He struggled with black and white. But when he got to Arles in 1888, he discovered the reed pen, and it was then he developed a more comfortable relationship with his tool. As reed wears down, it becomes softer, more flexible and responsive to his gestures on paper.
Quotes about arles (4 Quotes)
Arles is certainly one of the most interesting towns I have ever seen, whether viewed as a place remarkable for the objects of antiquity it contains, or for the primitive manners of its inhabitants and its picturesque appearance.
So one day I just took the train over to Arles. It's only about two hours. And I was sitting in the actual square, at one of those cafe tables that you see in 'Starry Night,' and all around you the buildings are painted in Van Gogh colors. It's very exciting. Vincent sat more or less where I was sitting.
Although most of us know Vincent van Gogh in Arles and Paul Gauguin in Tahiti as if they were neighbors -- somewhat disreputable but endlessly fascinating -- none of us can name two French generals or department store owners of that period. I take enormous pride in considering myself an artist, one of the necessaries.