The secrets to painting like Cézanne

Paul Cézanne was known for his experimental style, always pushing to expand the viewer’s experience of conventional subjects. Here, we’ll observe his painting technique, with blocky, stabby brushstrokes and muted notes that emphasise his eye for colour. We’ll try to recreate a painting with the feel of one of his works. Notice I don’t say “copy” – we want to be inspired by Cézanne, not slavishly knock out a version of one of his paintings. Brushstrokes are like handwriting. We all have our own individual marks and it’s important to recognise this and embrace it.

I paint in oils because I love the freedom they offer, with long drying times and sculptural qualities. Portraiture is my main passion and I always like to add a bit of character to my still-life elements too. This gives them personality and informs the way I paint them.

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Rob Lunn is a self-taught painter, and loves to paint in oils. His influences are Vincent van Gogh, Caravaggio and Ilya Repin. He has taught art workshops since 2012 and gets a real buzz from teaching people to draw and paint. He has contributed to Paint & Draw magazine and bookazines, and has also provided traditional art tutorials for Creative Bloq.