Van Gogh: Ages 5-10

For my first painting choice of Van Gogh, I chose the Mountainous Landscape Behind Saint-Paul Hospital. I chose this painting because when I was nine years old my mother, aunt, and I used to go to Gatlinburg Tennessee to the mountains. This picture reminds me of that because when we used to be driving there, we would see the mountains in the distance as we drove by all the little houses and hills. I used to love going to the mountains because it was so interesting to me and I looked forward to it each year. From the brush strokes in the picture I think that they convey a calm, windy day. The color choices in the picture convey an emotion of tranquility.

Van Gogh: Ages 11-14+

The second painting I chose by Van Gogh was the Poppies and Butterflies
Painting because it reminds me of when I started maturing. Once I turned eleven I started to develop a better relationship with my mom because it had became weak when I was ten. The picture reminds me of this because the two flowers resemble my mom and me, the stems and vines resemble the rough times in our old relationship, and the butterflies resemble the new peace between us. The brush strokes and colors help emphasize the peace in this painting because they are so simple, yet pleasant.

Picasso: Ages 5-10

I chose this Picasso painting to represent a time in my life from the ages 5-10 because when I was little, about seven I used to take ballet and I loved it. I used to go a few days out of the week after school and I was always so exited about going. I loved to stretch and leap and do all the little spins. I also liked the part where we got to dress up because I got to put on my leotard, tutu, and pink stocking. This picture even reminds me of those days through its colors because we all look liked little white angels, except a few had a little bit darker skin complexion. To me the brush strokes in this painting provide a peaceful feeling and the colors provide a sense of happiness. I chose this painting immediately when I saw it because I used to love being a little ballerina and dancing with all my friends.

Picasso: Ages 11-14+

This painting by Picasso reminds me of myself when I was 14 years old because last summer was very lonely for me. Something happened on May 17, 2007 that affected my life greatly. Due to this event, for the rest of the summer I was by myself, usually crying. The brush strokes in this painting seem tense and provide a feeling of gloominess. The colors in this painting bring about a feeling of sadness, loneliness, and depression. That time was very sad and emotional and this painting really brings back those emotions a was feeling through those three long depressing months.