Starry, starry night

My post about Van Gogh yesterday left me with the song 'Vincent' playing over and over in my mind. It really is a beautifully written song and one verse in particular always strikes me as being so poignant.


"And when no hope was left inside
On that starry, starry night
You took your life as lovers often do--
But I could've told you, Vincent:
This world was never meant
For one as beautiful as you."

Texture!

Texture texture texture. Probably one of the most important aspects of my paintings is texture. In college and university when studying historical artwork I was always more intrigued by the likes of Claude Monet and Van Gogh. Their use of brushstrokes and paint created the feel and depth of texture, that brought their paintings out into a new dimension. Below are two of my favourite works by these art goliaths. I love them because alongside the beautiful use of colour and technique, the texture created by the thick paint, really draws you into the painting. You almost feel as though you could reach out and touch the water lilies or feel the bright starlight shining on your face. 

Monet's famous Water Lillies - The texture of the paint helps to create such a vibrant feel of movement and life.

Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhone - This is a stunning piece which is made so atmospheric by the use of  heavy
textured paint, as well as colour and shadow.

A hello post!

Just to get the ball rolling on this new blog. I'm mainly going to be babbling on about my art, my influences and inspirations, but also other things that may or may not be entirely related! I hope you will find something to learn or at least enjoy. Here's to some happy blogging!