A Group of Cottages 1890

Vincent van Gogh made this oil painting called "A Group of Cottages" with brushes and paint on canvas. The visible brushstrokes are crucial. Van Gogh applied the paint with impasto, meaning thickly, creating a textured surface almost like relief carving. The strokes aren't just descriptive; they embody energy and emotion. He wasn't trying to replicate reality but rather translate his experience of it. Look closely at the roofs of the cottages. See how the thatched texture is evoked with dynamic lines and varying colors? The landscape isn't just a backdrop, it's alive and writhing. This approach elevated his work beyond mere representation. Van Gogh transformed simple materials into a powerful statement of individual perception. Ultimately, the value lies not just in what is depicted, but how it's depicted, turning the craft of painting into a profound expression.