The Life of Vincent

Acrylic on Watercolor Paper - 2’x5’

After exploring the life of Vincent Van Gogh, I was inspired to create an artwork that reflects his compelling story. Capturing his deep emotions, I designed a central figure surrounded by elements from his paintings, guiding the viewer through key moments of his life. From his close bond with his brother Theo to his admiration for the book Uncle Tom’s Cabin, this piece is rich with symbolic details drawn from throughout his journey. 

I began with an initial sketch, which proved to be challenging. I had to strike a balance between a detailed composition that wasn’t too overwhelming or busy, while also adapting it for a larger canvas. It was my first time working on a painting of this size, and that definitely added to the difficulty.

I didn’t have a clear idea of the final composition at this stage. Normally, by this point, I have a better sense of where the painting is headed, but for this piece, I felt the need to begin even without a fully developed concept. At this point, I began a general sketch of Vincent and filled in the background with a neutral color.

Next, I added the yellow swirl base and began applying the initial colors to the canvas, starting with Vincent’s attire.

Working with composition and story, I began adding the details of his life.