Post-Impressionism--Van+Gogh--section+2

Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) Post- Impressionism

Post impressionism is an art movement from the 19th century in which artists influenced by impressionism made art in their own way using arbitrary colors and geometric forms. Post impressionists tried to move past impressionist styles although they still used thick amounts of paint and distinctive brush strokes. The style of post impressionist art varies by artist. Works are usually landscapes and still lives. Vincent van Gogh, one of the world’s most popular artists was also one of the most popular post impressionist painters. Van Gogh led a very unhappy life starting off with troubles with women. He scared women, and became infatuated with the Bible. Studying in Paris, after a heated argument van Gogh partially cut off his ear lobe and was sent for treatment. Van Gogh suffered from depression, and was admitted into many psychiatric centers throughout the later part of his life. After being released his depression increased, and he shot himself in the chest at the age of thirty seven and died two days later.



A Starry Night (1889) Being one of the most well known paintings, Van Gogh’s “//A Starry Night//” is one of his most famous works ever. Painted with many long swirly stokes, this work has a well balanced contrast between dark and bright colors. The strokes suggest a “tormented soul”. The subject matter of this painting is the view of the Saint-Remy village from van Gogh’s room at the asylum. The paintings very dark vibe is due to van Gogh’s behavior and emotional state at the time. “//The Starry Night//” has been the inspiration for many works today including Anne Sexton’s poem “//The Starry Night//”, Giancarlo’s composition titled “//Starry Night//”, and Don McLean’s song “//Vincent//”. This painting shows the post impressionist style because of the distinguishing brush strokes, layers of paint, choice of color, and shadow.



Wheatfield and Crows (1890) “//Wheatfield and Crows//” is one of the last completed works by van Gogh. Known as his most powerful work, some see it as his “suicide note”. The main theme of this painting is loneliness, something van Gogh battled for years. Included in a letter were the words //"They are vast fields of wheat under troubled skies, and I did not need to go out of my way to try to express sadness and extreme loneliness. I hope you will see them soon--for I hope to bring them to you in Paris as soon as possible, since I almost think that these canvases will tell you what I cannot say in words, the health and restorative forces that I see in the country”.// Van Gogh presented both a still scene and landscape at the same time, clearly making it a post impressionist painting. The brush strokes going in many different directions are very hectic. Van Gogh’s use of dark and bright colors contrasts with the use of profound shadow shows the sad message of feeling and emotion behind the painting.

Overview of Vincent van Gogh Paintings featuring "Vincent" by Don McLean media type="youtube" key="wqmjpijM7w8" height="385" width="480" Amanda Brauer.