The actual timeline of Van Gogh and his creative output is often overlooked. To some he is just the ‘crazy’ artist that cut off his ear in a fit of passion, but Van Gogh was an artist that worked hard at his craft, and learnt from the art of his day and the world around him.

He picked up a brush with the aim of becoming an artist at the age of 27, incredibly late for a painter that became a master and died at the age of 37.

timeline Van Gogh as a painter

Pastor Van Gogh

He had spent his working life before his change in career, as a pastor, mainly surrounded by the poor. Through the patronage and support of his brother Theo, himself an art dealer, Van Gogh was able to devote his life to painting in the year 1880. He studied various techniques and practiced every day.

His first well-known painting would take him five years of study before it was produced, The Potato Eaters displayed the perspective he had gained in his first career, it focused on the poor, enjoying a meal together even though they have very little to share.

The painting is famous for its compassionate view of a scene that could have easily been seen another way.

Work Ethic

Amazingly all the pieces you associate with Van Gogh and his unique style were painted within the last two years of his life, and in those two years too he was in and out of asylums for his failing mental health.

He was incredibly productive and driven, often completing at least one canvas a day.

Like no other

Perversely Van Gogh only ever sold a couple of paintings to artist friends for small amounts, relying on Theo’s payments his whole life and never seeing the appreciation the public would eventually give his work.

Since then, he has touched people the world over and completely changed the landscape of the art world. There has never been anyone else like Vincent Van Gogh.

“To do good work one must eat well, be well housed, have one’s fling from time to time, smoke one’s pipe, and drink one’s coffee in peace.” Vincent Van Gogh  

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    02-09-2016 00:02     Comments ( 3 )
Comments (3)
 anonymous person -  19-01-2024

Van Gogh was very inspiring

 Anne Polu -  09-06-2023

van gogh was one o the greatest artist. I like the way he write a two cutting sunlower

 Anne Rittman -  09-07-2022

I am inspired by Van Gogh and his work. He is one of the worlds greatest artists.