This paper is aimed at examining the artistic works that Vincent van Gogh created during the last eight years of his life. During this period, this painter was able to elaborate many of his techniques. Moreover, he succeeded in developing a distinct style of painting that distinguished him among other artists. In particular, one can speak about thick layers of paint and vivid colors.
At first, one can mention such as work as The Potato Eaters which was painted in 1885. At that time, van Gogh followed the principles outlined by the so-called Barbizon school. The representatives of this school were interested in the depiction of rural life. In turn, van Gogh portrays peasants who are eating potatoes.
The artist strives to show that the characters were reduced to virtually sub-human condition. The main attribute of this painting is its dark palette because it highlights the depressing life of people depicted by the artist. Another aspect which should be considered is the course brushwork applied by the painter. This picture is one of the first works that attracted the attention of artists and critics to van Gogh.
Additionally, it is possible to say that Van Gogh attempted to create still life paintings such as A Pair of Shoes. It is quite clearly that the shoes depicted by the author are well-worn or even shabby.
To a great extent, these objects symbolize the harsh life of travelling artist. The painter is able to use different shades of grey and yellow in order to illustrate the texture of this footwear. To a great extent, this painting illustrates van Gogh’s ability to depict objects in a very realistic manner. Additionally, the viewers can see that the author pays much attention to the depiction of light and shadow.
Furthermore, one should focus on the paintings which were created during van Gogh’s stay in Arles, because these works illustrate a significant breakthrough in the career of this artist, For example, it is possible to refer to such a painting as Starry Night. Van Gogh is able to create a beautiful description of the night skies.
The painter uses various shades of blue; one can see that the artist attaches much importance to the representation of color during night. Furthermore, the artist skillfully demonstrates the difference between artificial and natural light. Moreover, a closer examination of this painting indicates that van Gogh users several layers of paint and this technique is one of his trademarks. This work marked van Gogh as one of the best landscape painters.
Furthermore, it is possible to mention such a painting A Wheatfield with Cypresses which was completed in 1889. The author describes the fields of wheat which has already become ripe. The most important element of this picture is the use of impasto or the use of thick layers of paint. Additionally, the artist is able to illustrate various shades of white and yellow. In particular, one can speak about the so-called of zinc white. These are the main aspects that can be distinguished.
On the whole, this discussion indicates that van Gogh’s artistic career can be described as the creative search during which the painter experimented with various techniques, genres, and themes. However, at the end, the author succeeded in producing a unique style which enabled him to stand out among artists. In particular, his rich palette and brushwork are now recognized by the majority of art critics. These are the main details that can be distinguished.