Bring your own sack lunch and sit back and enjoy this three part series that will explore Van Gogh’s Natural World.

Presenter: Carol Ehlers, Art History educator

Friday, May 6, 2016 The Early Years and Modernity of Paris
Friday, May 13, 2016 Arles
Friday, May 20, 2016 Saint Remy and Anvers,

Vincent van Gogh, celebrated painter, has a lifelong fascination with nature. Carol Ehlers, presents a three part series on Van Gogh’s career. The first program, Vincent van Gogh’s Natural World, the Early Years and Modernity of Paris, introduces guest to Vincent’s family and early failures.  While in Holland, he spent his youth in the country and his work would feature the birds, trees, and garden. While in Paris, he is exposed to the radical thinking of Impressionism and Pointillism as he continues his collection of Japanese art.

The second program, Vincent van Gogh’s Natural World and Arles, presents his incredible output when he moves to the south of France. On February, 1888, Vincent moved from Paris to the Provencal town of Arles. The talk using images will focus on the natural elements. It is the blossoming trees; wheat fields; sunflowers; and some of his most recognized artwork. The program presents artwork showing the beauty of the country side and gardens versus portraits of Arles. It is in Arles that Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin will create the “Studio of the South” The art talk will include details on how the sunflower series ties in with Paul Gauguin and information about their lives together while in Arles

The final program, Vincent van Gogh Natural World at Saint Remy and Anvers, deals with his time at the asylum, 1889, and later his trip back to the north of France at final days in Auvers, 1890. In May, 1889, Vincent admitted himself as a voluntary patient to the asylum of Saint Paul-de-Mausole in Saint Rémy de Provence, north east of Arles. Although he had access to the outside country side, he will first focus on the gardens of the asylum. In the first month, he will produce Irises, 1889. Later, June, 1889, Vincent produced the highly charged and recognized work, Starry Night, 1889. His artwork, later documents the harvest and picking of olives. Learn about his last days and new research documenting that he did not commit suicide.

Vincent van Gogh drew much comfort from the beauty of nature. He believed that the countryside was a sanctuary of health. Vincent’s artwork provides a testament to his unwavering faith in nature and the arts.