Vincent Van Gogh’s Painting Career
Vincent Van Gogh (1853–1890) was a Dutch post-Impressionist painter whose work had a far-reaching influence on 20th-century art. Van Gogh is one of the most famous artists of all time, and his works are celebrated for their emotional power and vivid colors.
While Van Gogh produced over 2,000 art pieces during his lifetime, the vast majority of his career was spent painting. Van Gogh’s painting career lasted for only a decade, beginning in 1880 and ending in 1890 when he died.
Van Gogh’s First Works
Van Gogh began his painting career in 1880, encouraged by his brother Theo. At the time, he was living in Nuenen, the Dutch village where he had grown up. In Nuenen, Van Gogh painted mostly still lifes and landscapes of the countryside. These works, known as his Dutch period, feature thickly applied paint with dark tones and intense colors.
Van Gogh in Paris and Arles
In 1886, Van Gogh moved to Paris, where he encountered the works of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters. Inspired by the vibrant colors he saw in the works of these artists, Van Gogh developed a lighter color palette and began experimenting with techniques such as pointillism. He also began producing many of his most famous paintings, such as “The Starry Night” and “Portrait of Dr. Gachet”.
In 1888, Van Gogh moved to the town of Arles in southern France. Here he produced some of his best-known works, such as the “Sunflowers” series, “The Bedroom”, and “The Yellow House”. His works from this period are known for their energetic brushstrokes and lively colors.
End of Van Gogh’s Painting Career
Van Gogh’s painting career ended abruptly in 1890, when he tragically took his own life. At the time of his death, he had produced over 2,000 paintings and innumerable sketches, drawings, and prints.
Despite his short-lived painting career, Vincent Van Gogh has become one of the most celebrated artists in history. His works have inspired countless other artists and earned him a lasting legacy in the art world.
Summary
- Vincent Van Gogh’s painting career lasted for only a decade, beginning in 1880 and ending in 1890 when he died.
- Van Gogh began his painting career in 1880, producing mostly still lifes and landscapes in a dark and intense style.
- In 1886, Van Gogh moved to Paris and began experimenting with brighter colors and techniques, producing many of his most famous works.
- In 1888, Van Gogh moved to Arles, where he created some of his best-known paintings
- His painting career ended abruptly in 1890, when he tragically took his own life.
