Art has the profound ability to inspire music and writing by evoking emotions and sparking imagination. It can offer a visual narrative that resonates deeply. A painting’s vibrant colours or intricate details can translate into melodies that mimic its mood or rhythm. Artistic themes inspire lyrics or storytelling. Art becomes a muse that bridges creative disciplines, encouraging artists and musicians to explore new realms of expression.
‘Vincent’ and ‘The Starry Night’
When I stood in front of the original painting ‘The Starry Night’ the song track by Don McLean immediately came into my head.
“Starry, starry night,
Paint your palette blue and grey…”
McLean wrote “Vincent” in 1971 after reading a biography about Vincent van Gogh. He was moved by Van Gogh’s struggles with mental illness, unrecognised talent during his lifetime, and his deeply emotional connection to the world around him. The song was an homage not only to Van Gogh’s art but also to his tragic life. “This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you“.
A background of emotional turmoil
Van Gogh painted The Starry Night in 1889 while staying at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Franc. The artist had voluntarily admitted himself to the asylum after a mental health crisis. During this time, he oscillated between periods of clarity and despair. The painting depicts an imagined night view inspired by the landscape he observed from his window, combined with elements from his imagination and memory. Van Gogh himself considered The Starry Night to be one of his weaker works, calling it “a failure” in a letter to his brother Theo. it has become one of the most celebrated pieces of art in history, representing the intersection of human emotion and creativity.
Today, The Starry Night is housed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City and continues to captivate viewers with its energy and emotion.
Influencing artists today
Van Gogh’s paintings continue to inspire artists with emotional intensity, and innovative use of colour and texture. His work serves as a timeless reminder to push creative boundaries and express the world not just as it appears, but as it feels – deeply. We see his and other influences in the works of our professional artists at Life: Full Colour today.
