van Gogh’s Starry Night Interpretation

Starry Night Starry Night is one of the most well known images in modern culture as well as being one of the most replicated and sought after prints.

Why so popular? There is the night sky filled with swirling clouds, stars ablaze with their own luminescence, and a bright crescent moon. Although the features are exaggerated, this is a scene we can all relate to, and also one that most individuals feel comfortable and at ease with. This sky keeps the viewer's eyes moving about the painting, following the curves and creating a visual dot to dot with the stars. This movement keeps the onlooker involved in the painting while the other factors take hold.

Why so popular? Below the rolling hills of the horizon lies a small town. There is a peaceful essence flowing from the structures. Perhaps the cool dark colors and the fiery windows spark memories of our own warm childhood years filled with imagination of what exists in the night and dark starry skies. The center point of the town is the tall steeple of the church, reigning largely over the smaller buildings. This steeple casts down a sense of stability onto the town, and also creates a sense of size and seclusion.

Why so popular? To the left of the painting there is a massive dark structure that develops an even greater sense of size and isolation. This structure is magnificent when compared to the scale of other objects in the painting. The curving lines mirror that of the sky and create the sensation of depth in the painting. This structure also allows the viewer to interpret what it is. From a mountain to a leafy bush, the analysis of this formation is wide and full of variety.

Goals Develop an understanding of Vincent van Gogh’s style. Demonstrate skills in creating a balanced composition. Gain an understanding of what artistic interpretation is and apply that knowledge to create a work of art that has the following elements: Expressive line Texture Movement Personal interests and elements.

Objective Students will create a unique interpretation of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night by recreating the image and: Modernizing the image by adding new elements into the same setting. Keeping the setting but changing the colors. Applying the Starry Night look to another image.

Interpretation Many modern artists choose to do their own versions of famous paintings. This is often a good creative exercise that can help you identify your own artistic style.

This interpretation is very similar to the original. This painting has brighter colors and all of the main elements are crowded more closely together

Large Scale Some artists choose to make large scale, public interpretations. This type of art beautifies public space and exposes people to culture and art that they may not be exposed to otherwise

Additions Other artists choose to take an image from popular culture and add it into the famous work of art.

Modernize Some choose to modernize a famous piece by adding modern elements. This painting features flying saucers throughout the sky. Also notice the vast differences in color use.

Mona Lisa Starry Night Another popular trend among artists is to combine the subject matter, style, and elements of two famous paintings

This artist used bolder brighter colors and added modern elements to the cityscape.

Nashville This artist has used Van Gogh’s signature style to make a painting of his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee.

Space Needle in Seattle This artist used Van Gogh’s style to paint a Seattle cityscape.

Same Style, Completely Different scene. This artist used Van Gogh’s wide, thick brushstrokes to create a completely unique painting.

My Example

Student Examples

Student Examples

Student Examples

Student Examples

Student Examples