“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”
–Epictetus
Masters Study – Van Gogh’s Yellow House
2.5″ x 3.5″ Watercolor & Gouache ATC
This is a crop from the original painting. I really enjoyed these little studies. Here is a link to the original painting. I’m off to Muskogee now, to go fly! 
Weeeeeee!
Epictetus (Greek: Ἐπίκτητος; AD 55–AD 135) was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was born a slave at Hierapolis, Phrygia (present day Pamukkale, Turkey), and lived in Rome until banishment when he went to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece where he lived the rest of his life. His teachings were noted down and published by his pupil Arrian in his Discourses. Philosophy, he taught, is a way of life and not just a theoretical discipline. To Epictetus, all external events are determined by fate, and are thus beyond our control, but we can accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately. Individuals, however, are responsible for their own actions, which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline. Suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecting what is within our power. As part of the universal city that is the universe, human beings have a duty to care for all fellow humans. The person who followed these precepts would achieve happiness.
I’m so amazed at all the wonderful paintings you’ve done from the masters. They are fantastic.
Thanks so much, Carol! I sure learned a lot while I was doing them.
I’m enjoying your Master’s Studies! Glad to hear you are flying again. Wave as you pass by. lol
Thanks, Joan! I wish I would have started with this instructor. He’s awesome! Anytime you see a little Cessna 172 tip it’s wings, just pretend it’s me.
Phenomenal, I say, that you get this amount of information on such a small format. I am enjoying your studies of Van Gogh’s work. He is one of my favorite artists. I imagine his soul resounds with the interest his work has spawned through time!
Thanks, Leslie! I enjoyed this yellow house! His work really is much more difficult than it looks. He was amazing and I think you’re right about his soul.