Cafe Terrace

One of the coolest things about living in Provence, especially in our little corner of Provence, has been the opportunity to check out so many spots that Van Gogh famously painted during his most productive years as an artist. Van Gogh only lived in the Arles/St. Remy region for a little over 2 years but his most famous and arguably his most beautiful pantings came from this area. I knew very little about Van Gogh before I moved here (lopped off an ear, crazy guy, and something about a starry night) but as our 2 years here in Provence comes to an end I feel like I've gotten to know him a little bit better. I've stood in the same spot he stood to paint gardens, the arena, a beautiful starry night over the Rhone... etc. I recognize and understand his love of the amazing light cast here in the 'South of France.' I've even had the opportunity to check out hundreds of his original works of art at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Musee d'Orsay in Paris.

Because I've developed such a fondness for Van Gogh it's always something we like to share with our guests when they come to visit. Here are some pictures we've taken in famous Van Gogh spots while out and about with visitors. Some of them just taken this past weekend. I'll start with originals first.

The famous 'Cafe Terrace.' Van Gogh, Arles

Not quite as beautiful as Van Gogh's painting

The Irsis, Van Gogh, St. Remy de Provence

Taken at the insane asylum where he

stayed in St. Remy

'Garden At The Asylum' in Arles

Just yesterday in Arles.  

Van Gogh was just slightly better than capturing the scene than I am. And he did it while he was mad and with a paint brush.  Impressive. 

And one final picture for good measure. This was after having just a enjoyed a beer at the Cafe.