Vincent Van Gogh was not just a painter. He was a thinker and a dreamer. This is evident in his writings captured in his letters to his brother. There are are many Van Gogh quotes about love, life and art that preciously capture the essence of his thoughts.
Many of these Van Gogh quotes are simply inspiring, helping to give those who are in need of some uplifting thoughts to those who may be in need of reframing their perspectives.
Here are some of our favourite Van Gogh quotes from the painter of Starry Night, not just for painters and artists, but for all the dreamers out there.
Van Gogh Quotes to Inspire
Quotes about Life
Van Gogh’s quotes on life often provide a broader view on circumstances. It is useful for taking a pause and reflecting on what is going on around, before plotting the way forward.
“Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.”
“I don’t know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream.”
“A great fire burns within me, but no one stops to warm themselves at it, and passers-by only see a wisp of smoke.”
‘Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.’
“I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it.”
“The beginning is perhaps more difficult than anything else, but keep heart, it will turn out all right.”
“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.”
“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”
“I confess I do not know why, but looking at the stars always makes me dream.”
“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”
“I put my heart and soul into my work, and I have lost my mind in the process.”
Quotes about Painting, Art and for Artists
As an artist, Van Gogh is unique. It is no wonder why his art is so admired and inspiring. For any artist who feels down about his or her art, Van Gogh’s quotes will inspire him or her to persist and to continue pursuing their passion.
“I dream my painting and I paint my dream.”
“Art is to console those who are broken by life.”
“I want to touch people with my art. I want them to say ‘he feels deeply, he feels tenderly’.”
“Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter’s soul.”
“Exaggerate the essential, leave the obvious vague.”
“The only time I feel alive is when I’m painting.”
“Keep your love of nature, for that is the true way to understand art more and more.”
“If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.”
“In spite of everything, I shall rise again; I will take up my pencil, which I have forsaken in my great discouragement, and I will go on with my drawing.”
“I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.”
Quotes about Love and Friendship
Through Van Gogh’s quotes about love and friendship, it is clear that he was someone who was very passionate and felt deeply. It is a reminder that it is always important to care and love others.
“There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”
“The heart of man is very much like the sea, it has its storms, it has its tides and in its depths it has its pearls too.”
“I always think that the best way to know God is to love many things.”
“What is done in love is done well.”
“It is looking at things for a long time that ripens you and gives you a deeper meaning.”
“Close friends are truly life’s treasures. Sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves.”
“I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.”
