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...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
Dean, 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, and I appreciate the research and info about him, thank you, thank you!
ReplyDeletecouldn't be more perfect, Dean. I love the idea of a tortured soul finding peace. Beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteOh my such a beautiful piece for this theme. I love the information you are giving us with it about VG, it is so perfect. This epitomizes this moleskins project. I love how you gave him peace through his dreams. Thank you for putting it all together and showing us His hand through Starry Night and the talent that made it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great piece.
ReplyDeletePerfect Dean for this theme : "Dream".
Goodness, you surely did put a lot of thought into such a beautiful painting! Lucky Dana!
ReplyDeleteGreat insight into Van Gogh! Brilliant Van oolours too!
ReplyDeleteDean, this is over the top wonderful! Van Gogh is one of my very favorite artists and I love the quotes you included with the dream theme. I'm in awe of artists who can introduce multiple mediums into a painting, this is beautifully executed!
ReplyDeleteAnother great Dean piece. Van Gogh is always a favorite, and you really did him justice here. The composition works so well with the panoramic page sizes.
ReplyDeleteWow, Dean, you really captured Van Gogh's style - beautiful piece, my friend.
ReplyDelete