"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Friday, May 20, 2016

Back in the USA!

Wow! What an incredible holiday my husband and I had in Europe with our two children - the experience of a lifetime for all of us. It went by much too quickly but it was good to get home and sleep in my own bed.

Of course, once the jet lag abated, I couldn't help but hurry back to my easel.

Doberman Deliberation oil on linen panel 16 x 12
Flying from the west coast to Amsterdam is no picnic but we made it in one piece and my daughter (who lives in Amsterdam) and my son (who arrived on a flight just an hour earlier) met us in front of my daughters flat.



Our first glimpse of a canal - and the weather could not have been more glorious! My daughter warned me to pack warm clothing as just the day before it was cold and the wind was howling but I never needed any of it! We brought sunshine and warmth with us.


 The red boats can be rented for tours - there are lots of people living on houseboats lining the canals and some of the homes seen from the water are magnificent with stunning and unique architecture.


The crooked house - a famous Amsterdam landmark.

The very next morning we made our way to the Van Gogh Museum, we were there early and the crowds were not too bad although they got heavier as the day progressed. Its a good idea to purchase tickets in advance as the ticket-holders line is shorter and moves much faster.

The museum has a separate gallery dedicated to self portraits - Van Gogh did many and there were quite a few I had never seen before. Many of them appeared to be studies with paintings on both sides of the canvas.

Self Portrait 1888

Red Cabbages and Onions
 There was so much life and vitality in this still life - those veggies could have rolled right off the canvas.
Sunflowers! 
 Magnificent - and beautifully displayed on a dark charcoal wall making it shine like a beacon in the gallery.
Irises
 A favorite of mine as the brush work is so fearless, so effortless.

I left the museum feeling that Vincent had given me a very personal lesson in painting - one I will long remember.

As you might imagine, I took hundreds of photos and,over the next few days and weeks, I will share some of them here on my blog in a chronology of our trip but will try not to go overboard!

More to come!

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19 comments:

  1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 20, 2016 at 7:22 PM

    Thanks for the great post, Susan. Sounds like you all enjoyed a fabulous time. I loved seeing the Amsterdam views and van Gogh paintings as well as feeling really happy to have you back and see your wonderful painting - Doberman Deliberation.

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2016 at 6:19 PM

      Thank you! It was truly unforgettable, Julie and it hasn't all registered with me yet. I keep remembering little important moments each day and wonder at the marvel of it all!

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  2. JourneymanMay 21, 2016 at 2:05 AM

    Glad to see you back at the blog Susan and look forward to seeing more of your trip :)

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2016 at 6:20 PM

      So many photos! I am sorting through them and also trying to find time to paint and get the rust out!

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  3. Simonne's fantasiestudioMay 21, 2016 at 4:18 PM

    Hallo Susan, wat gaat de tijd toch snel voorbij, hopelijk heb je genoten van je reis !
    groetjes van Simonne

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2016 at 6:21 PM

      It went by so quickly - I never thought time could fly so fast!

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    2. SusanMay 23, 2016 at 6:30 PM

      It went by so quickly - I never thought time could fly so fast!

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  4. hmuxoMay 21, 2016 at 9:12 PM

    I'm glad you're safely back home Susan! Sounds like you had an amazing time with your family. LOVE your painting and going to the Van Gogh museum is on my bucket list! I can only imagine the feeling you had leaving the museum and seeing his works.

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2016 at 6:24 PM

      I am not in love with flying so I am grateful we are all home safe and sound as well! The Van Gogh Museum is really special and I hope you make it there, Hilda. It is a place that substantially imparts a deep sense of the man and his passion. It is not unusual to hear an artist say that they want to paint what they feel about a subject but Van Gogh accomplished that elusive goal. I admire him greatly and even more since my trip.

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  5. Victor ErringtonMay 22, 2016 at 1:41 AM

    Welcome back Susan my friend.
    Thank you very much for your Photograph`s of Van Gogh`s paintings. They are beautiful, I`m glad that you had a wonderful Holiday and met your children. the Painting of the Doberman is fantastic. I Love it. All the best Susan.
    Vic.

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2016 at 6:26 PM

      You are so kind, Vic and I appreciate it so much! I am almost ready to share some of my Rijksmuseum experiences!

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  6. JudyMay 22, 2016 at 2:47 AM

    I am so happy you had a wonderful time in Amsterdam, AND good weather! :) Also glad you enjoyed the Van Gogh Museum! The red cabbage and onions painting is new to me too. Can't wait for the next photos.

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2016 at 6:28 PM

      The weather was almost miraculous - it could not have been better! I had enough time in the museum to really look closely at the Van Gogh paintings - the brushwork, the incredible texture of the paint, the differences in styles and his evolution over time. I almost wish it was the last place I visited on my trip instead of the first but hopefully what I learned will stay with me.

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  7. Sandra BusbyMay 23, 2016 at 4:29 AM

    First of all, your painting is gorgeous! I have also been to Amsterdam... quite a unique place and stunning too. We went to the same museum... so much to see! I'm glad you had such a lovely time! :0)

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2016 at 6:29 PM

      Thank you, Sandra - I do need to shake off the rust after such a long time away. Amsterdam is certainly unique - I almost wished my daughter loved it less so she would come home sooner!

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  8. Diana Moses BotkinMay 23, 2016 at 9:04 PM

    Your doberman painting is delightful, Susan. And what a thrill to see Van Gogh's work up close and personal!

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    1. SusanMay 24, 2016 at 12:47 PM

      Thanks, Diana - I admit to being completely mesmerized!

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  9. Studio at the FarmMay 24, 2016 at 9:10 AM

    WOW ... welcome back, Susan! I love your Doberman painting. He looks like such a lovable goof, with those wubbly ears and the expression in his eyes. Your photos of Amsterdam and the Van Gogh works are wonderful [I love the irises, too]. I can hardly wait to see more!!!
    Kathryn

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    1. SusanMay 24, 2016 at 12:48 PM

      It's good to be home and back at the easel although I find myself hesitant. More photos coming soon!

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!

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