Claude Monet created some of the most striking paintings of the impressionist era.
One of the greatest ways to improve at any art form is to look to its masters for inspiration. Claude Monet was one of the world's greatest painters, so when learning to paint it can be very helpful to bring elements of his work into your own. This is something that can be done at any age group and skill level.
Sponge Painting
Monet's signature style involved creating pieces that appeared blurry or fuzzy from up close, but more detailed when observed from a distance. This is something that can be imitated by painting with sponges. Collect sponges of all varieties, ranging from basic household sponges to makeup wedges. Use watercolor paints or watered-down acrylic paints. Paint on a piece of paper or a watercolor-adherent canvas. Draw a basic outline on your chosen canvas in pencil. Dip the sponge into some water and then into the paint, and apply it to the canvas. Experiment and have fun, as this style of painting is more about the soft and ethereal effect than it is about perfection in the details. Use the small edge of a makeup wedge for any necessary details. To make an area of your painting softer, dip a sponge into water and apply it over the section after the paint has been applied.
Flower Painting
Monet loved to paint flowers, as he spent much of his life in and around beautiful gardens. By the end of his life he had studied flowers to a tee, perfecting the art of painting them. Find or take a picture of a flower or a group of flowers. Draw an outline in pencil onto a canvas, and paint over it in watercolors. Use small brushes for the details and floral outlines, and medium brushes for the remainder of the painting. Focus on the colors for this piece, as Monet was fascinated by the array of colors that could be featured in just one flower.
Outdoor Painting
Monet became an expert on painting gardens and landscapes by painting them in person. He really immersed himself in his subject and environment, practicing what is called "en plein air." Find a nice area outside, such as a pond, garden or field, and set up to paint beside it. This is done best on a day that is mildly sunny, with minimal wind. Use an easel to set your canvas on, or simply take a large sketchbook with you. Watercolor paints tend to be the most portable. Bring the paints, brushes, a bottle filled with water, and a small sponge to clean up any mistakes. The goal is to capture the fluidity of the environment on the particular day. Again, set aside the details to start with, and focus on colors and areas of movement. Use quick brushstrokes with a medium or large brush. This must be completed before the sun sets and the light changes, so feel free to add in any necessary details later on, once you have left the scene.
Chalk Art
Chalks were another material of many impressionist artists, including Monet. Try drawing a sunset scene in chalk, using yellows, reds and oranges. You can apply the chalks directly to your chosen canvas, or shave pieces off using a small utility knife, and apply it to the canvas like paint, even mixing it with water for a new effect. Use a sponge or paper towel to move the chalk around on the canvas, and blend colors together. When you are done creating your chalk art, spray it with a thin coat of protective spray or aerosol hair spray to keep it intact and preserve it over time.
