“When Van Gogh was a young man in his early twenties, he was in London studying to be a clergyman. He had no thought of being an artist at all. he sat in his cheap little room writing a letter to his younger brother in Holland, whom he loved very much. He looked out his window at a watery twilight, a thin lampost, a star, and he said in his letter something like this: “it is so beautiful I must show you how it looks.” And then on his cheap ruled note paper, he made the most beautiful, tender, little drawing of it.
When I read this letter of Van Gogh’s it comforted me very much and seemed to throw a clear light on the whole road of Art. Before, I thought that to produce a work of painting or literature, you scowled and thought long and ponderously and weighed everything solemnly and learned everything that all artists had ever done aforetime, and what their influences and schools were, and you were extremely careful about *design* and *balance* and getting *interesting planes* into your painting, and avoided, with the most astringent severity, showing the faintest *acedemical* tendency, and were strictly modern. And so on and so on.
But the moment I read Van Gogh’s letter I knew what art was, and the creative impulse. It is a feeling of love and enthusiasm for something, and in a direct, simple, passionate and true way, you try to show this beauty in things to others, by drawing it.
And Van Gogh’s little drawing on the cheap note paper was a work of art because he loved the sky and the frail lamppost against it so seriously that he made the drawing with the most exquisite conscientiousness and care. ”
― If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit)
Becca’s Sunday Trees
Everything in excess Is opposed by nature ~
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. ~
These are photos taken during my walk yesterday morning. Temperature was 0C but it very pleasant. I decided to go early when people were either in bed or having their first coffee in that way I didn’t met many.
Years ago, I read Brenda Uland. Time to read her again.
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Time for me to check more on Brenda Ueland
Take care Laurie.
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Goodness, you still have so much snow! 🙂 🙂 But it all looks very beautiful, especially those half-covered flowers. I love that passage about Van Gogh. I suspect many of us have no idea what it takes to become an artist, but a passion for the world is most certainly a part of it. Many thanks for sharing this, Rupali!
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Thank you so much for you appreciation Jo.
Yesterday we had snow with temperature 0C.
Today temperature was +9 C with wind 9 m/s. Weather is extremely varying this year.
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I particularly like the reflected house. Van Gogh is close to my heart, his work – especially starry night is so powerful with layered meaning. But also my middle name is after him. Enjoyed all of this.
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Interesting Paul. Thanks for sharing.
🙂
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🙂
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What a beautiful post Rupali – I’d never heard that story about Van Gogh. Amazing. Loved your take on the challenge
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Thank you kindly Tina.
Stay safe.
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really like the joggers captured in mid-step and reflected in the water
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I am so happy that someone like that shot. I was following the joggers for a while to this shot. Thank you so much Tom.
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magnificent shots Rupali, and love your quote from Brenda … you are a true artist with your photography as it comes straight from your heart!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thank you so much Kate for all your support.
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you have such a good heart and your gifted photography reflects that Rupali, so it is entirely my pleasure 🙂
take care xx
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Awe, you are so kind Kate.
Thank you so much.
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Lovely, lovely post.
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Pingback: Jo’s Monday walk : Beja Blues | restlessjo
A beautiful description of art with some excellent examples
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Thanks a lot Derrick.
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Your photos are gorgeous and bring hope. Thank you, Rupali!
You are a true artist who captures the world so beautifully AND invokes emotions, and ignites the senses, in those people who are fortunate enough to see your photos!
From the first time I studied Vincent van Gogh as a child I felt akin to him and he, and his art, became an important part of my life. As I type this comment to you, above my computer I am looking at a huge poster of three of his paintings. 🙂
(((HUGS))) and ❤
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I am so fortunate to have such wonderful blogger community Carolyn.
Unknowingly you all are helping me to be a better person, inside and outside 🙂
Thank you for your support.
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Such a great post, Rupali. Beautiful pictures and I enjoyed reading Brenda Ueland’s thoughts about Van Gogh and art.
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Thank you so much Sylvia. I am glad you like the post.
Stay safe.
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Beautiful story and photographs. Thank you for sharing, Rupali.
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Thanks a lot Nanchi.
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Thanx for sharing your cool photos and quotes.
Art
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Thanks a lot Loujen for appreciating it.
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Oh that story of Van Gogh was so lovely. Thank You for your beautiful work and words you find to share.
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Pleasure is all mine Tazzie.
Thanks a lot.
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