Early Autumn in London

This scene reminds me of Van Gogh walking through the fields with someone who would help carry his painting things when they went out to paint together. At a time when Van Gogh believed so deeply in what he was doing, yet was also living with an enormous sense of disappointment and loss, this person believed in him, encouraged him and listened to him. In many ways, he became a quiet source of strength for Van Gogh, someone who gave him the support and motivation to keep going.

I think Van Gogh’s paintings say quite a lot about how determined and stubborn he was. He clearly felt things very deeply, and yet somehow managed to keep going, often in quite profound isolation. I think there was something incredibly strong about him.

Hampstead Heath