On Van Gogh and the ‘It’ Factor

Vincent_van_Gogh_-_Undergrowth_with_Two_Figures_(F773)

Undergrowth with Two Figures (my favorite Van Gogh)

Last year I went to the Becoming Van Gogh exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. It was brilliantly laid out, a chronological journey through his growth as an artist. The exhibit showcased how Van Gogh honed his craft and ultimately became the acclaimed artist we know of, from sketches he did as an adolescent to beginning paintings from his late twenties and finishing with the exceptional paintings at the end of his career.

That’s right, Van Gogh didn’t start painting until he was in his late twenties and decided to be an artist. He focused on improving his technical skills, teaching himself by working through a drawing course guidebook and by dabbling with different mediums. He once took a class where the instructor told him he wasn’t good enough and would never amount to anything. Fortunately, he didn’t listen.

But what really struck me about Van Gogh, what I found to be so inspirational, was seeing how much he improved as an artist. He worked hard, constantly challenging himself to get better, even integrating Japanese woodblock techniques into his art. And all the while, he stuck to his unique style of painting with broad brush strokes, and his studies in color-theory. Van Gogh persevered, became a master, and eventually helped create an entirely new style of art, expressionism.

When I first sat down to write a novel five years ago, I wanted to see if I had it. It being a natural talent which would make me the next J.K. Rowling, that unknown factor that makes success a certainty. I now know there’s much more to it than having it. It’s more about work ethic, pushing myself to continue learning the craft, and gumption.

For his artistic journey and innovation, and of course his beautiful artwork, Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists.

Which artists have inspired you?

What I’m reading: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (supposedly one of the best books of the year)

What I’m listening to: Skyrim Soundtrack (beautiful background music; only downside, now I want to play Skyrim!)

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