Van Gogh

I dream my paintings and I paint my dreams.

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

What would like be if we had no courage to attempt anything?

Normality is a paved road: it's comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.

If you don't have a dog - at least one - there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life.

- Vincent Van Gogh

Van Gogh is now one of the most well-known post-Impressionist painters, although he was not widely appreciated in his lifetime. 

Listen and answer these questions about his life.

1. Where was VG born?
2. What was his first job?
3. What did he later decide to become?
4. In which country was his first mission?
5. Why was he dismissed by the Church?
6. How old was he when he decided to become an artist?
7. How many paintings did he sell in his life?
8. Where was he living when he first started to become ill?
9. How many years did he paint for?
10. How many paintings did he produce?

Answers

1. The Netherlands
2. Art Dealer
3. A missionary
4. Belgium
5. He gave away all his possessions
6. 27
7. 1
8. 10
9. 800

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Watch this video of Don Maclean singing Starry Starry Night, his song inspired by the painting and life of Vincent Van Gogh.

[Follow this link to watch with subtitles]

Would you like to know more?
SparkNotes describes the painter's importance, tells the story of his life, and has a quiz to test your knowledge, but it's long and very hard!


Did you enjoy the song?
Listen again and complete the missing words.