I have a painter's heart

Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from The Hague, 10-12 August 1882

I must tell you that painting does not seem so strange to me as you would perhaps suppose; on the contrary, I like it very much, as it is a very strong means of expression. And at the same time one can express tender things with it too, let a soft grey or green speak amid all the ruggedness. . . .

. . . I like it so much, Theo, that it is only because of the expenses that I shall have to restrain myself rather than urge myself on. . . .

I write you just this little word to tell you I have made a beginning. Of course the studies must get even better. I know they have many faults, but I believe that in these first ones you will already see something of the open air, which proves that I love nature and that I have a painter's heart.

Letter 224
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
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