Month: January 2009

I am currently reading The Yellow House: Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Nine Turbulent Weeks in Arles by Martin Gayford. Based on research, letters, and art Gayford has written a very intriguing novel-like account of the months that Van Gogh and Gauguin lived together. As an artist, it is very insightful always to get into the mind of another artist. Van Gogh and Gaugain differed greatly on a number of artistic philosophies, and the dialogue between them is priceless. I have blogged about Van Gogh before, and I want to really recommend this book to artists and creative thinkers alike. It is intellectually gratifying as well as a stunning story.

The simple act of drawing these trees as frequently as I have been has brought what I consider to be simple clarity and focus to my work.  I believe that the paintings I am working on now will represent a dramatic shift in my approach.  Part of art is accepting the terms of the process.  I could not do what I do now without what I have done.  As I grow and develop as a person, so does my work grow along side me.