Almond Blossoms by Vincent Van Gogh
By Ritika Tiwari Saturday, April 01, 2017 Art, AtoZChallenge
I never thought I would talk about paintings on my blog and take part in daily blog challenges, but here I am trying to beat the odds.
Though, there couldn’t be a better way to start the AtoZ Challenge, than by this amazing painting by Vincent Van Gogh, which is also one of my favourites.
Before we go into the painting, I just want you to soak its beauty in - The delicate flowers and the gorgeous blue shade.
This post is part of the AtoZ Challenge where I have chosen my theme as Post Impressionism Art. So, let’s dive into the basics before I rave about the painting.
What is Post Impressionism Art?
For that, you have to understand Impressionism Art where artists would use their paintings as their visual expressions. They would shift the lighting, colour, and composition of the objects to depict how they were feeling. Basically, that meant drawing those weird paintings where nobody knows whats happening and everyone has their own interpretation.
But that didn’t sit well with artists like Paul Gauguin, Henri Rousseau, and Vincent Van Gogh. They wanted to paint objects as they were, but just use different colours to express their emotions. And that is how Post Impressionism Art was born. Of course, later on, more artists joined in.
Coming back to the painting - The Almond Blossoms
Vincent made this painting when he got a letter from his brother telling him he had just had a son, and decided to name him after Vincent himself.
The blooming flowers of the almond tree in this painting signify a new life, and when I saw this the first time, I could almost feel the positivity beaming through the painting.
Van Gogh was heavily inspired by nature and its changing colours, and that is evident in his other paintings as well. But the blue backdrop here is just something else.
To be honest, I have never seen a blue like this - So bright and yet so calming
When I zoomed into the painting, I realized, there isn’t just one shade of blue - there are several. It seems like Van Gogh went around the outline of the blossoms with a lighter shade, and that is probably what gives the painting its charm.
Vincent was suffering from depression all his life. Some say he just had mental issues that went undiagnosed, others say he couldn’t handle the rejection because he never got the recognition as an artist during his lifetime.
But to be able to keep all that on the side and draw such amazing and positive paintings is awe inspiring to me. What makes this all the more precious is the fact that he painted this just 6 months before his death.
What the Almond Blossoms means to me
Something else that I absolutely love about this painting is that Van Gogh didn’t want to make the flowers look ‘beautiful’, he just wanted them to look as they were.
Personally, this painting is a symbol of hope and positivity. It makes me feel that even when you are surrounded by chaos or depression, a small good news can change your thoughts, for the better.
I hope I can study and analyze more paintings in the coming days, I am not sure if I can finish the challenge, but I will try my best.
This post is a part of the A2Z Challenge I am doing, if you want to check all the A2Z posts, just click here
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35 comments
Fantastic start to your challenge.
ReplyDeleteI really like Van Gogh. His paintings are so unique and so vibrant. I love his colours and the movement in his paintings. He was truly a revutionalist. No surprise contemporaries couldn't understand him.
I'm not sure I've ever seen this painting of his before, but you are right. It inspires positivity.
@JazzFeathers
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Hi Sarah
DeleteYes so true! Contemporaries could never really understand him. But the great thing is - atleast his family did not give up on him
I know least about paintings! However, you have given a good enough information for noobs like me. Interesting theme, I must admit. All the best for the challenge :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Anmol :)
DeleteTerrific start to the challenge. And what a gorgeous picture. This is going to be a great challenge for your theme!
ReplyDeleteCalen~
Impromptu Promptlings
I hope so!
DeleteThis is absolutely amazing. I don't mean the painting but the effort you've put into explaining it. Love this. Rest assured, I'm coming back every day.
ReplyDeleteThank you Roshan. Just trying educate myself and spread the knowledge.
DeletePersonally, I am more interesting in the story behind the painting than the painting itself
wonderful theme full of life and positivty
ReplyDeletewell written. Thanks for sharing Amazing Guide to your First Menstrual Period
Thanks a lot :)
DeleteI love Van Gogh's paintings, and this is one of my favorites. That blue is absolutely divine, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThe blue is magical !
DeleteWow! Your introduction to Impressionism and Post-Impressionism Art is fantastic! I loved the way you explained the thought behind the Almond Blossom painting, and obviously, the painting as well. I have never had the chance to analyse art, and even if I did, I wouldn't have an eye for details like you do.
ReplyDeleteAmazing post, Ritika! :)
Well, this month, we can both learn together ;)
DeleteExplaining impressionism art is difficult yet you did it so perfectly. Great start
ReplyDeleteThanks Tina
DeleteI like Van Gogh and this one has beautiful shades of blue. I painted my first abstract art with similar blue. Nice to stumble upon your blog at #AtoZChallenge. Stay connected.
ReplyDeleteReally? I would love to see that!
DeleteA beautiful painting by a truly talented artist. Looking forward to reading more of your posts this month!
ReplyDelete-Laura at World's Coolest Jobs
Thanks Laura! Glad you liked it
DeleteAbsolutely stunning! I do not know anything about Art and I think I will be learning a lot from your posts, this April.
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Thanks Shalzz
DeleteHey, as promised I am back to check out your A to Z musings. Van Gogh has got to be my favorite artist and I feel sad for the rejection he suffered. Alas, every one of us who is gifted with unique abilities is rejected by society and suffers an enjoyable; yet grim, madness! (I am going to make a quote graphic out of that! HAHA)
ReplyDeleteI have a special love for blossoms. They're so simple and delicate and yet they arrive with a beautiful message and such beauty. We have the Cherry Blossoms blooming in large numbers here in Washington D.C. and I had a chance to take some beautiful photos. I'll share.
Do visit my Letter A post at Abbie's Adventure Diaries
Yeah you are right. We put so much attention of what society thinks of us that we absolutely forget that its about what we believe and our faith in our work
DeleteGreat theme! I love Van Gogh, wrote a paper about his life in college and have been hooked ever since. Nice post!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add my blog.
DeleteMissives From Missouri
Same here Pat :)
DeleteSuch a breathtaking painting and an evocative description too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shailaja
DeleteI love this painting. I have a framed print of it. I never knew the story behind it though. Very lovely. And it is amazing he was able to portray such beauty even amid depression.
ReplyDeleteMagical and Medicinal Herbs: Ash
Wow! That's amazing Sara. Glad I could share the story with you
DeleteThat's mesmerizing and your interpretation of this painting as beautiful as the piece itself.
ReplyDeleteThanks Medha
DeleteWonderful description of this great painting and it is one of my favourites. I love that blue with a hint of green. It works so well with the subtle pinks of the blossoms. I believe he probably was bi-polar plus had other issues on top. Thank God Theo was always there for him
ReplyDeleteWhat a great start to your A-Z challenge. You've kicked off with a Van Gogh that I've not seen before. And it's a true beauty. Lovely to learn the story behind it - thank you.
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