Van Gogh could have used just straight forward colors basic blues yellows and browns, but that would make this piece very one dimensional and almost elementary. He took time in choosing the colors. Such as, by using blues, blue greens and browns for the cyprus tree brings a depth to the tree and makes it more visually pleasing then just using a brown from the tube. The colors are intense but at the same time they are dull. They are not bright colors but the use of complimentary colors overlapping each others makes them intense. Another thing that gives this piece power is the texture of the painting. The paint on Starry Night is thick, dense and the brushstrokes and short sweeping strokes. Instead of the strokes blending into each other and the painting being carefully rendered Van Gogh was known for blending the colors visually and using very prominent strokes that overlapped each other to get the color that he was looking for. Lastly the composition of this piece makes it a strong piece. Van Gogh made this piece have a circular compositions where your eye does not just rest at one focal point but rather moves from the tree to the sky to the town. With this piece having more than one focal point it makes it a stronger piece and does not detract from it because each focal point hold s much importance in this piece.
Although I have not yet seen this piece in person, it is my favorite because of the amount of power and the story it tells without even having to see it in person. I first came upon this piece while watching Boy Meets World when Tapanga and Corey go into the museum to look at it. Since then it has become my favorite. I love the color choices made in this painting. And the interpretations you get from the intensity of this piece. It may mean different things to different people but it definately has the power to stick with you no matter what. This piece of art is awe-inspiring and captivating, and that is why it is my favorite
