In the third grade, I did a report on Vincent van Gogh. I was fascinated not only by his beautiful art, but also by the sadness, I perceived in his life. What we would now likely describe as mental illness, was just erratic behavior during his lifetime. From sacrificing his ear to an unrequited love, to his time in the asylum, van Gogh’s life was highlighted by beautiful artistry, and mental illness. I have always liked to think that it was the quirks of his mind that made for such amazing art. Something new that I learned (or re-remembered since the third grade) was that van Gogh is actually defined as post-impressionism.
In reviewing my love for van Gogh, I tried to think of something to compare the impressionist/post-impressionist movement with. Realism is the easiest to compare, as we just studied it in the previous chapters. I love the soft lines, and the blur of the visual that impressionism embodies. The pastel colors, and the soft lighting only add to the appeal for me. It is the exact opposite of the hard lines and, for lack of a better term, the realistic colors. I guess it is my love for the dreaminess of impressionism, and the escape it allows from the “real(ism)” world, that makes it my favorite.
A few of my most favorites include Roses, painted in 1890 shortly before van Gogh’s release from the asylum at St.-Rémy. (https://classes.uaf.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_60839_1%26url%3d)
Another favorite is Self-Portrait painted 1889 at the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole in Saint-Rémy. (https://classes.uaf.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_60839_1%26url%3d) I love having a visual representation of an artists whose works move me It makes the experience all the more powerful.
Finally, my personal favorite is Portrait of a Woman with Red Ribbon painted in 1885 in Antwerp. (https://classes.uaf.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_60839_1%26url%3d)
I particularly love this piece because if you squint, and look at it in the most impressionistic way possible, it is the work of van Gogh that most resembles your truly.
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June 27, 2010 at 1:46 am
Jessica
I was also surprised to learn that van Gogh is considered a post impressionist. But his paintings do have more detail than the artists during the impressionist movement, although I would not have regonized that before this assignment. You did a wonderful job of explaining why you like impressionism/post-impressionism. Also you included all the necessary components about the artist and works.
July 4, 2010 at 10:08 am
adamjohnmiller
To me, van Gogh is a cornerstone to demonstrate what Impressionism “is all about”. The colors, the curves and the raw emotions that pour into his paintings are unrivaled, even in today’s artistic world. The man was a genius and I’m glad that you, both now and in third grade, were able to recognized the unnatural talent he possessed. Great detail on both the emotional and analytical sides of the legendary painter.
July 6, 2010 at 3:59 am
rfoster6
I really love van Goghs works and have always been intrigued by his art. Great description. It’s also cool to hear what you liked about his paintings. His artwork is so easy to look at it and take in and enjoy, it is really easy to access for all walks of life. It is simple and complex, and remarkably beautiful. Good job!
July 7, 2010 at 1:40 am
Tara
At risk of sounding a bit repetitive, I too was surprised he was classified as post-impressionist. However, after comparing the impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, it became very clear to me how much he belonged in that genre. I chose to talk about Van Gogh in my blog post as well, and I think the amount of emotion that goes into his paintings is simply unrivaled. I really enjoyed the extra amount of information you provided, and I think your evaluation of his art and life is very sympathetic and insightful!