Van Gogh: Up Close

An exhibition of paintings by Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh is open to North American audiences in 2012, currently showing in Philadelphia and then moving to Ottawa. The exhibit features 46 of his paintings focusing on his representations of nature, created as he moved from Paris to Arles, Saint-Rémy and Auvers.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the only U.S. venue, hosts the exhibition from February 1 to May 6, 2012. Then Van Gogh: Up Close moves to the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, the sole Canadian venue, from May 25 to September 3, 2012.

The National Gallery's web site includes Countdown to Van Gogh, featuring a different work of art each week leading up to the opening on May 25th.

Musée d'Orsay, Paris

On my last trip to Paris, I enjoyed strolling through the gallery of Van Gogh's paintings at the Musée d'Orsay. And I hope to revisit the collection this summer before embarking on a river cruise through Provence, as none of his paintings remain in the land that inspired his creativity in the final years of his life. Instead, I'll have to be content with walking the cobblestoned streets of Arles and Saint-Rémy that Van Gogh called home, and comparing the on-site reproductions to the scenes as they appear today.

For Van Gogh fans unable to visit Philadelphia or Ottawa this year, I recommend the Imax production Van Gogh: A Brush with Genius, which showcases his art as well as the locations.

Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia, PA
February 1 to May 6, 2012

National Gallery of Canada
Ottawa, ON
May 25 to September 3, 2012