I remember stepping into the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and being struck by the vibrancy of his paintings. The brilliant colors of Tulip Fields near The Hague, the rich textures of Sunflowers, and the intense, almost palpable emotion in his self-portraits really captivated me. But what stayed with me long after I left the museum wasn’t just the beauty of his work—it was the story behind it.
The Surprising Truth About Van Gogh’s Beginnings
Many people think Van Gogh must have been born with an innate gift for painting. The truth is far more relatable. Van Gogh didn’t pick up a paintbrush until he was 28 years old. At an age when many artists had already developed their style and built a career, Van Gogh was just beginning. For someone like me, who didn’t start writing until much later in life, this was a revelation.
In the early days of his artistic journey, Van Gogh’s paintings were far from the vivid masterpieces we think of today. His original works, like Fisherman on the Beach, were largely subdued. He painted them in shades of brown and gray, with little hint of the richness to come. They were, by most accounts, unremarkable. Yet, these early efforts were the foundation on which he built his future greatness.
The Power of Perseverance
What’s incredible about Van Gogh’s journey is how quickly he progressed. In just ten short years, he went from producing these muted, tentative works to becoming one of the most influential figures in the history of Western art. This transformation is more than inspiring. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the belief that it’s never too late to start something new.
When I reflect on my own journey into writing, I take inspiration from Van Gogh’s story. It’s easy to feel discouraged when starting a new venture later in life. There’s a pervasive myth that creativity belongs to the young. If you haven’t “made it” by a certain age, it’s too late. But Van Gogh’s life defies this narrative. He reminds us that the desire to create, to explore new passions, is timeless.
The lesson I took away from Vincent van Gogh’s journey is simple but profound: it’s never too late to start, and the sky’s the limit on what you can achieve. Whether you’re 28, 48, or 68, there’s always time to embark on a new journey. Van Gogh didn’t become famous during his lifetime, but his work has since touched millions of people around the world. His story shows that the value of what you create isn’t determined by how quickly you start, or how fast you succeed. What counts is the passion and dedication you bring to your craft.
So, if you’re hesitating to pursue something new because you think you’re too old or it’s too late, remember Vincent van Gogh’s journey. Start where you are, with whatever tools you have, and let your passion guide you. Who knows? In ten years, you might look back and marvel at how far you’ve come.
Jayson Adams is a technology entrepreneur, artist, and the award-winning and best-selling author of two science fiction thrillers, Ares and Infernum. You can see more at www.jaysonadams.com.