Having planted sunflowers in my own garden and watching them grow to a very great height like the proverbial beanstalk I can understand the fascination.  The width of the flower itself is quite breathtaking and the yellow mirrors the Sun for its beauty.

Van Gogh – or shall we prefer to call him Vincent as he has invited us to do?  We all probably know that Vincent’s Sunflowers paintings have been amongst the most expensive in history.  He artily studied sunflowers extensively and produced a varied array of styles and compositions.

I would like to talk about version F.454, Van Gogh’s fourth version. Here is a picture:

Vincent depicts these sunflowers with vibrant yellows symmetrically contrasted against a lighter background and darker yellowy-gold floor to offset the vase’ lighter lower-half colour.  This is pleasing to our eyes and allows us to see all the details perfectly.

The sunflowers show strength, positivity and respectful humbleness.  The six flower heads boldly facing us could be a matter-of-fact declaration of facing challenges.  Readers will appreciate that Vincent was a master of composition so naturally he will choose to paint the flower heads artistically.  It is also true that Vincent would use his imagination with some compositional details to better the artistic appeal.

I know personally speaking that paintings are influenced by our moods at the time.  Subconscious feelings will rise to the fore.  As expressive creatures we cannot help translate this into our arts for all to see, hear or feel with our hearts and our minds.

Vincent’s voice is clearly heard within this yellow Sunflowers version by the epitome of joy and happiness we see.  Interestingly, whilst the background is beautifully simple the sunflowers are detailed.  I enjoy the way he has managed the seed heads in the flowers that face us, with the light specks dancing around.

White light bounces off the mid-top of the vase and the artist has chosen to write his name on the vase like a personable gift.

The flair for movement is consistent with his swirling style.  I love this about his artworks, his sense of movement.

Each person sees an artwork differently so I am by no means saying this is so or that is so about this painting.  Sacre bleu with blue lining all around.  I am much happier that you might like my interpretation of this great painting and the things I felt about it.

I can say that like all art lovers I would love to have one of Van Gogh’s paintings adorning my wall.  A visit to a Museum or Gallery graces us with a chance to pretend for a moment that one of his Sunflowers paintings is ours.

If only for a brief moment.

– Matt, The Unfathomable Artist