Saturday, August 28, 2010

Van Gogh's "Starry Night"--Dean H.

Close ups


This is acrylic on gessoed paper in moleskin book...5 1/2 x 16 in. Also used a bit of ink work plus color pencil...Mixed media.

This is my contribution to Dana's book. She selected a dream theme. For a long while, I had no idea what to paint...until I slept on it, that is...Lol.

I don't know exactly what led me to think of "Starry Night" but as I read up on it, and Van Gogh, I knew this was a great solution to the dream theme.
The following is some interesting information and quotes that tie it all together...
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Van Gogh painted Starry Night while in an Asylum at Saint-Remy in 1889.

During Van Gogh's younger years (1876-1880) he wanted to dedicate his life to evangelization of those in poverty. Many believe that this religious endeavor may be reflected in the eleven stars of the painting. In Genesis 37:9 the following statement is made:

"And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me."
from Van Gogh Library
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"I dream of painting and then I paint my dream."
Vincent Van Gogh
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"When I have a terrible need of - shall I say the word - religion. Then I go out and paint the stars."
Vincent Van Gogh
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I experience a period of frightening clarity in those moments when nature is so beautiful. I am no longer sure of myself, and the paintings appear as in a dream.
Vincent Van Gogh
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Within a cropped version of "Starry Night" I superimposed a Van Gogh self portrait. The original portrait had anguished eyes and a down turned mouth. I modified it by closing his eyes and giving him a little smile...as in peaceful sleep...the land of a genius' dreams...

I hope you like it Dana!

NFS

11 comments:

  1. Oh Dean, thank you...when I saw this I thought, who is the lucky recipient of this painting, and lo and behold, it's me!! I'm really delighted by this because I am such a HUGE fan of Van Gogh. I love how you used my oddly shaped book and I appreciate the research and info about him, thank you, thank you, you are the best!

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  2. This piece is So good from the execution to the information all wrapped up . Thank you Dean for showing us how. : )

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  3. This is a wonderful painting! Your collection of Van Gogh´s words, let us better understand, why he was such a special artist. Great!

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  4. Another Van Gogh fan here, Dean. This piece is truly magnificent. What a gem!

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  5. Dean, it has always fascinated me that Van Gogh had studied religion.I remember learning about his painting "the potato eaters" and why he painted it (because he felt a kinship with the poorest people). Your painting gives him the credit he was due for caring for others..You've made him look like God-like. It is one of my favorites of yours.

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  6. A lovely and well-thought out painting, Dean! And thank you for the information on Vincent's dreams.

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  7. great concept Dean. Well dreamt.

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  8. Gosh Dean, this is terrific. And wonderful quotes from a great artist! Lucky Dana.

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  9. Very well done Dean. Lucky Dana

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