Vincent van Gogh

  Most people deal with some sort of depression in their life.

Self Portrait 1889. The National Gallery of Art
Washington D.C.

  The thing that makes depression different is how people handle it. Some people become withdrawn, others seek help. 

  There is one person, however, who coped with depression by producing hundreds of paintings.

  This painter is Vincent van Gogh, and not only did he paint often, he used color so often that it would seem unlikely that he suffered depression.

  Van Gogh was pretty much the local nut-job. People thought he was absolutely crazy. 

   As if being considered crazy wasn't enough, he was also unable to sell any of his artwork (besides one painting to his brother.)

  One can only imagine the kind of emotions that would be felt as a result of being a failure.
  The damage that these emotions inflicted on van Gogh are not invisible, because van Gogh died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
  Vincent van Gogh is definitely may favorite artist. Not only do I find his paintings to be phenomenal, but I can relate to the depression that he felt.
  He is also one of my idols. I find his ability to create colorful works of art while his mind is dark to be remarkable and truly inspiring.
  I have been blessed enough to see a few of his paintings, including the pictures in this article.

The Olive Orchard  1889. The National Gallery of Art
Washington D.C.