Though his work was almost entirely ignored during his lifetime, Vincent van Gogh is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in Western art. Much of what we know about his artistic process and personal struggles comes from his writings, excerpted here.
Even still, there remains much myth and mystery surrounding his turbulent story, and his paintings, drawings and prints have been widely examined and debated. Each multimillion- dollar auction sale, stolen masterpiece and uncovered forgery has added to his fame.
Largely self-taught, Van Gogh credited his artistic development to his intense study and faithful reproduction of works by other master artists.
“It interests me enormously to make copies … I set myself to it by chance, and I find that it teaches.”
Coni Preacher, art teacher at Pineview Elementary School, has challenged her students to become scholars of Van Gogh by re-creating some of his most beloved works. Using art supplies purchased with an art education grant from the Council on Culture & Arts, students were able to explore Van Gogh’s world. Kindergartners and first-graders focused on his sunflowers, second- and third-graders dove into “The Starry Night,” fourth-graders concentrated on “Irises,” and fifth-graders studied his self-portraits and chair still life.
“Each artist paints differently, and there’s a reason why they paint that way,” Preacher said. “If you want to understand the way an artist paints, re-create what he was doing. You also need to know a little bit about what he was going through.”
“As we advance in life it becomes more and more difficult, but in fighting the difficulties the inmost strength of the heart is developed.”
Van Gogh famously struggled with mental illness, and Preacher showed extreme sensitivity when broaching the subject with her students. “Some classes picked up on it quickly.
Some classes, that part went right over their heads. I told them, ‘Everybody gets sad sometimes, for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes people are sad for weeks and go to the doctor. They need help to overcome being sad. Sometimes people turn to art, like Van Gogh did. It’s really important to find what makes you happy and that’s what you need to do.’ ” “In my view, I am often immensely rich, not in money, but because I have found my metier, something I can devote myself to heart and soul and that gives inspiration and meaning to my life.”
Art making provides a source of joy for fourthgrader Akaria Owens, and she dedicated her full attention to the Van Gogh project. “I love doing art and I love making pictures. I stay focused and I don’t talk to my partners or anything. I take my time so it’s not messy. When I was painting, I was like, ‘Wow, this is a very good picture, so far.’ ” “I’m doing my very best to put all my energy into it, for I long so much to make beautiful things. But beautiful things require effort — and disappointment and perseverance.”
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