The Starry Night, A Portrait of Vincent van Gogh Hyper-Realism
- Eric Buechel
- Sep 21, 2017
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 28
My painting, The Starry Night, A Portrait of Vincent van Gogh, was first showcased at the Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport Exhibition in the spring of 2015. This exhibition was a remarkable opportunity for local artists to present their work to a broader audience, as the airport serves as a bustling hub for travelers from various backgrounds. The vibrant atmosphere of the exhibition, filled with the energy of art enthusiasts and curious visitors, created a unique backdrop for my piece, which I had poured so much of my passion and creativity into.
I completed the painting shortly before the exhibition, working diligently in the weeks leading up to it. Each brushstroke was a labor of love, as I sought to capture not just the likeness of Vincent van Gogh, but also the essence of his spirit and the emotional depth that characterized his life and work. The swirling patterns of the night sky, reminiscent of his iconic style, were particularly challenging yet rewarding to execute. However, despite the excitement surrounding the exhibition, I didn't have the chance to fully appreciate my work in its completed form, as it was sold just a few days before the opening.
The experience of selling a piece of art is often a complex mix of emotions. On one hand, it is incredibly gratifying when someone expresses a desire to buy your art, validating the time, effort, and emotion that went into creating it. It signifies that the work resonates with someone else, which is a profound affirmation for any artist. Yet, on the other hand, there is a bittersweet feeling that accompanies parting with a piece so quickly, especially one that holds significant meaning to me. The painting was not only a reflection of my artistic journey but also a homage to Van Gogh, an artist whose struggles and triumphs have inspired me deeply.
Nonetheless, I find solace in the fact that my painting is now with a collector who was thrilled to acquire it. Knowing that it has found a home where it will be appreciated and cherished brings me a sense of fulfillment. The collector's enthusiasm for the piece reassures me that my work continues to evoke emotions and provoke thoughts, which is ultimately what I strive for as an artist. The connection between the artist and the viewer is a vital part of the artistic experience, and I am grateful that my painting has become a part of someone else's story. That's what truly matters in the end—the journey of art transcending the canvas and finding a place in the hearts of those who encounter it.

Hyper-Realism By Artist Eric Buechel, The portrait of Vincent with silhouettes of 14-letters and stars cut out of canvas and glued onto the background in no particular order. Oil on Canvas, 2015, 28" x 32" x 2", Private Collection
Starry, Starry Night
By Eric Buechel
In fields where sunflowers boldly sway, their vibrant yellow petals catching the
golden rays of the sun, creating a stunning spectacle that dances with the gentle
breeze, And whispers of the night hold sway, as shadows lengthen and the soft sounds
of the evening envelop the landscape, bringing a tranquil hush that invites contemplation
and reflection, Vincent paints with fervent light, his brush strokes alive with passion and
intensity, capturing not just the visual beauty but the very essence of the moment, infusing
each canvas with a burning desire to express the inexpressible,
A canvas born from dreams in flight, where imagination takes wing and transcends the
ordinary, allowing colors to blend and swirl in a symphony of hues that evoke emotions and
transport the viewer to a realm where art and soul intertwine, revealing the profound connection
between the artist’s heart and the world around him.
Eric Buechel Fine Art
P.O. Box 277
Pleasant Hill Tennessee 38578
(931) 881-7806
www.ericbuechel.net