My favorite subject in school was art. (I also liked going on field trips to downtown Pittsburgh.) But the most exciting days were the days I got to create something unique. I also loved learning about famous artists. Vincent Van Gogh has been a favorite of mine since elementary school. It was so sad to learn that Vincent had cut off his ear. It didn’t make any sense to me, why couldn’t a creative genius find peace and happiness? I have always loved Vincent’s use of vivid colors, everyday subjects and his big, bold, colorful brush strokes.
In my early college years I enjoyed sipping coffee in quaint bookstores while reading books filled with inspirational quotes. I’d copy my favorite quotes into my well worn black moleskin journal. Below are some of my favorite quotes from Vincent Van Gogh.
“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?“
—Vincent Van Gogh
It takes determination to run a photography business. All entrepreneurs battle road blocks, including time constraints, pressure, pride, fear, and insecurity, etc. The only way I know how to juggle all that a business requires of you is to have courage (and willingness to learn).
“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.“
—Vincent Van Gogh
Years ago when it was still just a dream to become a professional photographer, I had no idea the hard work and discipline it would require to pull it off! No one ever does, right? I have learned that to start a photography business not only does one need to understand camera settings but also: lighting, posing, marketing, accounting and creating a website, etc. I am constantly taking photography classes to continue to improve my photography skills. Since there are many genres to a full service portrait photography business, one needs to study how to properly photograph: newborns, lifestyle, seniors, families, etc.
“It is looking at things for a long time that ripens you and gives you a deeper meaning.“
—Vincent van Gogh
Photographers need to sharpen their skills and create a distinctive style. For years I wondered how to develop my own creative photographic style. Now I know that my style is simply me, it’s my personality, my likes and dislikes that lead to creating my own uniqueness. I love looking at light to see how it falls, finding the beauty in everyday life, and encouraging others to relax, have fun and enjoy the moment.
There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”
– Vincent Van Gogh
Do you love this quote too? I genuinely love people. I’m thrilled to know that Vincent and I have that in common! What makes you artistic? Is it your love for people? Or maybe more specifically your love for newborns, or babies, or children? I’d love to know! 🙂
“I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it.”
– Vincent Van Gogh
Yes! If I can’t do it now, I want to learn how to do it. Years ago my motto was “fake it till you make it.” I still practice until I master new skills. I never take no for an answer either. I didn’t realize this about myself until my husband recently said to me, “It’s just not possible. It’s not going to happen.” I don’t really understand that. When I don’t know the solution, I think about it for as long as it takes until I find a way to get it done.
“…and then, I have nature and art and poetry, and if that is not enough, what is enough?“
—Vincent Van Gogh
And finally, what makes you content? What is enough for you? For Vincent, it was nature, art and poetry. For me it’s my spending time with my family, traveling to new places, and photographing people.
Please share your own favorite inspirational quotes in the comments below. Or just share your thoughts in general. 🙂 I’d love to hear from you!
