“The Starry Night” (1889)
For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.
The above is a quote from Dutch Post-Impressionist painter, Vincent Van Gogh. One of the world’s most tragic artists was born on this day in 1853. In his short and troubled 37-year life, Van Gogh saw no recognition as an artist, selling only a single painting before he died. A man at constant war with his demons, he shot himself in the chest on July 27, 1890, and took his final breath in the arms of his beloved brother, Theo, two days later.
As we advance in life it becomes more and more difficult, but in fighting the difficulties, the inmost strength of the heart is developed.
It’s sadly ironic that the artist who was so plagued with darkness is known by his cheerful, bright, vibrantly coloured paintings.
He went from absolute obscurity in life to one of the world’s most celebrated artists in death. After Rembrandt, Van Gogh is considered the greatest Dutch painter.
“The Church at Auvers-sur-Oise” (1890)
I’ll be honest — I’m not entirely sure why I’m writing this blog post today. I’m not exactly a “fan” of Vincent Van Gogh’s work, and for the most part, I detest any type of art that’s labeled “impressionist”, “abstract”, “expressionist” or any of the movements associated with them. Call me conventional, call me classical/traditional, call me boring. I don’t care. To me, “art” requires a certain level of talent and skill, and no one will ever convince me that something like Jackson Pollock’s “Number 5, 1948” deserves any attention, recognition, or admiration.
“Still Life with Bible” (1885)
I’m not a fan of Paul Gauguin, Pablo Picasso, or Claude Monet. Though I will say that Picasso’s early traditional paintings are beautiful. His father was an art instructor, and he learned to draw and paint in the classical way. Now, while I can appreciate an artist experimenting with his techniques and attempting to create his own unique style (Van Gogh being the prime example of a highly recognizable style), I don’t like seeing someone with God-given talent tossing it aside. Feel free to tell me why I’m wrong in saying that, but you won’t change my mind. Not on this topic.
“Vase with Red Gladioli” (1886), “Fritillaries in a Copper Vase” (1887), and “Vase with Red Poppies” (1886)
But there is something about Van Gogh’s work that sets him apart from these others I’ve mentioned. Perhaps it’s that I can see real talent in some of his pieces. I do enjoy what is arguably his most famous painting, “The Starry Night”, as well as a few others, including this self-portrait from the spring of 1887. Though if you’ve ever seen photographs of Vincent and Theo, you might wonder if all these “self-portraits” are of Vincent himself or are actually portraits of his brother!
“Self-Portrait” (1887)
When you look at many of Van Gogh’s paintings, it’s obvious that he was searching for peace and serenity. He appreciated beauty and strove to capture it as best he could. A great example of this for me is his series of cypress paintings. My favourite being “Wheat Field with Cypresses”. It’s very calm and peaceful, while still suggesting movement in those billowy clouds and tall grass.
“Wheat Field with Cypresses” (1889)
I guess I’ve always felt some sympathy for Van Gogh. I see so many so-called “artists” living the dream — respected by other artists and the public, seeing their paintings hanging in galleries in their own lifetime, garnering unearned compliments for work that is pure garbage. But there was this man who wanted so badly to paint. To see beauty and paint beauty and just settle his mind. In the end, his demons got the better of him, but not before he turned out close to 900 paintings.
I dream of painting and then I paint my dream.
If you haven’t seen the Doctor Who episode “Vincent and the Doctor” (S5E10), look that up today and watch it. I know, it’s just a silly sci-fi show. But this episode was a wonderfully moving tribute to the artist, with an ending that will bring tears to those of us with even the most cold, hardened hearts.
I suppose I wrote this blog post today because this man perplexes me. The paintings I’ve highlighted here are really the only ones I like, but I DO like them and I can’t explain why. So for that reason I’d like to nod him a very sincere happy birthday wish. I hope you found some peace in death, Vincent, and that like the Vincent in Doctor Who, you’ve now had the privilege of seeing that your work has touched the hearts of so many. For some inexplicable reason, mine included.
Pietà” — inspired by a painting of French artist Eugène Delacroix (1889)
I am still far from being what I want to be, but with God’s help I shall succeed.
~ Vincent Van Gogh
Very interesting perspective Wendy. I am incapable of arguing. I’ll just say that I like some art and I don’t like other art as much. Somehow, I don’t think that I would pay the going rate for some masterpieces even if I had so much money that it didn’t matter.
Well said Wendy. I think Van Gogh and da Vinci were geniuses. It’s like you are in my mind. I like the primitivity in the paintings. Undoubtedly, not all art is creative art.
This isn’t the comment I had planned on putting on this post. Shortly after you published it, I wrote a nice, long comment, only to hit “post comment” and watch the whole thing disappear. It was terribly discouraging.
But I won’t let technology beat me. So I’ve written this one as a separate document, saving it repeatedly, and not posting it on WordPress until it’s actually saved in its entirety. So if WP refuses to post it, it won’t matter this time. I’ll just keep trying until it finally works. Anyway…
Like you, I’m not necessarily a Van Gogh “fan.” I tend to like art that’s more “realistic” (for want of a better term), which I’m sure makes me a boring philistine in the eyes of the elites who anoint themselves true experts in art. Whatever. I wouldn’t trade places with those effete snobs for anything.
The point is that while I’m no fan of impressionism (and am just as put off as you are by Pollock’s splatters), I DO find myself similarly drawn to certain works of Van Gogh. At least to his scenes of nature and the still lifes you have represented here (though not to “The Church at Auvers-sur-Oise,” with its alarmingly unstable lines). The colors, the framing, the settings … something about them is warm and inviting.
And when one learns about Van Gogh’s short, sad life, well, it just adds to the appeal of his work somehow. So I’m glad you found yourself writing about Van Gogh, even if you yourself weren’t sure why. I’M not sure why I like at least some of his work, and why I find his biography somewhat intriguing. But I do.
One thing I AM sure: I like the wonderful blog post you fashioned out of it. That much is definitely not in doubt. Well done, GF. Keep up the good work.
And please, opine all you want, now and in the Future. Can’t wait to read what you come up with next, my friend. :)
Thanks, Boss. As long as my editor and best friend enjoys a post I’ve written, then I consider it a success. :)
I think that Van Gogh is an example of the artist helping to sell his own work. And by “sell” I don’t mean placing a monetary value on it. I’m talking about how he, as a person, had this strange, inexplicable appeal, and THAT appeal of the man and his life adds to the draw of his paintings. Learning about the artist and his personality, and his strong desire to paint, makes his work even more attractive to the viewer because I think we WANT to like it, WANT to like him. No matter how skilled an artist is, if he’s a jerk? I think we have a harder time liking this work, even if it’s amazing. And so it works in reverse for Van Gogh. He’s not the most talented artist in the world, but a little piece of him shines through in his paintings, and we can’t help but like it.
So sorry that you had trouble posting a comment, I know you were really upset, but I’m certainly glad you persisted and posted this one. Rest assured, I have many more posts coming in the future, and look forward to your feedback on every one. :)
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