A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Art Show

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?
~ Vincent Van Gogh

I like many of the paintings by famous Dutch post-Impressionist artist, Vincent Van Gogh. So when Hubby and I learned a Van Gogh Museum Edition Tour was coming to a city near us, we made definite plans to take it in. After all, Van Gogh is one of the world's most celebrated artists, with such famous works as Vase with Sunflowers, The Starry Night and Irises, St. Remy to his credit. Who knows when we'd get to visit the whole collection at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

So off we went one afternoon not that long ago. We arrived at the entrance where the friendly fellow at the desk engaged in a little light conversation as we inquired after tickets. He looked up at us and said to Rick, "I see you brought your daughter with you." We all chuckled, and he proceeded to ask how I got to be out of school since it was the middle of the afternoon. A little more repartee as we finally got our tickets and the info that a little tour and lecture would be happening in about an hour from then. He suggested we could do a quick tour on our own, go have tea, and then return in time for the tour/lecture as our tickets were good for the whole day. So that's what we did.

Feeling refreshed from a nice cup of tea, we arrived back at the entry of the art show, the same fellow was there. I assumed after such a cheery conversation of not that long ago, he'd certainly remember us and so we wondered if we needed to show him our tickets again. He shuffles and puts his head down, say he's not so good with faces, but he does remember my jacket ... I was wearing a lovely teal blue-green leather jacket which he said really caught his eye as he loved the colour.

Ha ... as we went inside I wasn't sure if I should be offended or not. After all that and now he says doesn't really remember faces but he remembers my jacket. Were we a teeny bit disappointed? Of course we were. I guess I was hoping I was bit more memorable than my jacket.

Yet what could we do but laugh? And I still chuckle as I think of it now. In spite of that little turn out, we enjoyed the tour very much.

Wheatfield Under Thunderclouds

Although it's a lesser known painting, I must admit one of my favourites by this artist is the one above: Wheatfield Under Thunderclouds. I love all that blue splashed across the canvas as I truly love big open landscapes where skies are filled with light and dark as storm clouds gather -- must be the prairie girl in me, I guess.

Did you know that Van Gogh began painting in his mid-twenties, and in a single decade produced more than 2,100 artworks? That makes my head spin, and I feel a moment of lament that some people are so very focused and able to accomplish so much in so little time, yet I am not one of them.

Of course, Mr. Van Gogh did say once, "I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process." He had admitted himself into an asylum at some point and he dealt with dark times in his life. Apparently the verdict is still out on whether or not he actually committed suicide.  So maybe I don't want to be quite that focused.

Almond Blossom

Another painting I love is Almond Blossom. One often sees this wonderful piece reproduced on mugs, calendars, journals, and even t-shirts. I love these colours and the joyful feeling this piece gives. I also love the journal with this painting on the covers. What fun to write in. Some people have also created fabric using this pattern and so I was well pleased to find a pretty cotton t-shirt in a ShopBBC catalog.

And, so that's what happened on the way to the art show and while we were at the art show. A lovely afternoon enjoying the beauty and creativity of one special man. By the way, I read a book with some of his published letters and it was a fascinating read. I loved the peek inside this man, whose life and art has touched many ... I'm grateful for what he shared with the world in his short life.

Wishing you all a beautiful rest of the day,

Brenda

xox

Linking up with Judith on Mosaic Monday