Visiting Vincent

Last year I was lucky enough to spend about 8 days in Paris. I had visited Montmartre before, but had found it a horrible place full of tourists and touts. I thought it was a bit stressful. However, this time, I stayed away from Sacre Coeur and walked the side streets. I also visited the amazing Musee de Montmartre, which is an innovative and fascinating museum.   The musee's emphasis on Montmartre history is unique, and its collection of lithographs amazing.It introduced me to a whole new world of Steinlein and Ibils and the great lithographers and etchers of the 19th Century. In addition you can walk in Renoir's garden. As an Australian, I don't get to walk in the footsteps of French impressionists that often.  The last vineyard of Montmartre Of course I also went looking for Vincent (and some juggling balls, but that's another story.) And I found him! Or rather the house that he and Theo shared in Paris. Here is the plaque

I popped down to Melbourne to see this exhibition a few weeks ago. It was a Monday, very crowded, but no major lines. It was a great exhibition. The paintings are arranged according to the seasons and it has a nice selection of Vincent's work.  I certainly recommend a visit if you have the opportunity. Sorry about the tilted photos, it was crowded. Vase with Honesty- 1884 Pine Trees at Sunset- 1889 (one of my favourites) Reaper1885 Terrace of a Cafe at Montmatre- Paris 1886 The Garden of the Asylum at Saint Remy- 1889 ( I kept going back to this. Beautiful) Blossoming chestnut tree- Auvers sur Oise - 1890 My personal favourite - Melancholy 1883 ( what a beautiful poignant drawing!) Horse Chestnut tree in blossom-1887 Olive Grove with two olive pickers

It doesn't take long to get to Auvers Sur Oise, a small village near Paris. You can use your Paris metro card, (the Navigo) and within an hour or so you are in a different world, the world of Vincent. The options abound as you leave the station. Turn left, and you'll arrive at Vincent's last home, turn right and you arrive at the famous church and eventually at his last resting place. Lets turn left; This was the last home of Vincent. You can visit the room where he died by going to the back of the building. The room has been left as it was when he passed away. It has remained empty and was never rented again, due to a local superstition about staying in a place where a person had died by suicide. Auvers is a beautiful village with many winding paths. It is easy to see how it inspired Vincent.. Vincent reportedly had one close friend in Auvers. The famous Dr Gachet. His house is a museum which contains many interesting items about the doctor. It al

Welcome. This blog is devoted to Vincent. Vincent Van Gogh. I am a fan of this tragic, yet brilliant artist and I'm going to share some of my Vincent related adventures here. I hope you enjoy your visit