A few years ago, I had the good fortune of seeing Van Gogh's Starry Night at a special exhibit at Atlanta's High Museum of Arts. Painted while Vincent was in the asylum at Saint-Rémy, the masterpiece features bright, bold strokes and paint piled so thickly (impasto) that the marks stand above the canvas.

Up close, my heart pounded at the detailed turbulence and pure beauty of Van Gogh's creation. How rich art is...
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BEAUTIFUL PICTURES...
"I think we can wait patiently for success to come; you will surely live to see it. It is necessary to get well known without obtruding oneself, and it will come of its own accord by reason of your beautiful pictures." ~ Theo Van Gogh, 1890

Most of Van Gogh's life was revealed in his painting and in letters to his brother, Theo, an art dealer and Vincent's greatest supporter. Less than a year after Van Gogh's suicide, Theo, at the age of 34, died in a Holland clinic.

Following Theo's death, his wife Jo kept the spirit of Vincent Van Gogh alive. She painstakingly cataloged and published over 680 letters between the brothers. She organized exhibits of the artist's work. Her dedication to the legacy paid off. Within ten years, collectors throughout Europe sought his paintings.
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LIVE MORE MUSICALLY...
"In the end we shall have had enough of cynicism, skepticism, and humbug, and we shall want to live more musically." ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Prolific British writer G. K. Chesterton once observed that "powerful men who have powerful passions use much of their strength in forging chains for themselves."

Whatever demons that plagued Vincent also inspired the beauty of his work. Whether capturing a still-life, portrait, or landscape, he celebrated the unquenchable spirit of his subject. Fame eluded him in life, but with a glorious legacy of over 800 oils, today his works ARE priceless visions of inspiration. What Vincent called "a blazing hearth in one's soul."

Blessings of aloha to you. Have a great week...
leialoha@dailycelebrations.com