Vincent believed that although his use of vibrant color made his paintings appear less realistic, it helped the paintings come alive. And the many people who have viewed his paintings since would agree. Somehow, color, composition, and subject matter combine to connect with people in ways that defy explanation. This is the mysterious, transcendent quality of art—something in the liniment oil and pigment breaks through the plain of the canvas and penetrates the human soul in a way that suddenly and inexplicably matters.
