Van Gogh in Paris

When discussing the works of Van Gogh, his mastery and very prolific use of colors are often mentioned. Indeed, in works like The Painter on his Way to Work, Sunflowers and Wheat Field with Crows are all examples of Van Gogh paintings using colors to great effect

However, when we look at his earlier works, they are very much dominated by dark earthen hues. Indeed, in works like The Potato Eaters, it is hard to find the characteristic color and feel that made his works famous.

The change in coloring came after Van Gogh went to Paris in early 1886. Upon experiencing the works of the likes of Adolphe Joseph Thomas Monticelli and Paul Cezanne, Van Gogh immediately started to experiment with a much lighter palette. In Paris, Van Gogh also met Monet, Sisley, Degas and Pissarro and got further inspiration in his use of brush and color. Another influence for Van Gogh in Paris was Paul Signac and in style of pointillism. Van Gogh himself experimented with the style and incorporated elements from it into his own trademark painting style. One last important meeting for Van Gogh in Paris was with Paul Gauguin whom he met and befriended

It was through these many inspiring artists and their work that Van Gogh himself opened up his art and style and let himself develop as an artist. Without Paris, Van Gogh might never have found his own light palette, and we might never have experienced the full works of Van Gogh that this development brought with it

From Paris, Van Gogh brought his new-found inspiration and moved to Arles, Saint Remy and finally Auvers-sur-Oise. Most of Van Gogh’s most masterful creations were painted at this time, with his art influenced by Paris and the artists he met there. Without Paris, there could be no Café Terrace at Night, no Starry Night, no The Sower.  Van Gogh indeed found his bright palette in the City of Lights.