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| The Integrity of Conviction / 14x18 / oil on linen panel |
Lots of color and an attempt to convey motion and focus of intent.
One of my most valued Christmas gifts was the book Van Gogh at Work published by the Van Gogh Museum and written by Marije Vellekoop. This book is the result of years of scholarly study of Van Gogh's working methods and the materials he used. It clearly illuminates the ten year journey of his development from complete novice to unique artist and how he improved his skills with incredible discipline and focus. For myself, I have never had a more powerful artistic moment than when I attended the Van Gogh exhibit at the LA County Museum of Art a decade ago. His art speaks to me on a level deeper than I have ever experienced elsewhere and I have loved him since I first saw a photo of one of his paintings when I was about 7 years old. And so this book is a dream come true for me - it seems to reveal a lot of the man as it describes how he mastered his craft and has helped reveal to me why I find his work so fascinating. I recommend it to everyone who loves Van Gogh!
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The book
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| A fascinating look at his working pallet |
Okay my dear kindred spirit Susan, "You had me at Van Gogh!" I am thrilled that you love my dearest art buddy Vincent! I love your post today! I have read so much about Vincent! I have so many books. I will definitely buy this one ASAP! I feel the same way you do about this wonderful artist! I keep so many of his quotations posted in my little studio! One of my favorites... I put my heart and soul into my work and lost my mind in the process!" You go Vincent! On my i-phone playlist my number one song is "Vincent" by Don McLean! So thank you for sharing your love of Vincent Van Gogh. Now, let me tell you that I love this latest painting! I also love its title! Integrity and Conviction! Excuse me but "Wow!" So take care Susan and keep on making out of sight off the chart art. Our mutual art buddy Vincent would be proud!
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Hi, Michael! I could fill a bookcase with all my Van Gogh books yet I never have enough! It is no wonder you love Don McClean's Vincent but I have to admit that every time I hear "this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you" my heart breaks and my eyes fill with tears - so must to limit my listening! I am so glad you love this little painting and just because you told me that Vincent would be proud, I have framed it in a wide silver frame and have it hanging in my studio! Many thanks my joyful art buddy! :)
DeleteYour painting is fabulous, Susan. Such energy! Such skill.
ReplyDeleteI saw the same show of Vincent's work. I came back home and used a round bristle brush for six months trying to capture his mark making. have to get this book if it is not too expensive.
That show swept me off my feet and time stood still that day! The book is not expensive and I highly recommend it!
DeleteI really love your painting, Susan! I must visit the Van Gogh Museum again soon, I know they have done a lot of research about his techniques. It's been few years since I've been there, so there is my new year's resolution.
ReplyDeleteOh how I envy your closeness to that museum, Judy. I am afraid if I lived close by half my life might be spent inside it!
DeleteYou did it! I can hear the hoof beats and the crowd. Wonderful. --I always wanted to ask: Do you ride? You are so expert at the anatomy of horses. I can feel their muscles.
ReplyDeleteVan Gogh and Degas an excellent pair for inspiration. One for color and motion, the other for draftsmanship. I might have to get myself another birthday gift. Van Gogh is such an inspiration. I can't get past three pages before I must have a brush in my hand.
Hi, Linda - I ride whenever I can which unfortunately is not often these days. But riding is not so much my passion as is the depiction of these magnificent creatures. I have always been fascinated with their anatomy and the relationship between man and beast and my paintings seem to be putting that fascination to the test! I understand completely how Van Gogh inspires you - he has achieved the ultimate in fearless painting .
DeleteSusan, this painting is brilliant. It`s got everything. I have to give you full marks for this one as well. The word comes to mind, beautiful. And i have ordered Van Gogh at work. All the best Susan.
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Many thanks, Vic - and I must say I love your recent plow horse painting. I hope you enjoy Van Gogh at Work as much as I have. It has now inspired me to go back and reread my copy of the letters between Vincent and Theo.
DeleteYou really conveyed motion and energy with this one, another great winner ! I am fascinated by van Gogh too, highlight was seeing his works in Amsterdam at the Museum.
ReplyDeleteI would love to go there one day - I am afraid they would have to forceably escort me out at closing time!
DeleteI always love your horse paintings. Aside from the fact that I LOVE horses, you capture so much of their energy and power of movement. I say that even though His Highness just sent me flying today with one of his whirling dervish moves.
ReplyDeleteYour passionate comments about van Gogh have prodded me to keep a promise I made to myself - to study and read more about the Masters of Art. It would be timely now, so I could figure out what I like and why, and where I am going with my work [also why?]
Thank you, Susan
It's those whirling dervish equine moves that fascinate me so! Hope you landed softly with no memorable bruises to show for it! The thing that stays with me the most about Van Gogh is his singular and powerful drive to paint and to constantly better himself. Using man and nature as his subject matter, he had no lack of inner inspiration and passion.
DeleteI also like Van Gogh - One of my favorite paintings he did, is 'Starry Night'... at least, I think that's what it's called... Anyway - Now you have said, that I can see that your work is inspired by him - those wonderful painterly marks you use... and yet you still do it in your own, unique way... Unmistakably 'yours'.
ReplyDeleteWonderful painting - not that I need to say it! :0)
What a lovely, lovely comment, Sandra - it touches my heart and I thank you!
DeleteAn outstanding painting as always and a wonderful post! i have been thinking about learning more about this master, thank you for sharing this with us!
ReplyDeleteI can't get enough of him - I even ordered some Royal Talens oil colors. What am I thinking? If I use the same paint Van Gogh used that I will paint like him?! LOL! I doubt that very much - but one can always try, can't one!!!
Deletea great master in his craft!
ReplyDeleteUndoubtedly!
DeleteThis painting is spectacular, Susan! I always love your horse paintings...this one is SO full of motion...love it! And I love Van Gogh as well....I love reading about all the Masters work....
ReplyDeleteSo do I - I always learn something new! Thank you for your support, Hilda!
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