Great things are done by a series of small things brought together
We all know Vincent Van Gogh for his paintings, but he also wrote voraciously as much as he painted. Much of his writing was in the form of an exchange of letters with his brother Theo, which survived the deaths of both men. It is through these letters that we are informed a great deal about his thoughts. These letters have to a large part built up the mythos around the man and his art.
A recent animated film, "Loving Vincent", about the last months of his life draw largely upon these. The film itself is an amazing visual treat and achievement. A team of 100 painters created the film's 65,000 frames, each being an individual oil painting on canvas, using the same technique as Van Gogh.
And so when exploring the world of Vincent, I came across the follow quote.
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” - Vincent van Gogh
This inspired me to put together this quote image to more readily share Vincent's thoughts around.
Given the theme of yesterday's post about keeping the artistic momentum going, I thought this quote fitted quite well. It is only in recent years that I realised that keeping things in perspective, the view of the bigger picture (pun intended) with my overall body of work was more important than each individual artwork.
Certainly appreciating each step you make in your progress is worthwhile, but celebrating each as a major achievement will only lead to stagnation or slow progress. It is a common mistake most of us make when when begin our artistic journey. We then wonder why other artists are miles ahead of us in their artistic development and career. The only difference is, that these other artists have put in the hard yards, of being consistently persistent. They follow what I now call the formula or rules of artistic success, the three P's. Produce, Produce, Produce.
So, I'm off now to do my three P's. There are great things to be done, and many small steps to be made.
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Really apt concept for that film. It's beautiful - how the animation brings his art to life.
Doubt I'll ever look at a Van Gogh painting the same after seeing it like that, and surely, the closest we'll ever get to seeing life through his eyes.
Great post! (and blog).
Yes, I think they did a fabulous job of bringing his artwork to life.
Life is about "Progress in Progress" :-)
I love the Loving Vincent theme music. It is my ringtone ! 😊.... Nice post
I like that, 'Life is about "Progress in Progress"'. Stealing that one. Thanks @nehab! =)
:) :)
Haven't seen it yet but it is waiting on my laptop to be seen for a weekend..Interesting thing, both of us today writing and mentioning letters from different perspectives..Good luck with 3xP
Oh? I'll have to pop over to your blog and check out what you are writing. =)
I think you will enjoy and appreciate the film Dunja.
Well, considering information about how and for how long it was done.. already appreciate film.
what an awesome video ! i do love it ..
its just sad van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime ,
It is indeed tragic. But it wasn't even until the following century and largely because of his letters that Van Gogh's work finally started receiving recognition. Now his works sell for insane prices.
leo , i have been watching this part over and over...
Ah yes, I've seen this segment before. I wonder what Van Gogh would have really thought. The only thing is, the Doctor did not tell Van Gogh how much his paintings are worth now. What would have his reaction been?
i think it was enough for him to know how much famous he is ..
but yes he wouldnt believe ..:))