As an expert in the field of art history, I have a deep appreciation for the works of Vincent van Gogh, one of the most influential and celebrated painters of the Post-Impressionist period. Van Gogh's use of materials was as distinctive as his vibrant and expressive brushwork, and it played a significant role in the creation of his iconic masterpieces.
Step 1: English Answer
Vincent van Gogh, born in 1853, was a Dutch painter whose work has had a profound impact on Western art. His unique style and the materials he used to create his paintings are still widely studied and admired today. Here's a detailed look at the materials Vincent van Gogh employed in his artistic practice:

1. Canvas and Paper: Van Gogh often used both canvas and paper as his primary supports. Canvas was the preferred choice for his oil paintings, while he frequently used heavy paper for his watercolors and sketches.

2. Oil Paints: Oil paints were Van Gogh's medium of choice for most of his work. He used a wide range of colors, applying them with a thick, impasto technique that created a rich texture and added depth to his paintings.

3. Impasto Technique: As mentioned, Van Gogh was known for his thick application of paint, which is referred to as impasto. This technique allowed him to create a tactile surface with visible brushstrokes or the marks of a palette knife, contributing to the emotional intensity of his work.

4. Brushes and Palette Knives: Van Gogh used a variety of brushes and palette knives to apply his paint. His use of these tools was quite expressive, often leaving the marks of the brush or knife visible in the final work, which added to the dynamic quality of his paintings.

5. Color Palette: Van Gogh had a particular affinity for bold and intense colors. He used a wide range of hues, from bright yellows and blues to deep greens and reds. His color choices were not always realistic but were instead used to convey emotion and atmosphere.

6. Pigments: The pigments used by Van Gogh were often of high quality, which contributed to the vibrancy of his colors. Some of the pigments he used, such as cadmium yellow and chrome yellow, were relatively new at the time and contributed to the luminosity of his paintings.
7.
Binder and Medium: In addition to the pigments, Van Gogh used binders and mediums to help the paint adhere to the canvas and to control the consistency of the paint. Linseed oil was a common binder used by many artists of the time, including Van Gogh.
8.
Sketching Materials: Before committing to a canvas, Van Gogh would often create sketches and studies. He used graphite and charcoal for these preliminary works, which allowed him to work out the composition and lighting of his subjects.
9.
Watercolors: Van Gogh was also a prolific watercolorist. He used watercolor paints on heavy paper, creating works that were lighter and more transparent than his oil paintings but still displayed his characteristic energy and use of color.
10.
Influence of Japanese Art: Van Gogh was deeply influenced by Japanese art, particularly woodblock prints known as ukiyo-e. He collected these prints and even incorporated elements of their design, such as bold outlines and flattened areas of color, into his own work.
1
1. Experimentation: One of the hallmarks of Van Gogh's approach to his materials was his willingness to experiment. He was not afraid to try new techniques or to push the boundaries of what was considered conventional in his time.
In summary, Vincent van Gogh's choice of materials and his innovative use of them were integral to the development of his unique artistic style. His work continues to inspire and influence artists around the world, and his materials and techniques are a significant part of his enduring legacy.
**read more >>

Van Gogh was known for his thick application of paint on canvas, called impasto. An Italian word for --paste-- or --mixture--, impasto is used to describe a painting technique where paint (usually oil) is laid on so thickly that the texture of brush strokes or palette knife are clearly visible.read more >>