The Walk - Falling Leaves 1889

"The Walk - Falling Leaves" was painted by Vincent van Gogh with oil on canvas, during his time in the asylum at Saint-Rémy. The most striking aspect of this painting is undoubtedly its materiality. Look closely, and you’ll see how Van Gogh applied the paint in thick, expressive strokes. This impasto technique is not just about depicting a scene; it’s about capturing a feeling, the very essence of the autumn air. The textures he created mimic the tactile experience of nature itself. Consider the labor involved in producing such a work. Oil paint requires the grinding and mixing of pigments, and the canvas must be prepared. Van Gogh didn't just apply the paint; he worked it, building up layers to create depth and movement. In this, he was working within a long tradition of painting as skilled work. But he was also pushing against that tradition by bringing a new kind of urgency to the process. Van Gogh reminds us that art is not just about what is represented, but how it is made. It is in this sense that the artist elevates the craft of painting.