Animating the Landscape - Van Gogh

Of all of Van Gogh's work, I find his landscapes most inspiring. Each part of the view is animated, as if it has a spirit unto itself. The sky, the trees, shrubs, and fields move in colorful, linear patterns.

I'm particularly fond of this drawing, which is one of his later landscape compositions.





Van Gogh, Olive Trees in a Mountain Landscape, 1889

Efference



Julie Devine, Efference, 2012
Oil on Canvas, 20"x22"



I'm happy with how this one turned out. I like the radial aspect of the form and how it breaks up as it moves into the sky. I also like the golden light falling on some of the branches and the contrast of this warm light against the cooler light of the sky. And, I like the brushwork.

For me, this painting has an optimistic, auspicious feeling.