I am full of ambition

Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from The Hague, 14 August 1882

While painting, I feel a power of color in me that I did not possess before, things of broadness and strength.

Now I am not going to send you things at once - let it ripen a little first - but know that I am full of ambition and believe that for the present I am making progress. (In three months, however, I will send something to give you an idea of how I'm getting on.) But that is just the reason for me to persevere and to acquire what I need.

So do not think that I am satisfied with myself from what I say about my work - the contrary is true; but I think this much is gained: in the future when something strikes me in nature, I shall have more means than before with which to give it new vigor.
And I am not displeased that what I shall make in the future will look more attractive.

Letter 225
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
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