Van Gogh produced more than 2,000 works in his lifetime – roughly 900 paintings and 1,100 drawings and sketches. I’ve been very fortunate to have seen much of his work while in Amsterdam (I’ve been there on four separate occasions). I first saw his work at the “State” museum and then at the Van Gogh Museum.

Interestingly, he was a prolific artist during the last ten years of his life, and most of his best-known works were produced in the final two years of his life. He was a bit crazy and eventually cut off part of his left ear following a breakdown in his friendship with Paul Gauguin. After this he suffered recurrent bouts of mental illness, which led to his suicide. What a life.

The German impressionists of the early 20th Century hailed him as the holy grail of modern painting. What ever. I’m not convinced that Van Gogh is “all that” but I do want to attempt his style and have begun my own “chair” painting. His work is inspiring and I certainly appreciate his style and bold use of color. I’ll publish my own “chair” once completed.

Later.

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