Post by Alice Walker
However as a copy of a Van Gogh the comparisons must be made on that basis. I agree that part of what makes all of VVG's paintings so exciting an particular to him is the energy he conveys with the brush mark -which can be seen clearly partly because the paint is so thickly applied. It is very hard to recreate this seemingly spontaneous mark making whilst trying to get it accurate as you say. Perhaps err on spirit rather than accuracy.
It looks as if VVG has applied the paint like ointment or toothpaste, either with a palette knife or brush or even a finger?!
There is lots of white in the original both unmixed and mixed -so the overall feel is of less saturated colour (although not less contrast) You might notice on the original it appears to be painted on a non white support (a sort of clay/jute colour of unprimed un bleached linen). If you were to have another go at this piece I would recommend not starting on a white support so you can use and see white and tints of white more clearly.
I personally love the blue you have used (French Ultramarine?) I think VVG may have used this blue but mostly mixed with black and white.
Have you checked the size of the original -it can help with understanding the techniques.
