Last Updated on Monday, 22 October 2012 02:41 Written by Liz Monday, 22 October 2012 02:41

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It’s been seven years in the making. “Becoming Van Gogh,” an exhibit that will only be showcased in the Mile High, opened at the Denver Art Museum today.

Explore 70 Van Gogh paintings on loan from 40 international museums and collections. Curator Timothy Stranding took on the Titanic size challenge and stopped at nothing to make it happen. Museum director, Christoph Heinrich, applauds the effort. “You want curators with big dreams.”

“Isn’t this terrific?” grins Stranding as he points to a painting filled with flowers bursting with color. “You can see Van Gogh discovered the world of color while living in the South of France.” With sights set on specific paintings, Stranding wanted to tell a story. Each painting and sketch was targeted for a specific reason. You will explore the different styles and techniques Van Gogh experimented with over his 10 year career.

In response to the question of all celebrated artists why did Stranding lock his focus on Van Gogh? Painting a proud smile on his face and adjusting his signature orange bow tie Stranding stood up taller. “He was an underdog with four failed careers. He worked hard enough and became disciplined enough to become one of the most famous artists of all time.”

You quickly learn success didn’t quickly fall onto the painter’s palette. Rough but accurate paintings show a unique style that is adding a vibrant new energy to the DAM. Van Gogh quotes accent each of the four rooms of the exhibit. “And the great isn’t something accidental. It must be willed.” As is clear with each of his spontaneous but deliberate brush strokes.

“Becoming Van Gogh” October 21-January 20, $13-$25

720-865-5000 or denverartmuseum.org

Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave. Pkwy.
Denver, CO 80204

For more pictures visit: http://catchcarri.com/?p=3523