Brushwork:
* Impasto: This technique involves applying thick, heavy layers of paint, often with visible brushstrokes. It adds texture and dimension to his works, creating a sense of movement and energy.
* Short, choppy strokes: Van Gogh often used these strokes to capture the texture of surfaces and the movement of light and shadow.
* Long, swirling strokes: These were especially evident in his depictions of sky and water, creating a dynamic and expressive effect.
Color:
* Vibrant, saturated colors: He employed a bold and expressive palette, often mixing colors to create unique hues and emphasizing contrasts.
* Complementary colors: Van Gogh often used contrasting colors, like blue and orange or red and green, to create optical vibration and enhance the intensity of his compositions.
Composition:
* Asymmetrical balance: He frequently used this approach, placing elements off-center to create visual tension and interest.
* Strong diagonals: These lines add dynamic energy and guide the viewer's eye through the composition.
* Simplified forms: Van Gogh often simplified shapes and forms, emphasizing their essence and emotional impact.
Other techniques:
* Sgraffito: This technique involved scratching through layers of paint to reveal the underlying colors, adding another layer of texture and visual interest.
* Drawing: Van Gogh was a prolific draftsman, and his drawings often served as sketches for his paintings, helping him refine his compositions and ideas.
While these are some of the key techniques Van Gogh used, his individual approach to painting made each work unique and expressive. He experimented with different techniques, constantly seeking new ways to translate his emotions and visions onto canvas.