I came across a book last week that stunned me. It was so simple in its format but so complex and passionate in its content. For the past year, my husband and I have been downsizing. I’ve sold, donated and given away my books to make space for our new life. I’m into electronic versions of books now. That is until I came across a book that reminded me that all we need is creative inspiration.
Vincent Van Gogh ∼ Creative Inspiration
How can I not love this book? The title has my favorite subject paired with my favorite artist. After reading Vincent Van Gogh ∼ Creative Inspiration on my Kindle, I then ordered the hardcover version. This is a book I want to smell, touch and hold close. And I want to be able to flip a page at any time and gain some inspiration.
I cried when I read this book. To know that this tortured soul “got it.” He understood that practice and repeat were such an important part of his life’s work. Although he didn’t consider it work, he considered it his passion. In one quote, he writes of only painting flowers for a year so that he could get used to colors.
The book is a beautiful concept. It juxtaposes an excerpt from one of his letters against one of the sketches or preliminary paintings that he did. You will not find his famous work here except in sketch form. This book shows you the practice and preparation that he put in. The quotes show you that he understood practice was necessary. There are several sketches that show only hands. And in each one, you can see subtle changes. Practice.
And Van Gogh not only understood that there would be self-doubt but what should be done about it, ‘If something in you yourself says “you aren’t a painter” –IT’S THEN THAT YOU SHOULD PAINT…’
Kelly Shetron is the editor who chose all the quotes. In the Introduction, she states, “Each pencil mark is testimony to Van Gogh’s commitment to practice — reminders that we shouldn’t fear the blank page. We must begin, forever breaking the spell of ‘I can’t.'” This book is a reminder that practice brings us creative inspiration.
**Update** I got my copy of the book in the mail today and I’m thrilled with it. The size is just perfect for my pocketbook so I can carry it with me if I’m in need of some inspiration. While it’s a hardcover, it’s actually a bit more flexible than what I would normally consider hardcover. I like it. I’ve already reread the book.
I just LOVE this post! I’ve been a Van Gogh follower since I visited the Impressionist Paintings section at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. Thanks for making my day!
You’re welcome. Van Gogh is my favorite! I remember writing a report about him in 8th grade!
I also love Van Gogh, but more than that, I love what this book says about honoring your creative self!
I love when a persons post gets me inspired while I’m reading it. When my minds downloads ideas as I’m reading. Your post did that for me. Thanks 🙂
You’re welcome. I am so glad that this post and Van Gogh’s words inspired you!
I love the work of Vincent too and his insight about self doubt is awesome. Creativity is all about practice and never an easy road. Thanks for sharing this book, what a great find!
You are right. It is all about practicing. Just sitting down and doing it.
I have always loved this quote. It’s so darn true. Wise man.
I know. I don’t remember seeing it before but I wonder if this is why I always say ‘writers write.’
I admit, I am not much of an art enthusiast. I can’t draw, and I don’t have an eye for it. So when I read this quote it made me stop, scroll back up, and read it again. I have a lot to learn from artists.
To me art can be a painting, a photograph, a dance, a story or any other form that someone put their self into. Creativity applies to all and so does practice.
Thanks for your inspirational post and review Jennifer! It seems as if it’s a book that goes way beyond the boundaries of painting or even art, to touch on every aspect of creativity in all fields.
It certainly does. I’ve always advocated that creativity is needed no matter your career. And it was amazing to find out how much Van Gogh realized that he needed to practice in order to refine his work.
I used to live very near to a small village in the Netherlands where he lived for a while. Their only claim to fame, but a worthy one nevertheless
A worthy one indeed.