A Nature Walk with Van Gogh

Late in the 19th century artists sought to express the meaning behind what they saw in

everyday life. While Impressionist art valued naturalistic light and color, artists--predominantly

in France--began to reach out to the abstract concepts behind the natural beauty of the world.

Among these artists was Vincent van Gogh. He believed in a power behind nature and

sought to show the world that power through his art. Today we have ten paintings. Ten attempts

at capturing the unfathomable power of nature. Ten times Van Gogh reached beyond what the

eye can see.

Today we encourage you to feel the connection to nature that Van Gogh felt. Or, perhaps

you will forge your own relationship with nature as you explore the wonders of Morton

Arboretum.

A Nature Walk with Van Gogh is arranged by series, with two paintings chosen to

represent each series. The series included in this exhibit are: Almond Blossoms, Butterflies,

Flowering Orchards, Olive Trees, and Sunflowers.

A Nature Walk with Van Gogh overlooks the Ground Cover Garden. Built in 1938, the

garden has over 350 different plants densely planted together. We consider the Ground Cover

Garden the 11th piece of the exhibit. It is at once a perfect backdrop for Van Gogh’s paintings,

and a gorgeous work of art in its own right. We encourage you to walk the garden’s winding

paths after leaving the exhibit.