R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed Dear Theo: The Autobiography of Vincent Van Gogh on + 1452 more book reviews
This is an incredible read. It recalled to my experience when I read Lust for Life which so poignantly depicted the life and dedication that Vincent Van Gogh gave to art. A talented and driven artist, he shares his emotions with his brother, Theo, day after day, who believes in him. Not for Van Gogh is love nor life with a family although he tries for this goal twice. So he turns to art.
Van Gogh gains much from other artists but those relationships are not enduring. The letters shared in this book shows Van Gogh's artistic development along with the monetary struggles that haunted him throughout his life. In some ways, it's depressing but in others it's inspiring. Depressing that no one seemed to recognize his talent. Inspiring that he dedicated his life to his painting. He studied other artists and worked to attain the levels that he saw until he realized that his destiny was his own.
This is a read that one must not hurry. It's full of emotion, life and so much more. Someday soon I must return to it to read it again. Once is just not enough.
Van Gogh gains much from other artists but those relationships are not enduring. The letters shared in this book shows Van Gogh's artistic development along with the monetary struggles that haunted him throughout his life. In some ways, it's depressing but in others it's inspiring. Depressing that no one seemed to recognize his talent. Inspiring that he dedicated his life to his painting. He studied other artists and worked to attain the levels that he saw until he realized that his destiny was his own.
This is a read that one must not hurry. It's full of emotion, life and so much more. Someday soon I must return to it to read it again. Once is just not enough.
John O. (buzzby) -
Originally written in 1937.
