Starry Night- Vincent Van Gogh

The painting that I chose is Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh. I have liked this painting ever since I was little. First, I am moved by the use of curves in this painting. It makes the night sky seem exciting, vibrant, and undulating. The curves even make the landscape look like it is rolling and changing. Even though the curves add a dynamic appeal, the painting still feels peaceful and calm. There is a sense of serenity. Next, I like this painting because of Van Gogh’s use of blues and yellows (blue is my favorite color). The different shades of blues and yellows give the sky a majestic feeling. It makes me feel like nature is a magnificent, yet uncontrollable force. Lastly, the stars remind me of how bright the stars are at the dude ranch where I go in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Here, the stars shine so clearly and brightly against the dark wilderness. There are no reflections from city lights or car headlights to diminish the impact of the heavenly stars. Van Gogh’s orbital swirls of his painting remind me of the celestial beauty of the Milky Way that I see each summer at the ranch. This painting reminds me of the blissfully quiet and peaceful nights in Wyoming. It makes me appreciate nature and realize how small man really is.