Vincent van Gogh — Quotes

“I dream my painting and I paint my dream.”

— Vincent van Gogh · Van Gogh expressed this philosophy throughout his letters to his brother Theo, reflecting his belief that art should emerge from inner vision rather than mere observation.

“I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.”

— Vincent van Gogh · Written in a letter from Arles in 1888, this observation preceded his famous series of nocturnal paintings including 'Starry Night.'

“What am I in the eyes of most people—a nonentity, an eccentric, or an unpleasant person—somebody who has no position in society and will never have; in short, the lowest of the low.”

— Vincent van Gogh · Van Gogh wrote this in 1882 to express his feelings of social rejection and isolation during his early years as a struggling artist.

“I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it.”

— Vincent van Gogh · This statement reflects van Gogh's commitment to continuous artistic development and experimentation throughout his painting career from 1880-1890.

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.”

— Vincent van Gogh · Van Gogh wrote this philosophical observation in his letters, explaining his intentional use of vivid and symbolic colors in his compositions.

“The great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”

— Vincent van Gogh · This quote reflects van Gogh's understanding, developed through his correspondence with Theo, that artistic mastery requires persistent, methodical work.

“I want to touch people with my art. I want them to say 'he feels deeply.'”

— Vincent van Gogh · Van Gogh expressed this core artistic motivation in his letters, emphasizing emotional authenticity as his primary goal in painting.

“Sunflowers are mine, in a way.”

— Vincent van Gogh · Van Gogh stated this about his iconic sunflower series, painted in Arles in 1888, which he considered among his most important symbolic works.