Vincent Van Gogh

I was in my new school today and there on the wall was the ubiquitous print of a painting by Vincent Van Gogh and it got me to wondering. Why is it that nearly every primary school I have been in recently seems to have some artwork by Van Gogh somewhere on its walls? I'm not complaining you understand, just wondering what the reason is for his popularity with this age group.

Perhaps it is the way he used lots of bright colours and pure hues. Perhaps it is the way his brushstrokes are clearly visible and invite copying by even the most reluctant of young painters. Perhaps it is the gory story of how he cut off his own ear.

Anyway, while I was thinking about this I cam across a version of Don McLean's excellent song "Vincent" (which is possibly the best song about an artist and his works) by Josh Groban. Some kind person has posted a You Tube video of this with a slide show of some of the artist's paintings. The fades between images are particularly well-timed in this one so I thought I would post it for anyone bored with the McLean original (though I can't think why anyone would be).