Vincent Van Gogh Painting Analysis

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Introduction Vincent Van Gogh was born in Holland in 1853. He was an impressionist painter who was known for his rough beauty, bold use of color and unique techniques. Van Gogh suffered from severe anxiety and a form of mental illness which is apparent in his later pieces. Sadly Van Gogh passed away from a self inflicted gunshot wound in 1890 at age 30. His magnificent works of art were not fully appreciated while he was living; however they have now earned him great respect and appreciation. Fig. 1 The Potato Eaters 1885 The Potato Eaters was one of Van Gogh’s early works as he just stepped onto the scene as a painter. His goal with this piece was to represent the human form naturally and not to have it appear awkward. However, this goal was not met but the work he did create was more magnificent. Van Gogh used dark colors that draw the eyes of the viewers to examine the piece closer. The focal point of this painting is the single lit candle hanging above the table between the people eating. The feeling that the dark colors and his use of space create make the scene appear to be intense as if there were strong conversations going on. Although this piece was not as popular as Van Gogh hoped it would be while he was alive, it is now appreciated for its subtle appeal to the insight of pheasant life during his time. Fig. 2 Autumn Landscape 1885 Autumn Landscape was another one of Van Gogh’s early paintings. In this piece he used great detail and beautiful color. This painting includes calm shades of red, yellow and brown. Van Gogh used short brush strokes in this piece with some being bolder than others. This painting shows great balance with the placement of trees and pla... ... middle of paper ... ...from http://www.vangoghgallery.com/catalog/Painting/587/Still-Life:-Vase-with-Fifteen-Sunflowers.html Figure 6: Gogh, Vincent Van. (1888) [The Bedroom.] Retrieved from http://www.vangoghgallery.com/catalog/Painting/715/Vincent_s-Bedroom-in-Arles.html Figure 7: Gogh, Vincent Van. (1888) [The Sower.] Retrieved from http://www.pxleyes.com/blog/2010/03/the-50-most-famous-vincent-van-gogh-paintings-and-sketches/ Figure 8: Gogh, Vincent Van. (1889) [Starry Night.] Retrieved from http://www.vangoghgallery.com/catalog/Painting/508/Starry-Night.html Figure 9: Gogh, Vincent Van. (1889) [Wheat Field with Cypresses.] Retrieved from http://www.vangoghgallery.com/catalog/Painting/747/Wheat-Field-with-Cypresses.html Figure 10: Gogh, Vincent Van. (1890) [Wheat Field with Crows.] Retrieved from http://www.vangoghgallery.com/catalog/Painting/746/Wheat-Field-with-Crows.html

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