“The way to know life is to love many things.”
~Vincent Van Gogh.
To say this man was misunderstood is an understatement. To say there were probably many reasons for that, again, is an understatement. To associate this great artist with the phenomena of color is quite obvious. Vincent lived and breathed color and he is this month’s colorful person.
Vincent Van Gogh, a man never appreciated in his lifetime is one of the most well-known artists today. His work has inspired many and his story is certainly sad and compelling. He was one of history’s tragic figures. He gave so much and got so little in return. I must admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for this man, this person who saw beyond reality, who shared his profound soul with his beautiful art and lost his mind in the process.
“I wish they would only take me as I am.”
Vincent Van Gogh.
In essence he was lonely. To him probably the loneliest person in the world. I can certainly identify with the feeling. Vincent was misunderstood and alone in an unforgiving and harsh world. I can understand being totally consumed and compelled by one’s art to devote oneself so fully to it….only to be ignored. Vincent wanted to share his beauty with the world and in his lifetime the only person who truly cared about him was his brother Theo. It was Theo who supported Vincent monetarily and enabled Vincent to keep painting.
Ever since I first beheld a Van Gogh I have been entranced with these genuine masterpieces. His paintings embrace the soul of color. They inspire me and I cannot get enough of their imperfect beauty.
Vincent Van Gogh made the world a better place, a lovelier place. Perhaps it was his suffering which enhanced his vision. His devotion to his craft was more than apparent in his work.
It is through this story of Vincent Van Gogh that has allowed me to realise just how fleeting life can be and how beauty and talent can endure beyond the life of the artist. It is due to his story, this wild man of color that I have learned not to be so judgemental. Who knows what hidden talent and beauty lies behind the eyes of any random stranger I may encounter. Everyone has something wonderful about them. It is the norms of society that at times does not fully appreciate this, but I try to. For Vincent’s sake and for mine.
~Strawberryindigo.
“One may have a blazing hearth in one’s soul and yet no one ever came to sit by it. Passers-by see only a wisp of smoke from the chimney and continue on their way.”
~Vincent Van Gogh♥
Want to know more?
Vincent (Starry Starry Night) By Don McLean (youtube) *A sadly beautiful song*
Vincent Van Gogh (Wikipedia)
Related VINCENT articles
Favorite Song: “Vincent” or “Starry, Starry Night” by Don McLean. (dshenai.wordpress.com)
The Expressive Vincent van Gogh (segmation.wordpress.com)
Daily Love Quote: #7 (Vincent van Gogh) (skillcode.wordpress.com)
Vincent Van Gogh (kfwright2013.wordpress.com)
Van Gogh Self Portrait (sonofishmael.wordpress.com)
Mourning, Moving to the Stars (rennashesso.wordpress.com)
Vincent Van Gogh (mikechampioncoombes.wordpress.com)
Thanks for the pingback!
LikeLike
🙂 Thank you for this post … his work has always inspired me to bond with nature 🙂
LikeLike
Great post. If only he knew how much his paintings are worth now…… I love his paintings and his quotes, especailly this one :“The way to know life is to love many things.”
~Vincent Van Gogh
LikeLike
Hello Utesmile: Thanks so much and thanks for sharing such a wonderful quote…what a talent he was…
LikeLike
The last quotation about the hearth in one’s soul hit me in the heart. I agree, Nancy, judge not. Judgment causes us to walk by the hearths of beautiful souls. Lovely tribute. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
LikeLike
Hey Kozo, It has taken me years not to be so judgemental, it is easy to do. Thanks for being such a kind soul. {{{HUGS BACK}}}
LikeLike
My favorite impressionist. Love his work.
LikeLike
Mine too, Dani Lynn. What an artist…what a poor tortured soul…
LikeLike
You must go to the Musee D’Orsay in Paris! They have a whole room of his paintings including self-portraits painted over many years. You can see the heartache and despondency descend as the years go by. By the time I got to the last self-portrait tears were flowing down my face. His anguish is so palpable. Strangely, Van Gogh is someone who helps me remain hopeful and optimistic. His life shows that you have no way of knowing what impact your life will have.
There was a wonderful Dr. Who episode where The Doctor brought Vincent to the present to see how now he is respected as an artist and how his paintings are loved and honored. If only that could really happen, so that Vincent’s anguish could be eased.
LikeLike
Oh Janet. You have a beautiful soul, you know. I thought I was the only one who wept upon seeing his original work…I would love to go to Paris someday and also the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. That would be a dream come true my friend. Yes, I agree if Vincent would have seen his impact on the world, it would have eased his anguish.
LikeLike
MOMA in NYC has Starry Night. I got to see it last summer. Seeing the textures of the brushstrokes was amazing. The sky and the stars seem alive.
LikeLike
Wow, Janet…I confess I am jealous. I have a copy hanging up and I try to imagine the brushstrokes….
LikeLike
Wonderful post… I was just talking about him the other day; how he was a bit lost in a world that didn’t understand him completely. Thank goodness for the love and support of his brother Theo. One of my favorite quotes of his: “Be clearly aware of the stars and infinity on high. Then life seems almost enchanted after all.”
LikeLike
Hey Fey Girl. Thanks for that, I have never heard that quote before, and thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
Wonderful post, Vincent van Gogh have been one of my absolutly favorite painters for many years – since I was about 14-15 years old… 😉
LikeLike
Hey Drake, me too. Vincent was a true talent and my favorite as well. 🙂
LikeLike
A very talented, tormented mind. I love your Iris header. It goes well with the subject.
LikeLike
Hi Seeker, Thanks. Yes, the talent and the torment….sometimes they do go hand and hand.
LikeLike
His sunflowers painting is one of my all-time favourites. At a summer school we once created an absolutely gigantic copy of it with our students. Lovely post Nancy!
LikeLike
Hello Cathy! I have a copy of the sunflowers hanging up in my house. The yellow is so cheery and so are you!
LikeLike
😉
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Deo Optimo Maximo.
LikeLike
and thanks for the reblog as well. 🙂
LikeLike
Excellent article! Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Thanks for thanking me!
LikeLike
Brilliant artist! Thanks for the share.
LikeLike
Hey Sheri. Nice to see you! Yes, Van Gogh was great. My favorite artist for sure. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Hanzeezeesndy’s Blog.
LikeLike
Thank you for the reblog!
LikeLike