How does your room reflect who you are? This is a painting of the artist Vincent van Gogh’s bedroom. How does this painting reflect the character of Vincent van Gogh? The pale blues, golden yellows, and cool greens in this painting connote a sense of tranquility. Van Gogh wrote to his brother describing the colors he chose: “The pale, lilac walls, the uneven, faded red of the floor, the chrome-yellow chairs and bed, the pillows and sheet in very pale lime green, the blood-red blanket, the orange-colored wash stand, the blue wash basin, and the green window,” stating, “I wanted to express absolute repose with these different colors.”1
At the time that this painting was created, Van Gogh lived in the small, rural town of Arles, France. Van Gogh was at ease in the countryside and enjoyed painting rural life. He found the country light beautiful and inspiring. What Van Gogh lacked in Arles was friendship and contact with other artists. In 1888, Van Gogh invited Gauguin to live and paint with him in Arles. Gauguin traveled to Arles and together the two artists painted their scenic surroundings. Gauguin’s visit was short-lived, as the eccentric pair fought endlessly. Though Van Gogh’s dream of a rural artists’ commune did not come to fruition, he continued to paint.
During this period Van Gogh produced more than two hundred works in fifteen months. Van Gogh was dedicated to his individual, expressive style of painting. Through color, perspective, and paint application Van Gogh expressed his character and emotions. Though not highly recognized during his lifetime, the work of van Gogh greatly influenced the next generation of artists.
1“Musée d’Orsay: Vincent van Gogh, Van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles.” Musée D'Orsay: Accueil. Web. 18 Sept. 2010.