When we think of famous artists today, Van Gogh is one of the first names that comes to mind. His Starry Night and Sunflowers are now priceless, found in the world's top museums.

But what surprises many of us is this: during his lifetime, he only sold one painting. That's right—just one. So how did someone so “unsuccessful” back then end up becoming one of the most important artists in history?

Let's walk through his story together.

He painted with emotion, not just technique

Van Gogh didn't paint to impress buyers or follow rules. He painted because he had to. His work wasn't about making things look perfect—it was about showing how they felt. When we look at his skies, we can almost feel the wind swirl. When we see his fields, we sense the movement of the grass.

At a time when many painters were trying to make things look realistic, Van Gogh took a different path. He used bold brushstrokes, strong colors, and thick layers of paint to show his inner world. That's why his paintings still speak to us today—they're full of life, energy, and honesty.

He struggled, but he never stopped

Van Gogh's life wasn't easy. He battled loneliness, illness, and constant rejection. People didn't understand his style. Some even laughed at his work. He moved from place to place, painting as much as he could, often going hungry just to afford paint and canvas.

Still, he never gave up. He painted over 900 paintings in just 10 years. Can you imagine? That kind of passion and dedication is rare. Even when the world didn't see his value, he kept going—because he believed in what he was doing.

He inspired others, even after he was gone

Van Gogh passed away young, and sadly, he didn't get to see how much his work would later mean to the world. But soon after his death, other artists began to see the beauty and depth in his paintings. His bold use of color and emotion helped inspire entire movements—like Expressionism and Modernism.

Artists like Matisse, Gauguin, and Picasso all admired his courage and creativity. Van Gogh showed them that art didn't have to be “perfect” to be powerful. It just had to be real.

His brother played a key role

Behind every great artist, there's often someone cheering them on—and for Van Gogh, that person was his brother Theo. Theo supported him not just with money, but with love, letters, and belief. Without Theo, Van Gogh might not have been able to keep painting at all.

After Van Gogh's death, Theo's wife, Johanna, worked hard to share his art with the world. She organized exhibits, published letters, and helped people understand the genius behind the brush. Thanks to her, Van Gogh's legacy didn't fade away—it grew.

One painting sold, but his impact was priceless

The only painting Van Gogh sold in his lifetime was The Red Vineyard. It was bought for a small sum, but now, his works sell for millions. More importantly, though, his influence can be seen in how we view art today.

He changed the idea of what art should be. It didn't have to follow the rules or be easy to understand. It could be messy, emotional, and even painful—and still be beautiful.

What can we learn from Van Gogh?

Maybe the biggest lesson Van Gogh leaves us is this: success isn't always instant, and recognition doesn't always come right away. But if we stay true to what we love, keep creating, and keep sharing, our impact might be bigger than we ever imagined.

Lykkers, have you ever tried something you loved—even when others didn't “get” it? Van Gogh's story reminds us that what matters most isn't being famous or rich, but being real. Let us know how you stay inspired—we'd love to hear your story too!

Van Gogh

Video by Van Gogh Museum