Our Van
Gogh
Gogh
By the first class of our high school
My Vincent
He loved nature.
He loved the sun.
He loved to paint outdoors,
the out-of-doors.
He was living in his own ivory tower
of
beautiful landscapes
and vivid coloured flowers
and high-flying birds
and hues and shades and love
all around.
Maybe it was his escape-
from what was happening inside his head.
That plague-
his mental illnesses-
were.
With every brush stroke,
with every detail added,
he tried to overcome and beat his troubles..
..one-painting-at-a-time.
Art was his escape,
his Shangri-la.
Introspective and shy as he was,
art was the only medium he had to express-
his inner thoughts,
feelings and ideas.
And oh, was he good at it!
They say life imitates art.
In Vincent’s case
though,
the bright paintings
didn’t quite suit the darkness
he had in his life,
did they?
Safiya
He loved the sun.
He loved to paint outdoors,
the out-of-doors.
He was living in his own ivory tower
of
beautiful landscapes
and vivid coloured flowers
and high-flying birds
and hues and shades and love
all around.
Maybe it was his escape-
from what was happening inside his head.
That plague-
his mental illnesses-
were.
With every brush stroke,
with every detail added,
he tried to overcome and beat his troubles..
..one-painting-at-a-time.
Art was his escape,
his Shangri-la.
Introspective and shy as he was,
art was the only medium he had to express-
his inner thoughts,
feelings and ideas.
And oh, was he good at it!
They say life imitates art.
In Vincent’s case
though,
the bright paintings
didn’t quite suit the darkness
he had in his life,
did they?
Safiya
My Van Gogh
Recently I had the pleasant opportunity of visiting a gallery celebrating Van Gogh’s legacy, by showcasing his greatest works of art. So naturally, I felt like I had to write about how I see him, not just as an artist, but as a personality.
Bringing up Van Gogh in a discussion will definitely bring up, in my opinion, hateful comments about him like “he wasn’t an artist, he was a madman” or “he cut his ear, how can you take him seriously?”. The main problem of these is that they completely ignore the lack of mental health awareness in the 19th century.
The only solution was to visit an asylum/clinic, which he did, and hope for the best, while the doctors watch you steadily turn insane. To be honest, it is truly admirable that not only was he able to continue painting in the asylum, but he improved and continued improving until his death.
As to the reason of his worldwide fame (of course after his death like any other great artist), I think it derives from his innate ability to convey his thoughts or concerns through his paintings. That’s why you can easily match one of his quotes to one of his art pieces. Painting was his personal therapist, a haven where he could express his insecurities, without people blindly criticizing him. One could even say that it is for the better that his worldwide fame was posthumous, as people would have had tremendously high expectations from his paintings and possibly putting too much pressure on him.
Thankfully, many art enthusiasts are starting to appreciate him for what he was. I hope even more leave his problems aside and focus on his work, because at the end of the day, we all have our weaknesses.
George
Bringing up Van Gogh in a discussion will definitely bring up, in my opinion, hateful comments about him like “he wasn’t an artist, he was a madman” or “he cut his ear, how can you take him seriously?”. The main problem of these is that they completely ignore the lack of mental health awareness in the 19th century.
The only solution was to visit an asylum/clinic, which he did, and hope for the best, while the doctors watch you steadily turn insane. To be honest, it is truly admirable that not only was he able to continue painting in the asylum, but he improved and continued improving until his death.
As to the reason of his worldwide fame (of course after his death like any other great artist), I think it derives from his innate ability to convey his thoughts or concerns through his paintings. That’s why you can easily match one of his quotes to one of his art pieces. Painting was his personal therapist, a haven where he could express his insecurities, without people blindly criticizing him. One could even say that it is for the better that his worldwide fame was posthumous, as people would have had tremendously high expectations from his paintings and possibly putting too much pressure on him.
Thankfully, many art enthusiasts are starting to appreciate him for what he was. I hope even more leave his problems aside and focus on his work, because at the end of the day, we all have our weaknesses.
George
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My Vincent Van GoghLoading...
Vincent Van Gogh is considered by many to be one of the best painters of its time. He was born on March 30, 1853 in Zundert, Holland, and even though he had little success during his lifetime, his paintings are now sold into auctions for millions of dollars. Undoubtedly, he was a really talented painter and he managed to paint more than 100 paintings in just 10 years. However, what impressed me the most about him was the fact that even though he was a mental ill person, suffering from depression, he still continued to paint, capturing the world from his own point of view, while other people wouldn't even have the energy to get out of the bed . In my eyes, he is overall a very sensitive and strong person and I wish that more people will appreciate and realize how great his art is.Katerina N.
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Van Gogh & Dr Gachet:G: - What are you doing Vincent?
V: - I am painting your portrait. Now stand still!
G: - Why would you paint me? I am just an old and wrinkly man, you should be painting other people,
younger and more beautiful.
V: - Well I want to paint you. Will you stand still please, I am almost finished.
G: - You are an odd man Vincent.
V: - And that’s why I am here with you.
Katerina F.
Imaginary dialogues between Van Gogh & Dr Gachet
Paul: Hey! Is there anything you want to talk about today?
Vincent: Hi...
Paul: What's going on? Why are you so skeptical?
Vincent: *sighs*
Okay...here is the thing...so I was thinking about painting something new...
Paul: Umm...What about a Wheatfield? You haven't done that yet, have you?
Vincent: I WAS NOT FINISHED!
Paul: Okay...I'm sorry...keep going...
Vincent: So...as I was saying...I was thinking about painting something new and this idea came up to my mind.
Paul: So, what is it?
Vincent: What if I draw you? You know... your portrait.
Paul: Yeah...that is not going to happen...
Vincent: Come on Paul! You might become famous one day! *laughs*
Paul: Oh yeah? In that case when are we starting?
*both burst into laughter*
Katerina N.
Dr Gachet - Hello Vincent. How do you do?
Is there anything you need?
Vincent van Gogh - I am feeling pretty good these days doctor. I need you to take a look at this painting.
Dr Gachet - Oh, okay, let me see it
Vincent.
Vincent van Gogh - Ηere it is.
Doctor- That person reminds me of someone.Mm... hold on a second, if I am not mistaken is that me?
Vincent van Gogh - Of course doctor. This portrait represents a serious, responsible but also caring and trustworthy man, just like you. It is dedicated to you and reflects your own, unique personality.
Doctor- Vincent, I am feeling deeply honored to appear in one of your paintings.
Vincent van Gogh- Outside of the asylum, my soul breathes calm and peace. Nevertheless, I couldn't think of the vogue and my dreams, but the rising flames of your kindness. I would like you to keep this painting.
Doctor- Vincent, I have no words to express my gratitude. Thank you. From now on, every time I will be looking this painting, my memories will always come back to your beautiful act.
Andriana
Is there anything you need?
Vincent van Gogh - I am feeling pretty good these days doctor. I need you to take a look at this painting.
Dr Gachet - Oh, okay, let me see it
Vincent.
Vincent van Gogh - Ηere it is.
Doctor- That person reminds me of someone.Mm... hold on a second, if I am not mistaken is that me?
Vincent van Gogh - Of course doctor. This portrait represents a serious, responsible but also caring and trustworthy man, just like you. It is dedicated to you and reflects your own, unique personality.
Doctor- Vincent, I am feeling deeply honored to appear in one of your paintings.
Vincent van Gogh- Outside of the asylum, my soul breathes calm and peace. Nevertheless, I couldn't think of the vogue and my dreams, but the rising flames of your kindness. I would like you to keep this painting.
Doctor- Vincent, I have no words to express my gratitude. Thank you. From now on, every time I will be looking this painting, my memories will always come back to your beautiful act.
Andriana
My Vincent Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh was a talented painter born in 1853, Van Gogh showed interest in painting from a young age and eventually in 1881 started painting. With some encouragement from his younger brother, Van Gogh managed to and an inspiration to many people, me included. Even in the early years of his life, Van Gogh was always described as a serious and quiet child. He later grew up to become depressed due to work and personal problems.
Though, Van Gogh years later managed to get over his problems and with the help of his younger brother Theo to get back on his feet.Many people who met Van Gogh, described him as a “madman” and a failure but I never saw him like that. Of course the truth is that he went through many difficult times during his life but “a failure” is definitely not the right word for him. On the contrary, in my opinion, the fact that even though he was going through all this managed to become and excellent artist and create hundreds beautiful paintings. This is why to this day Van Gogh remains one of the best artist of all time very memorable and exquisite works of art.
Though, Van Gogh years later managed to get over his problems and with the help of his younger brother Theo to get back on his feet.Many people who met Van Gogh, described him as a “madman” and a failure but I never saw him like that. Of course the truth is that he went through many difficult times during his life but “a failure” is definitely not the right word for him. On the contrary, in my opinion, the fact that even though he was going through all this managed to become and excellent artist and create hundreds beautiful paintings. This is why to this day Van Gogh remains one of the best artist of all time very memorable and exquisite works of art.
What I like most about his paintings is his experimentation with light and different materials, his intense colors and movement. Though as intense and passionate Van Gogh may was, on July 27th , 1890 he gave into his problems and his depression took over making him shoot himself in the chest, causing his death about two days after the incident. Thanks to his brother’s wife, Jo, years after his death Van Gogh’s work and he himself, finally got the recognition they deserved. To this day Van Gogh’s paintings are sold for millions of dollars and he is known from everyone around the world. Vincent Van Gogh is an inspiration to make people and one of the most famous artists ever lived. He created around 2.100 pieces of art and made himself a great accomplished artist while struggling with many mental and personal problems. For this reason I see Van Gogh a great role model who has proven to the world that as hard as someone’s life is, they can always make a difference and for this alone I think Vincent Van Gogh should be an example to us all.
Katerina F.
Katerina F.
- Good morning Vincent! How are you today?
- Good morning Dr Gachet! What a fine day today! I’m eager to start a new painting today. Please sit there, near the table.
- Thank you, Vincent. Glad that you are feeling well today.
- Dr Gachet, don’t move…..., stay still.
- Why?
- Because I just decided to paint your portrait. The way you sit, the look in your eyes, the light on those yellow books on the table …. It’s just
perfect! Let me grab my palette and my brushes!
- Vincent, I don’t believe how fast you paint! It seems to me that you’re striking a little bit hard this canvas with your brush. Slow down!
- My friend, I must catch the moment!! I must work fast. Please stay still!
- Vincent, I hope that my portrait will be as beautiful as I am! Ha, ha!
- Don’t worry …when I finish this portrait, all the world will know what you really are Dr Gachet!
- What Vincent?
- ….MY FRIEND PAUL!!!
Dora
- Good morning Dr Gachet! What a fine day today! I’m eager to start a new painting today. Please sit there, near the table.
- Thank you, Vincent. Glad that you are feeling well today.
- Dr Gachet, don’t move…..., stay still.
- Why?
- Because I just decided to paint your portrait. The way you sit, the look in your eyes, the light on those yellow books on the table …. It’s just
perfect! Let me grab my palette and my brushes!
- Vincent, I don’t believe how fast you paint! It seems to me that you’re striking a little bit hard this canvas with your brush. Slow down!
- My friend, I must catch the moment!! I must work fast. Please stay still!
- Vincent, I hope that my portrait will be as beautiful as I am! Ha, ha!
- Don’t worry …when I finish this portrait, all the world will know what you really are Dr Gachet!
- What Vincent?
- ….MY FRIEND PAUL!!!
Dora