Van Gogh Painting: Secrets, Techniques & Surprising Facts

If you think you know everything about Van Gogh, think again. The Dutch master is famous for thick oil strokes, but he also experimented with water‑based media and sometimes surprised himself. In this guide we’ll break down the most interesting bits—what watercolors he actually used, why Starry Night isn’t a watercolor, and how you can borrow a few tricks for your own work.

Did Van Gogh Use Watercolors?

Most people picture Van Gogh with a palette full of oil, but he did dabble in watercolors during his early years in the Netherlands. He borrowed cheap paper, mixed pigments with cheap gum, and practiced quick studies of people and landscapes. Those sketches helped him capture light fast, a skill that later fed into his bold oil work.

Why does this matter for modern artists? Watercolors force you to plan each wash because the pigment is thin and hard to correct. Van Gogh used them as a warm‑up, a way to train his eye before committing to oil. If you’re stuck on a big canvas, try a small watercolor study first—you’ll get a clearer sense of composition and color harmony.

The Real Medium Behind Starry Night

There’s a rumor that "Starry Night" is a watercolor, but that’s a myth. The painting was made with oil on canvas, using thick impasto to give the swirls their three‑dimensional feel. Van Gogh layered the paint, let it dry a bit, then added another layer of bright blues and yellows. The result is the luminous night sky we all recognize.

Understanding the medium helps you see why the painting looks so textured. If you try to copy the piece with watercolors, you’ll miss the depth that comes from the oil’s body. Instead, experiment with a dab of heavy paint on a small canvas—you’ll feel the same push‑and‑pull Van Gogh used to create movement.

So, what can you take away from these facts? First, don’t limit yourself to one medium. Van Gogh switched between water‑based and oil paints to solve specific problems. Second, study his process: start with quick sketches, then move to a richer medium for the final piece. This two‑step workflow can speed up your progress and improve the final look.

Finally, remember that Van Gogh’s style wasn’t just about bold colors; it was about emotional honesty. When you paint, ask yourself what feeling you want to convey, then choose the medium that best expresses that feeling. Whether you’re using a cheap watercolor pad or a premium oil canvas, the key is to stay true to the mood you’re after.

Now you have a clearer picture of Van Gogh’s hidden techniques. Next time you see a Van Gogh painting, you’ll notice the brushwork, the layers, and maybe even spot a faint watercolor sketch underneath. Use those clues to inspire your own art, and you’ll be one step closer to painting like a master—without copying every detail.