My Top 5 Favorite Artists and How They Inspire My Work

As a beginner in oil painting, I’ve found inspiration in many places, but there’s something special about looking at the works of master painters. Their unique styles, techniques, and approaches have had a profound impact on how I think about my own art. I’ve come to admire several artists whose work continues to inspire and guide me in my creative journey.

Here are my top five favorite artists and how they influence my approach to painting.

1. Vincent van Gogh: Embracing Emotion Through Color and Texture

Vincent van Gogh’s use of bold, expressive colors and thick, dynamic brushstrokes has captivated me from the moment I first saw his work. Paintings like The Harvest and Undergrowth have an emotional intensity that speaks directly to the heart.

The Harvest

Undergrowth

Van Gogh’s ability to convey feeling through color and texture inspires me to be more daring in my own work. I’ve learned not to shy away from bright, unexpected color combinations and to use texture as a way to give my paintings energy and life. His work reminds me that art isn’t just about what we see—it’s about what we feel.

Vincent van Gogh’s life story is as inspiring as his art. He began painting seriously in his late 20s, just like I did. That fact alone has given me hope and reassurance that it’s never too late to pursue a passion for art. Van Gogh faced incredible hardships—severe mental health struggles, financial instability, and a lack of recognition during his lifetime—but he never stopped creating. His determination to express himself through art, despite these challenges, is something I deeply connect with.

For me, Van Gogh represents more than just a master of color and texture—he’s a symbol of perseverance. His commitment to his craft, even when he sold only one painting in his lifetime, motivates me to keep going, no matter how tough things get. There are days when self-doubt creeps in, and I question whether I’m on the right path. But then I remember that Vincent painted some of his greatest works, like The Starry Night and Wheat-field with Crows, during some of the most difficult times in his life.

The Starry Night

Wheat-field with Crows

What resonates with me most is his relentless pursuit of beauty in a world that often felt dark and uncertain. He channeled his emotions into his art, using bold, vivid colors to express feelings that words couldn’t capture. In my own journey as an artist, I’m learning to do the same—to pour my emotions onto the canvas and trust that this authenticity will connect with others.

Vincent’s story reminds me that success isn’t always immediate, and recognition may come later than expected, but what matters most is the act of creating and staying true to oneself. His life gives me the courage to keep pushing forward, knowing that it’s never too late to achieve something meaningful.

2. Claude Monet: The Power of Light and Atmosphere

Claude Monet’s mastery of light and atmosphere is something I aspire to bring into my own paintings. His series on water lilies, haystacks, and the Rouen Cathedral taught me that the same subject can be painted in endless ways depending on the time of day, the weather, and even the artist’s mood.

Monet’s ability to capture fleeting moments of light inspires me to pay more attention to how light interacts with my subjects. Whether it’s a landscape or a still life, I now think more deeply about how light affects color and mood. Monet encourages me to observe the world more carefully and to explore how subtle changes in light can transform a scene.

Water Lilies and Japanese Bridge

Haystacks, end of Summer

Rouen Cathedral

3. John Singer Sargent: The Elegance of Brushwork

John Singer Sargent’s portraits are renowned for their technical brilliance, but what stands out to me most is his seemingly effortless brushwork. His paintings, such as Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose and Nonchaloir, are filled with fluid, confident strokes that capture the essence of his subjects with remarkable precision.

Sargent’s work has taught me the value of economy in painting—how a single, well-placed brushstroke can say more than a dozen hesitant ones. His ability to make his paintings look both spontaneous and controlled at the same time pushes me to experiment with more fluid and confident strokes in my own work.

Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose

Nonchaloir

4. Rembrandt: Master of Light and Shadow

Rembrandt’s command of chiaroscuro, the contrast between light and dark, is legendary. His portraits, like The Night Watch and Anatomy lesson by Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, are rich with dramatic lighting that gives his subjects depth and realism. Rembrandt’s ability to use light not just as a visual tool but as a way to convey emotion has deeply influenced how I think about shading and contrast.

In my own paintings, I try to emulate Rembrandt’s skill in creating mood through light and shadow. I’m learning to use light to highlight key areas and to let shadow bring depth and mystery to a painting. His work reminds me that light can be a narrative tool in its own right.

The Night Watch

Anatomy lesson by Dr. Nicolaes Tulp

5. Peter Paul Rubens: Dynamic Composition and Baroque Drama

Peter Paul Rubens, a master of the Baroque era, is known for his energetic compositions, dramatic use of light, and rich, vibrant color palettes. His works often convey intense movement and emotion, which is something that draws me to his art and inspires my own creative approach. Rubens’ ability to fill his paintings with vitality and passion, while maintaining a sense of harmony, is a skill I hope to bring to my own work.

Two of his paintings that particularly inspire me are Old Woman and Boy with Candles and Two Drunken Satyrs. In Old Woman and Boy with Candles, Rubens showcases his mastery of chiaroscuro—the contrast of light and dark. The way the candlelight illuminates the figures gives the painting a soft, intimate glow, creating a sense of warmth and mystery. This subtle manipulation of light inspires me to think more about how light sources in my own work can bring depth and mood to a scene.

Two Drunken Satyrs, on the other hand, is filled with exuberance and vitality, displaying Rubens’ ability to capture the energy and chaos of a scene. The satyrs’ exaggerated expressions and unruly poses, along with the rich colors, communicate a sense of raw, primal emotion. This work pushes me to explore how I can inject more life and movement into my paintings, allowing the figures to break free from static poses and embody the dynamic nature of life.

Rubens’ ability to balance drama and elegance has had a profound influence on how I think about composition, light, and the expressive potential of the human form. His work reminds me that art can be both technically brilliant and emotionally charged, a combination I strive to achieve in my own paintings.

Old Woman and Boy with Candles

Two Satyrs

Conclusion: Finding My Own Voice

These five artists have each left a lasting mark on the way I approach oil painting. From Van Gogh’s emotional intensity to Monet’s exploration of light, Sargent’s elegant brushwork, Rembrandt’s mastery of shadow, and Ruben's lively energy, I’ve learned valuable lessons from each one. Their works inspire me to push my own boundaries, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, find my own artistic voice.

As I continue to grow as an oil painter, I look forward to discovering more artists and techniques that will inspire me along the way. But for now, these five masters provide a solid foundation from which to build.

Who are your favorite artists, and how have they inspired your work?