Claude Monet: Find Inspiration in Your Own Backyard
Claude Monet is one of those artists who’s not only legendary but also incredibly inspiring, especially for those of us just starting out in the world of art. His work—especially in Impressionism—changed how we see the world, all while embracing light, color, and the beauty of imperfection. If you're a beginner artist, there’s a lot we can learn from his approach, and it's all about enjoying the journey, experimenting, and not stressing over getting everything perfect.
Here’s how you can bring a little Monet magic into your own art practice.
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Watercolor Brushes Set – Perfect for artists who want to experiment with bold brushstrokes like Monet.
Impressionist Art Supplies Kit – A curated kit with all the essential tools to start painting in the style of the great Impressionists.
Portable Easel for Outdoor Painting – Ideal for capturing nature on the go, just like Monet did in his garden.
Art of Impressionism Book – A beginner-friendly guide to understanding and recreating the techniques of Monet and other Impressionists.
1. Play with Light and Color
Monet was a master at capturing light and the way it transformed colors. He didn’t just paint what he saw; he painted how the light made him feel. The famous Water Lilies and Haystacks series shows us how light changes throughout the day, turning ordinary scenes into magical moments.
Tip for Beginners: Don’t worry about painting everything exactly as it looks. Instead, pay attention to how the light changes the colors around you. For example, a field at dawn might have soft pinks, while that same field at sunset could look golden. Try to capture that mood, not the tiny details.
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Use bright, bold colors straight from the tube, like Monet did. It gives your painting that lively pop!
If you can, get outside and paint the scene right there in front of you—this is called plein air painting, and it helps you really capture the vibe of the moment.
2. Focus on the 'Feel' of Your Subject
Monet’s approach wasn’t about painting every single leaf or petal—it was about getting the essence of the scene. He worked fast and with confidence, focusing on the big picture, not the nitty-gritty details.
Tip for Beginners: Don’t get bogged down by tiny details. Instead, focus on the general shapes and colors. Let your brushstrokes express the feeling of the scene, not its exact layout. You can try these brushes!
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Work quickly. You don’t have to take hours on one piece. Monet’s quick, loose brushstrokes gave his art a sense of life and energy.
Try layering your brushstrokes in short bursts, rather than perfect lines. This makes your painting feel dynamic and full of movement.
3. Nature Is Your Best Teacher
Monet painted a lot in his garden at Giverny. He found beauty in the smallest things, like a pond or a bunch of flowers. That’s a reminder that we don’t have to go far to find inspiration—nature is all around us, waiting to be captured.
Photo by Hugo Kruip on Unsplash
Tip for Beginners: Look for inspiration in your everyday surroundings. You don’t need to travel far to find something beautiful to paint. Start with what’s near to you—a tree, a flower, a pond, or even the changing sky.
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Take time to notice the small details. How does the light change as clouds move? What colors do you see at sunrise or sunset?
Keep a sketchbook to jot down ideas when inspiration strikes—sometimes, just observing nature can spark your next big painting.
4. Embrace Imperfection
One of the things Monet’s art shows us is that imperfection can actually be beautiful. He didn’t worry about things being “perfect”—he painted the moment, no matter how rough or unfinished it might have seemed. That’s something to remember as a beginner.
Tip for Beginners: It’s okay if your painting isn’t perfect. Embrace the process and let go of the need for things to be just right. Monet’s work was full of “flaws,” and that’s what made it so special.
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If you make a mistake, don’t sweat it. Sometimes what seems like a mistake will lead you to a new, unexpected direction.
Be kind to yourself! Progress takes time, and your first paintings won’t look like the masters—and that’s perfectly fine. Every piece teaches you something new.
5. Keep Pushing Through the Struggles
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Monet faced tons of challenges throughout his life—he had financial struggles, personal losses, and even health problems that affected his eyesight in his later years. But he didn’t let any of that stop him. He kept painting, adapting, and learning. That persistence is key for any beginner artist.
Tip for Beginners: If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated, don’t give up. Push through the challenges and keep practicing. Even Monet had his tough times, but he never stopped painting.
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Set small, simple goals for yourself. Maybe it’s painting for 15 minutes a day or completing one small sketch each week. Small wins will keep you motivated!
Remember, your artistic journey is YOURS. Don’t compare your work to others—you’re learning and growing, and that’s what matters.
6. Try New Techniques and Experiment
Monet didn’t just stick with one technique his whole life. As he grew as an artist, he experimented with different tools and methods, constantly evolving. This kind of exploration is super important, especially as you’re just starting out.
Photo by Khara Woods on Unsplash
Tip for Beginners: Try out new techniques and mediums. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Whether it’s oils, watercolors, or pastels, each one will teach you something different. Monet used all sorts of tools to create his work, and you should feel free to explore too.
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Take your painting outside! Painting outdoors can help you better capture the light and atmosphere—just like Monet did.
Mix up your materials (Give these oil paints a try!) . Try painting with different brushes, using palette knives, or experimenting with textured surfaces. You never know what might inspire you!
Start Where You Are
Monet’s journey as an artist was full of ups and downs, but he stayed true to his passion for capturing life through light and color. As a beginner, remember you don’t have to have it all figured out. What’s important is that you enjoy the process, experiment with new techniques, and embrace each step as part of your learning.
Art isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression, discovery, and capturing the beauty of life, no matter how rough the brushstrokes may seem. So, go ahead and pick up that brush, dive into your art, and start creating. Monet would tell you: it’s all about the journey, not the destination!
