Olivetrees - Blog Posts
Van Gough and the quality of paint
Van Gough ‘Olive Trees’ - Oil on canvas, 1889, 51 x 65.2 cm
Van Gogh, born in 1853 in the Netherlands, despite only selling one painting in his lifetime, he is one of the most well-known post-impressionist artists in the entire world today. His particular painting style and unique use of paint have made his work instantly recognisable. His early works, like ‘The Potato Eaters’ are dark and sombre and reflect the paintings of Dutch masters. However, his style began to evolve after he purchased Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, which were delicate and full of colour and extremely popular with impressionists at the time. He also went to Paris in 1886 to join his brother and there met the great impressionist artists, Monet and Gaugin. After this he gradually developed his bold style.
The work of Van Gogh is intense in colour and his strong brush-strokes give his work an emotional quality. The technique that he used for most of his paintings, and which he became well known for, was Impasto, which is the thick application of paint onto a canvas so that the brush and palette knife strokes can be visible. This not only gives the painting a rich texture but also gives the illusion that the paint is coming out of the canvas.
‘Olive Trees’, 1889, by Van Gogh is a painting of huge significance in Van Gogh’s life. Gaugin visited Van Gogh in 1888, they argued and disagreed during this visit. The tensions between them caused Van Gogh to cut off his own ear. He was taken to an asylum at Saint-Remy-de-Provence, and despite the fact his mental health was deteriorating, he produced a range of diverse and stylistic paintings that depicted the hospital and the grounds around it. One of these paintings is ‘Olive Trees’ which is exhibited at the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh. This painting is oil on canvas and uses the impasto method heavily. The brush strokes are extremely distinct and the trees are twisted and contorted perhaps reflecting Van Gogh’s own state of mind at the time. Furthermore, he was fully aware of the connection of olive trees to the garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, where Jesus prayed before his betrayal and ultimately his crucifixion. It is likely that this painting represents Van Gogh giving up his suffering to God amongst the olive trees as Jesus Christ, making the ancient trees a symbol of surrender and repentance. Van Gogh was religious and even had the position as a missionary in Belgium earlier in his life. He believed that we encounter God in nature, which inspired his En Plein Air paintings.
‘Olive Trees’ is just one of the many examples of how Van Gogh connected religion with nature in his own style. His use of the Impasto method gives his work a particular sensitivity and striking quality which, without a doubt, influenced the art of the twentieth century and his legacy will surely live on.
Sources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8IinPk5PqI
https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/4971/olive-trees
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vincent_van_Gogh_-_Olive_Trees_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg
https://www.vangoghgallery.com/misc/biography.html
#https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/skygge-lys/ Danish. English version: This is just some trees. Looks like olive trees. And grass, a bit other dried out bushes, and a hillside. That's all. But not that's all like in "nothing else"? That is all like in ALL. Everything. I can't proof it, ofcourse. It's just my opinion. I sure don't expect others to understand. Actually, it's a selfie. I'm there, in one of the shadows. Sitting under one of those trees. You might not be able to see me. That's nothing new. But I'm right there. Don't wanna be anywhere else. That's all. And that IS really all. Not enough for you? Guess not. I couldn't care less. Selfish? Very! But about time. And I think, my opinion only, that you don't care either. Not really. Then it gets almost funny: Ok, you might be indifferent. Well, how much do you think I care about that? A competition of not caring. Take a look at my selfie: I'm gone ages ago. About time. Careless, carefree, only me and nothing else. But everything. THAT'S ALL! #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/skygge-lys/ #selfie #altoalentejo #castelodevide #olivetrees #careless #selfish #myworld #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #gone #nowisthetime #dontevencareenoughtomakeanymorehashtagsbutiamtherenomatterwhereelseimightbeseenandamashappyascanbe (her: Alto Alentejo (intermunicipal community))
#https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/skygge-lys/ Danish. English version: This is just some trees. Looks like olive trees. And grass, a bit other dried out bushes, and a hillside. That's all. But not that's all like in "nothing else"? That is all like in ALL. Everything. I can't proof it, ofcourse. It's just my opinion. I sure don't expect others to understand. Actually, it's a selfie. I'm there, in one of the shadows. Sitting under one of those trees. You might not be able to see me. That's nothing new. But I'm right there. Don't wanna be anywhere else. That's all. And that IS really all. Not enough for you? Guess not. I couldn't care less. Selfish? Very! But about time. And I think, my opinion only, that you don't care either. Not really. Then it gets almost funny: Ok, you might be indifferent. Well, how much do you think I care about that? A competition of not caring. Take a look at my selfie: I'm gone ages ago. About time. Careless, carefree, only me and nothing else. But everything. THAT'S ALL! #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/skygge-lys/ #selfie #altoalentejo #castelodevide #olivetrees #careless #selfish #myworld #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #gone #nowisthetime #dontevencareenoughtomakeanymorehashtagsbutiamtherenomatterwhereelseimightbeseenandamashappyascanbe (her: Alto Alentejo (intermunicipal community))
#https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/skygge-lys/ Danish. English version: This is just some trees. Looks like olive trees. And grass, a bit other dried out bushes, and a hillside. That's all. But not that's all like in "nothing else"? That is all like in ALL. Everything. I can't proof it, ofcourse. It's just my opinion. I sure don't expect others to understand. Actually, it's a selfie. I'm there, in one of the shadows. Sitting under one of those trees. You might not be able to see me. That's nothing new. But I'm right there. Don't wanna be anywhere else. That's all. And that IS really all. Not enough for you? Guess not. I couldn't care less. Selfish? Very! But about time. And I think, my opinion only, that you don't care either. Not really. Then it gets almost funny: Ok, you might be indifferent. Well, how much do you think I care about that? A competition of not caring. Take a look at my selfie: I'm gone ages ago. About time. Careless, carefree, only me and nothing else. But everything. THAT'S ALL! #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/skygge-lys/ #selfie #altoalentejo #castelodevide #olivetrees #careless #selfish #myworld #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #gone #nowisthetime #dontevencareenoughtomakeanymorehashtagsbutiamtherenomatterwhereelseimightbeseenandamashappyascanbe (her: Alto Alentejo (intermunicipal community))
#https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/skygge-lys/ Danish. English version: This is just some trees. Looks like olive trees. And grass, a bit other dried out bushes, and a hillside. That's all. But not that's all like in "nothing else"? That is all like in ALL. Everything. I can't proof it, ofcourse. It's just my opinion. I sure don't expect others to understand. Actually, it's a selfie. I'm there, in one of the shadows. Sitting under one of those trees. You might not be able to see me. That's nothing new. But I'm right there. Don't wanna be anywhere else. That's all. And that IS really all. Not enough for you? Guess not. I couldn't care less. Selfish? Very! But about time. And I think, my opinion only, that you don't care either. Not really. Then it gets almost funny: Ok, you might be indifferent. Well, how much do you think I care about that? A competition of not caring. Take a look at my selfie: I'm gone ages ago. About time. Careless, carefree, only me and nothing else. But everything. THAT'S ALL! #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/skygge-lys/ #selfie #altoalentejo #castelodevide #olivetrees #careless #selfish #myworld #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #gone #nowisthetime #dontevencareenoughtomakeanymorehashtagsbutiamtherenomatterwhereelseimightbeseenandamashappyascanbe (her: Alto Alentejo (intermunicipal community))
#https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/skygge-lys/ Danish. English version: This is just some trees. Looks like olive trees. And grass, a bit other dried out bushes, and a hillside. That's all. But not that's all like in "nothing else"? That is all like in ALL. Everything. I can't proof it, ofcourse. It's just my opinion. I sure don't expect others to understand. Actually, it's a selfie. I'm there, in one of the shadows. Sitting under one of those trees. You might not be able to see me. That's nothing new. But I'm right there. Don't wanna be anywhere else. That's all. And that IS really all. Not enough for you? Guess not. I couldn't care less. Selfish? Very! But about time. And I think, my opinion only, that you don't care either. Not really. Then it gets almost funny: Ok, you might be indifferent. Well, how much do you think I care about that? A competition of not caring. Take a look at my selfie: I'm gone ages ago. About time. Careless, carefree, only me and nothing else. But everything. THAT'S ALL! #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/skygge-lys/ #selfie #altoalentejo #castelodevide #olivetrees #careless #selfish #myworld #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #gone #nowisthetime #dontevencareenoughtomakeanymorehashtagsbutiamtherenomatterwhereelseimightbeseenandamashappyascanbe (her: Alto Alentejo (intermunicipal community))
#https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/skygge-lys/ Danish. English version: This is just some trees. Looks like olive trees. And grass, a bit other dried out bushes, and a hillside. That's all. But not that's all like in "nothing else"? That is all like in ALL. Everything. I can't proof it, ofcourse. It's just my opinion. I sure don't expect others to understand. Actually, it's a selfie. I'm there, in one of the shadows. Sitting under one of those trees. You might not be able to see me. That's nothing new. But I'm right there. Don't wanna be anywhere else. That's all. And that IS really all. Not enough for you? Guess not. I couldn't care less. Selfish? Very! But about time. And I think, my opinion only, that you don't care either. Not really. Then it gets almost funny: Ok, you might be indifferent. Well, how much do you think I care about that? A competition of not caring. Take a look at my selfie: I'm gone ages ago. About time. Careless, carefree, only me and nothing else. But everything. THAT'S ALL! #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/skygge-lys/ #selfie #altoalentejo #castelodevide #olivetrees #careless #selfish #myworld #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #gone #nowisthetime #dontevencareenoughtomakeanymorehashtagsbutiamtherenomatterwhereelseimightbeseenandamashappyascanbe (her: Alto Alentejo (intermunicipal community))
https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/05/20/solhul/ It looked like a shortcut. It WAS a shortcut, just not to where he wanted to end up. Leaving the main road and crossing over fields with olive trees, seemed like a good idea. The weather was perfect for a trip, almost a picnic, over the rolling hills, following trails that almost weren't there or made by only sheep. Sometimes having to hike over cliffs and boulders, just made it more exciting. And he wouldn't wander astray, at least not much, since he had his goal in sight all the time. The white village and the old castle, clearly visible on the highest top, a real mountain, was a landmark ahead of him that he couldn't miss. It was just occasionally hidden by smaller hills or when the olive tress changed into more dense wilderness. The sky was blue, leaving all space to the burning sun. With just small winds stirring the olive leaves; making them look like blinking silver. Somewhere, far away, bells from sheep mixed in with the constant sound from cicadas. It was a beautiful day. And going cross-country, even a shortcut, instead of following the road with annoying traffic, was a great idea. He guessed he would be at the shining white village on the top late in the afternoon. The sun was at its highest, and he was beginning to seek the small spots of shadow from the olive tress. Drinking heavily from his bottle of water; but sweating it out even faster. He blamed it on the heat, that his eyes decieved him. He didn't seem to get any closer to the mountain. Despite getting exhausted from the walking. And the sun was making him dizzy. His white almost shining bones was found several months later. By a person taking a shortcut to the mountain. #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/05/20/solhul/ #olivetrees #sunrays #shortcut #alentejo #laurieandthestoryof #fiction #novel #inspiration #mindscape #meandmystory #nothisisnotlikethestorythatislinkedtobutsomethingcloseenoughandwhoreallycaresanywaysincethisisjustanordinarypictureofthesunshininginthetopofanolivetree (Usual one-off hashtag...) #udenfilter #mantelmomento #danielmantel #primeiroproximopasso (her: Serra de São Mamede)