How to Paint & Draw in the Style of Post-Impressionism

Select the subject matter to be drawn. Collect photos from your own collection or find pictures on the Internet to reference when drawing. Post-Impressionism generally focuses on real-life subject matter. A landscape or group of people engaging in an activity are possibilities when selecting a subject to draw.

Draw the desired picture on the canvas or heavy-grade drawing paper. Use a standard HB pencil to draw the background and objects in the foreground onto the surface. Post-Impressionism often emphasizes the geometric shapes of the objects in the picture. Start with all the basic shapes of each subject. For example, when drawing a person, create a circle for the head, rectangle for the body and long ovals for the arms and legs. Soften out rigid lines and connecting marks with an eraser after all the items have been drawn. This will make the objects more realistic while maintaining the integrity of the shapes.

Paint the picture using an acrylic paint. Base-coat all the objects with their corresponding basic color. Use vivid colors and a heavy paint application to capture the look of post-impressionism. Choose an imaginary light source for the painting. Add highlights where the light source would naturally shine. Paint shadows on the opposite side of the highlights. Consider using unnatural colors to paint the subjects as this is a common technique in post impressionism.

Add details to the painting. Post-Impressionistic paintings are generally soft and undefined. Paint details sparingly using a small, fine-tipped paintbrush and a light hand. Create a bright, dramatic look by exaggerating your brush strokes. Allow the paint to dry according to manufacturer's directions, printed on the back of the paint bottle.