Vincent van Gogh and the Colors of the Wind

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Vincent van Gogh and the Colors of the Wind

by Chiara Lossani, Octavia Monaco (Illustrator)

3.45 of 5 stars 3.45 · rating details · 20 ratings · 9 reviews

"Painters teach us to see," Vincent van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo. But when Vincent's contemporaries looked at him, many of them saw only a madman "dressed like a scarecrow wandering in the fields with canvases under one arm and paintbrushes under the other."But Vincent followed his passion and listened to the lessons nature taught him about light, shadows, shapes, an...more

Hardcover, 40 pages

Published March 1st 2011 by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

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Apr 10, 2011 Betsy rated it 4 of 5 stars

The art of the children's biography is not for the faint of heart. If you think it consists of merely shuffling a few facts on a page you may as well just go home now. True children's biographies of individuals (particularly complex individuals) must straddle the line between storytelling and fact. Here in America, fact often wins out over storytelling. Get too creative and folks will start to doubt how much of what you say is verifiable and true. In Europe, the storytelling inclination burns lo...more The art of the children's biography is not for the faint of heart. If you think it consists of merely shuffling a few facts on a page you may as well just go home now. True children's biographies of individuals (particularly complex individuals) must straddle the line between storytelling and fact. Here in America, fact often wins out over storytelling. Get too creative and folks will start to doubt how much of what you say is verifiable and true. In Europe, the storytelling inclination burns long and strong. I was thinking this as I read the recent translation of Chiara Lossani's Vincent van Gogh and the Colors of the Wind. Here we have a book that eschews a Bibliography or any kind of backmatter that would justify its method of telling its subject's life. Under normal circumstances I'd get a bit huffy about this, but there's something infinitely entrancing about Lossani's book. Taking the essential facts about the great artist's work, Lossani and artist Octavia Monaco together present a compelling look not just into van Gogh's life as an artist, but also a peek into the mind of the man himself. And children's bio or no children's bio, it ain't always pretty.

He was born in 1853 in Holland. His brother Theo came four years after that. Even from the start, though, Vincent van Gogh was a difficult guy to get along with. While Theo is good at making friends, Vincent is off-putting. This tendency doesn't lessen any as they grow older, and Vincent has a way of getting fired from various occupations (gallery employee, preacher, etc.). When at last he turns to painting, Vincent finally finds what he needs. Even so, nothing's ever easy. In Holland he paints too dark, in Paris he makes Theo's life difficult. In Arles he finds the colors he needs but grows depressed, and back in Paris nothing's quite right. Finally, in Auvers Vincent shoots himself and dies at home at the age of thirty-seven. Six months later, Theo joins his brother in death.

Going into the book I knew from the outset that it was written in Italy, but I wonder if someone coming across it by accident would instantly pick up on its origins? Indeed, there are elements to this book that strike you as particularly unique. For one thing, children's books published in America may mention that van Gogh shot himself and died of the wound soon thereafter, but you don't usually get to sit in on the scene. Then there is the role of the wind. Throughout this book the wind speaks to Vincent. It advises him, warns him, berates him, and taunts him. After a while, it seems clear that from a very young age Vincent has heard this wind, and though the book never goes so far as to say it, it could easily be a manifestation of his own madness. Lossani is purposefully vague on that point, which serves the story well. She shows moments when van Gogh seemed particularly dangerous (awaking Gauguin by standing over him, staring, holding a razor) or crazy (cutting off his own ear) but while she's willing to extrapolate his thoughts as they pertain to the big moments in his life (culled from his letters to Theo, which are still in existence) she does not speculate about his problems. That he had them is evident. What their cause was is elusive.

One pet peeve I've always harbored when it comes to biographies of great painters is that often you'll run across an illustrator who seems almost afraid to include any of that artist's actual paintings into the images. For this reason the paint and mixed-media style of this book fits it particularly well. Octavia Monaco suffers no such intimidation from the great master, and indeed her personal style fits the subject matter perfectly. She even allows herself a little fun here and there. Look on the cover of the book and you will find an image of van Gogh painting The Yellow House, the final image of which will appear later in the book. Monaco also works elements of famous van Gogh paintings into the story, even if the original images never appear. You won't see the official Vincent van Gogh sunflower paintings here, but you will see sunflowers cropping up all over the story in the background. Look! There's even one on the cover!

Is it nonfiction? I think so. The facts are there, albeit it buried amongst the story. When you first open the book you see a listing of Vincent's paintings in the order they appear on one page, and a couple facts about Vincent (where he was born, what year, etc.) on the other. You won't find any timelines in this book, though. No Bibliography. No Afterword. And if you were to turn this book into a play (stranger fish have been fried) you really would only need four actors or so. One to play Vincent, one to play Theo, one to play the wind, and one to play supporting roles like Gauguin or the salesman Pere Tanguy. Lossani limits her characters as needed, allowing the heart of the book to center on Vincent and Theo. This is their tale. What it says is true, even if we're unclear on how much. Making the wind a character is a bit of artistic license, but it serves a purpose. As a children's librarian I've a lot of people seeking out van Gogh biographies for kids. This isn't the usual fare, which is precisely why I like it. It may not fulfill all the requirements of a homework assignment, but for a story that delves deeply into the very brain of its subject without going too far, there are few titles to compete. A beautiful, odd book.

For ages 7-10. (less)

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Jul 07, 2011 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ncbla

Based in part on letters written by artist Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo, this picture book biography traces Vincent's search for a meaningful life. As job after job leaves him dissatisfied, he hears the wind calling him, asking him what he wants to do. When art provides some satisfaction, he is unable to sell his work, and studies the painting styles and subject matter of other Parisian artists. But the artist is rarely satisfied with his paintings and keeps trying different techniques t...more

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Jun 15, 2011 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography-memoirs, art-history, art, international

A picture book biography for older readers. There is definitely a different (European?) sensibility to this biography. It is personal and expressive. Thoughts and feelings of van Gogh are expressed, which is out of fashion/not done? but in this book it is very effective ("Music and harmony ring in Vincent's heart.")The wind is a character with its own voice. The author mentions reading the correspondence between Vincent and Theo, and quotes in the text must be from these letters. Though I long f...more

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May 20, 2011 Tasha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: picture-books, nonfiction

Based on Vincent van Gogh’s letters to his brother Theo, this book explores how Van Gogh became one of the greatest painters. Vincent is enthusiastic and always moving as a child. When he got older, he became a preacher like his father but was fired from that job because he preached as much about art as Jesus. Vincent then became a full-time painter, but everyone doubted this man who dressed like a scarecrow and wandered the fields. Vincent discovers the Impressionists and finds friends among th...more

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Jun 06, 2011 Bob Hayton rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s, eerdmans-books, reviewed

Vincent Van Gogh's life may not seem to have many redemptive qualities about it, from a Christian perspective. But his art is powerful and expressive. Van Gogh's passionate life was sadly cut short by sin, and serves as a testament to our fallen world. The wonder of God's creation captivated and deeply moved Van Gogh. Van Gogh's story can serve to teach our children greater lessons about life, God and sin.

While the author of this book doesn't apply the life lessons that are to be learned, this...more Vincent Van Gogh's life may not seem to have many redemptive qualities about it, from a Christian perspective. But his art is powerful and expressive. Van Gogh's passionate life was sadly cut short by sin, and serves as a testament to our fallen world. The wonder of God's creation captivated and deeply moved Van Gogh. Van Gogh's story can serve to teach our children greater lessons about life, God and sin.

While the author of this book doesn't apply the life lessons that are to be learned, this book for older children could be a helpful avenue for parents to bring up a discussion of deeper life issues and concerns. I should note, Van Gogh killed himself, may have had mental problems, and the book describes these parts of Van Gogh's story as well as one of his sinful romps. I wouldn't recommend this book for young readers, or for indiscriminate use by older readers.

From the book's description:

"Painters teach us to see," Vincent van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo. But when Vincent's contemporaries looked at him, many of them saw only a madman — "dressed like a scarecrow wandering in the fields with canvases under one arm and paintbrushes under the other."

But Vincent followed his passion and listened to the lessons nature taught him about light, shadows, shapes, and colors. And now that "madman" is one of the most famous painters in the world.

Inspired by letters that Vincent wrote to Theo, his closest friend and constant encourager, the text of Vincent van Gogh and the Colors of the Wind is vibrantly illustrated in a style that recalls the paintings of the artist himself. The book also includes fourteen reproductions of van Gogh's actual paintings. This lyrical story provides a thoughtful and fresh look at the life of one of the world's most famous artists.

You can pick up a copy of this title at Amazon.com, or direct from Eerdmans Books.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Eerdman Books for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.(less)

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Jun 15, 2011 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, nonfiction

This picture-book biography of Van Gogh culls its quotes from letters between Vincent and his brother Theo, and includes photos of his paintings right in the vividly colored illustrations. It's a unique look at a very tormented man -- though I'm familiar with his life story, it's still painful to read all at once. Good for older elementary readers.

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Mar 21, 2011 Edward Sullivan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, picture-books, art

Calling this book a biography is debatable given that there is a personified wind that speaks to Van Gogh throughout the story, but it is a lyrically written, elegantly illustrated introduction to the troubled but brilliant artist.

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Dec 31, 2011 Christina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, nonfiction, picturebooks

Beautiful art and good integration of Vincent Van Gogh's artworks into the illustrations, but a so-so story. It's kind of weirdly metaphysical, as Vincent listens to the wind give him inspiration for his art.

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Aug 05, 2011 Yoo Kyung Sung rated it 4 of 5 stars

Gorgeous illustrations and approaching Gogh through relationships is interesting. Unique presentations in genre of biography.

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Apr 11, 2013 Sima rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mar 20, 2013 Stephen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: art-read, biography-read

Mar 23, 2013 Kristin rated it 3 of 5 stars

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Feb 24, 2012 Alicia rated it 2 of 5 stars

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Oct 09, 2011 Donalyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

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Nov 08, 2011 Jaime rated it 3 of 5 stars

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