.kemp

    I am an 80 years old retired chemical engineer. 20 years ago, I started a hoby, making
    stained glass 1×2 feet slabs a couple of tiffany lamps that were nice to watch, and offered them to family and friends. Ten years ago, I started suffering from Parkinson’s desease.
    In spite of that I tried to start my stained glass again. I did not succeed, so, I decided to try painting, and the result was not as expected, but I still want to continue painting.
    Do you think there is achance for me to keep trying ? if its a yes, what do you suggest.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Raymond, nice to hear from you, I would just try to create paintings and make them purely for enjoyment. Whenever commerce comes into mind before you start a painting you’ll often be subconsciously changing what you want to paint to what you think you should paint.

      Try a couple of tutorials, try copying an old master painting, just don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Learning self-compassion to your inner critic is one of the best things you can do to enjoy your painting.

      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

  53. Richard Jose

    Hi Will,

    I have a question about the Cobalt Blue Hue, I’m not sure if it’s the video, my screen or brand of paint but the paint looks a shade or two lighter than what I have, especially when watered down I don’t get that slightly milky blue. I had the Winston & Newton Galleria Cobalt Blue Hue and that seemed so far off that I scrapped it and got the Golden Artist version, which seems better (especially in coverage) but still seems substantially darker. Do you remember which brand/version you were using? I’m trying to work out if it’s me, my laptop or the paint :-)

    Richard

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Richard, I was using the Golden branded Cobalt Blue hue, but you should still get a similar colour with the Galeria cobalt blue, it might be the white you’re using, I demo with the Golden titanium white and it’s got quite a strong opacity and ability to lighten colours.
      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

  54. vivian

    Hi Will – I very much like your teaching style – just watched your video on painting like Monet. Have you produced something similar regarding painting like Van Gogh? Vivian

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Vivian, really pleased you’ve been enjoying the Monet videos, I don’t currently have a Van Gogh inspired video but it was on my to-do list!
      Cheers,
      Will

  55. Brendan

    Hi will I’m using winsor Newton professional artist acrlyic as I really like the fact they dry same colour as they are laid on canvas with no colour shift

    I have all the copies apart from the green you use and the violet, do you know which winsor Newton ones match?

    Cheers

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Brendan, the Winsor & Newton Artist’s range don’t currently have a close match to the Permanent Green Light, but you could use Permanent Green Light from the W & N Galeria range.

      For an alternative to Cobalt Violet Hue, you could use Ultramarine violet with a touch of either (ideally) Permanent Rose, or Permanent Alizarin Crimson.

      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

      1. Brendan

        Hi will thanks for the reply

        As a follow up is there a reason you tend to use golden apart from a few colours?

        The winsor artist acrylic main selling point is that there is no color shift from Wet to dry which sounds awesome!

        Also they apprently stay open slightly longer

        Wood welcome your thoughts?

        1. Will Kemp

          Hi Brendan, both brands are good, you’ll see me using them both throughout the tutorials.
          Cheers,
          Will

  56. Cris

    Dear Will,

    I have just found this tutorial, and I find it fantastic.The only problem is with the green, I use W&N, and they do not have anything similar than this Golden permanent green light. I do not have a reference of Emerald green, so I can’t mix it by myself. Could you help me how to do a quite close green using some of these pigments?

    Cad. yellow medium
    Cad. lemon yellow
    Ultramarine blue
    Cobalt blue
    Phthalo blue green shade
    Phthalo green blue shade
    Titanium white

    Thank you for this great tutorial, I know I will enjoy every minute. :)
    Cris

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Cris, Phthalo Green Blue Shade with a touch of Cadmium Yellow Medium will get you pretty close. Really hope you enjoy the tutorial. You might also find this lesson on painting greens with Phthalo Green of interest.
      Cheers,
      Will

      1. Cris

        Thank you, I have a really nice and cheerful painting, I hanged it on the wall. :) That is a nice idea to experiment with the greens, I think it will be my next project. I like your style. :)

        Cris

        1. Will Kemp

          Pleased your painting turned out well Cris.
          Cheers,
          Will

  57. Heather

    Dear Mr. Kemp, Please allow me to share with you my newest journey and how your website and blogs inspired me along the way. I am student at Michigan State University working towards a Master’s of Art in Education Technology. I was asked to choose something to learn, that I’ve always wanted to learn. The restraints were that I had to do so with only YouTube Videos and blogs. I found your wonderful resources and network of learners. I am amazed and proud to inform you that I painted my first Impressionist style painting and did so with you as my teacher and your help forums for real life connections. I wish I could post the painting:)

    Best wishes,

    Heather

    1. Will Kemp

      Great work Heather, so pleased you’ve found the tutorials have helped towards your first Impressionist painting, congratulations!
      Cheers,
      Will

  58. Julie

    I just found your videos and they are great. I just have taken up painting again now that I am an empty nester. Your paints seem thinner than mine – do you typically thin them with water or are the artist quality paints thinner to allow for more of a washed look? Do you suggest using a medium?

    Looking forward to watching your other videos!

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Julie, I mainly use heavy body acrylics and dilute them with water for the first few layers. For later layers when working in thin applications of heavy body paint I use an acrylic glazing liquid gloss (from Golden Paints).
      Cheers,
      Will

  59. Michael Hans

    Hi mr. Will, this video and tutorials are very helpful for me
    Thank you very much

    1. Will Kemp

      My pleasure Michael, really pleased you found it helpful.
      Will

  60. Leigh-Ann Pringle

    Good day

    Firstly, thank you so much for posting your videos on line for the public to use. I teach art in a local high school in South Africa. Its so helpful to send the learners to links that will not confuse them. Your material is very helpful.

    I intend investigating some of your advanced resources to purchase.
    Thanks again!

    1. Will Kemp

      That’s great to hear Leigh-Ann, so pleased you’ve been finding the tutorials have been helping your students.
      Cheers,
      Will

  61. Art

    Hi Will,
    When you prepared the coloured ground on the Monet style painting the yellow ochre look quite fluid. Is the paint you are using different to that in a tube? I found that it seemed thicker and less easy to apply.
    Many thanks,
    Art

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Art, yes, I either dilute the paint with water or if you have then available at your local art store you can use a fluid acrylic.
      Cheers,
      Will

  62. Sarah Janet Whiten

    Hi Will,
    Thanks so much as I have an end of year art exam on impressionist landscapes and this has really helped me prepare.

    Thanks, Sarah

    1. Will Kemp

      That’s brilliant to hear Sarah, really hope the art exam goes well, let’s get an A!
      Will

  63. David Malt

    Hello Will,
    I have watched some of your videos and I am very impressed by your work.
    I’ve never been into impressionists but I enjoyed the four videos on this Monet
    piece. I’m just an old bloke who loves art but until now have never picked up a brush.
    I did a bit of charcoal sketching in my younger days, but that’s about it.
    Thanks for your work, Dave M

    1. Will Kemp

      My pleasure David, so pleased you enjoyed the Monet videos and are feeling inspired to pick up a paintbrush, hope the painting turns out well for you.
      Cheers,
      Will

  64. C-Marie

    Beautiful photograph!! Will try it in oils. God bless, C-Marie

  65. Shannon Carr

    I need to say thank you, Will. Your such a great teacher and a fantastic artist. I enjoy your videos so much. I’m very thankful you are sharing your talent and skills, especially for newcomers to painting like myself.

    1. Will Kemp

      My pleasure Shannon, so pleased you’ve been enjoying the website and lessons, glad you’ve been finding them helpful.
      Cheers,
      Will

  66. Jason Fox

    Hi Will,

    I’m completely new to painting and just wanted to say thank you. I’ve done 4 of you free lessons now and get great results.
    I’m learning loads and it is getting me though lockdown!

    1. Will Kemp

      My pleasure Jason, so pleased to hear you’ve been finding them helpful and learning lots.
      Cheers,
      Will

  67. Ed Dyer

    Will: I have a question concerning the permanent green light. What brand do you use in the video ? The green I used comes no where close to the beautiful greens in part 1 & 2 videos. Bail me out Will. Thank you.

    Ed Dyer

    1. Will Kemp

      Hey Ed, it’s from Golden Acrylics.

  68. Diana

    Thanks Will for your incredibly helpful videos and encouraging instruction. I will have the opportunity to go to L’Orangerie and Giverny in August to drool and see Monet’s work in person…will try to sketch too, hope i can get some of it onto canvas. Was able to utilize the demo you provided to paint a water lily i had a photo of with some success, thanks to you!

    1. Will Kemp

      So pleased it was helpful Diana, love the L’Orangerie.
      Will

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