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
~~~~~~~~~~~
"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
~~~~~~~~~~~
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
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...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
~~~~~~~~~~~
"I dream of painting and then I paint my dream."
Vincent Van Gogh
~~~~~~~~~~~
"When I have a terrible need of - shall I say the word - religion. Then I go out and paint the stars."
Vincent Van Gogh
~~~~~~~~~~~
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
~~~~~~~~~~~
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
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!
ReplyDeleteThis is exceptional, Dean!
ReplyDeleteThis piece is So good from the execution to the information all wrapped up . Thank you Dean for showing us how. : )
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful painting! Your collection of Van Gogh´s words, let us better understand, why he was such a special artist. Great!
ReplyDeleteAnother Van Gogh fan here, Dean. This piece is truly magnificent. What a gem!
ReplyDeleteDean, 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.
ReplyDeleteA lovely and well-thought out painting, Dean! And thank you for the information on Vincent's dreams.
ReplyDeletegreat concept Dean. Well dreamt.
ReplyDeleteGosh Dean, this is terrific. And wonderful quotes from a great artist! Lucky Dana.
ReplyDeleteVery well done Dean. Lucky Dana
ReplyDelete!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete