Van Gogh created 864 oil paintings, 1300+ water colours and 900+ drawings. He sold only one painting during his lifetime.
The word “self-driven” acquires new meaning with this story. Did he ever think about return on investment?
The story of his life may be inspirational, but is not a happy tale.
I perceive few reasons for his diligence.
-He was answering inner turmoil.
-He compensated for external darkness with the brightness of his colours.
-He drew lines to change the course of his life.
Unfortunately, the lines steered him towards death. But is it not the end of every life?
Image credit: Jennifer Pendergast
Creative Experiments and More 
So interesting!!!! Sad to learn that he sold only one painting! 😢
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His paintings were sold at astronomical prices, but after he died.
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This piece reminds me of a Dr. Who episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jjWtUpqV9w
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Beautiful! Thanks for sharing this.
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You’re welcome!
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How frustrating to have only sold one painting in his lifetime but to have been later recognized as a great artist. But as with many here, you do your art because you love it.
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True that. Thank you, Sascha!
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Van Gogh still fascinates us, after all these years. A tormented genius, he certainly left his stamp on history.
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Is art valued more after the artist dies?
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It often seems that way. It’s kind of like the person looking for a job. He’s told he needs to get some experience, but no one will hire him until he gets that experience. Artists need exposure if they’re going to make a living by their art, but no one is willing to display their work until they have a name. Catch 22.
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Unfortunately true.
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What truth in your writing. Well done.
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Thank you so much!
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Maybe in generations to come one of our merry band of bloggers will find fame, albeit retospective!
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Let’s pray for it 🙏🙏
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I listened to an audiobook about Vincent and, oh what and interesting life he led. Thanks for reminding me of that.
tha
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Thank you, Alicia!
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Interesting reflection on the prompt.
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Thank you so much! I couldn’t help seeing the darkness outside the window.
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Ive written millions of words on here, never sold a thing, not interested, its by me, for me. Inner turmoil? Maybe, if you go deep. Makes one wonder how many others do not get exposure, or if they even want it. It’s an interesting take on the photo.
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We are better off than those who left their writings on paper, and it was probably sold in junk.
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Agreed, we’ll said
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👍🤗
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Wonderful essay about life, Reena. I’ve seen a few docs/articles that suggest he did not commit suicide but was shot by someone else and died from the wound.
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Possible, if someone was seeing earning potential with his art.
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Perhaps, art was a hobby rather than a commercial business for Van Gogh. Equall, during his life-time perhaps people did not appreciate his art, since it was not on display. An interesting piece.
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Shall we compare it to what we write on our blogs? 😂
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He was inspired to paint his boards and not share many of it maybe. I’ve seen some artists who refused to put their works up for sale.
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It must have involved an investment too.
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A profound take.
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Thank you, Sadje!
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My pleasure
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His story is one of art existing (or being created for) art’s sake. If only he could have shared some of the wealth he has created now.
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That’s called destiny 😂
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Perhaps just he did it because he could do no other
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Yes. It is a possibility. But he excelled in whatever he did.
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