At 27 years of age
Vincent Van Gogh began to pursue a career as an artist. Many of his earliest paintings, created in the Netherlands where he was born, depict landscapes
around sunset. The sunset and nighttime landscapes followed the traditions of Dutch landscapes painted by artists such as Rembrandt as well as the Barbison painters of France.
Between 1883 and 1885 Van Gogh focused his artist attention on the life of peasants. He believed that these laborers were closer to nature and the cycles of life than other people. His first major work was created during this period. The Potato Eaters shows a peasant family gathered around the table for their evening meal.
In 1888 Van Gogh moved to Arles and his painting became full of vibrant color. He turned from the darker nighttime paintings to paintings that focused more on the setting gold of the sun. During this period he painted scenes of peasants sowing and harvesting in fields. His paintings became very symbolic focusing on the cycles of life and death.
Throughout Van Gogh’s career his paintings were mostly painted from sight, Van Gogh did not like relying on imagination for his paintings however, in 1889 and 1890 he began to fuse observation and imagination. An example of his work at this time is The Starry Night.
Search here to find a print of Van Gogh's famous
Starry Night. You can also find other popular Van Gogh prints as well as art prints from other well known artists.
