Over several years I’ve viewed my fair share of art pieces, but one in particular has always stood out to me. Vincent Van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms(1890) has long been my favorite painting of all time for a number of reasons. First, the visual appeal of the piece itself. The coloration as well as the calmness to the painting is welcoming. Secondly, the story behind the piece helps to accentuate and intensify the feelings that it brings about. The painting was actually a gift for Van Gogh’s brother, Theo, and sister-in-law Jo, when they had just had a baby son named after Vincent. Van Gogh had seen this piece as representative of new beginnings, which is an association I have also held deeply with the piece as well. As I’m currently getting ready for my grad school interviews, I find myself thinking back on the piece as I get ready to start a new chapter of my life. 

I’ve had the opportunity to view this piece in person twice now, a luxury I know many people in the world can’t afford. I’m thankful to have been able to see such a wonderful source of inspiration in person, and I hope to be able to visit the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam to view it again in the future. In addition, I hope that for others, the piece resonates a sense of hope and new beginnings just as it had done for me. 

featured image: Van Gogh Almond blossoms wikipedia