The Derivative Starry Night (Vincent Van Gogh)

The Original (From Wikipedia):



My First Version (The Vortex in Which Van Gogh Lived):



A Day Later, My Second Version (The Vortex in Which Van Gogh Lived):



My Third Version (The Vortex in Which Van Gogh Lived):



My Fourth Version, Birds Added (The Vortex in Which Van Gogh Lived):


I don't pretend that my versions are anything special. Much of what makes Van Gogh's work so compelling is the fact that his style is original--mine is not.

I have built my versions on someone else's completed canvas and that may elicit well-deserved criticism.

I like my colors, although probably too cheerful for the subject matter. I'm not sure which version I like best, although the second version seems to depict better the sad and tragic life of Van Gogh.

The best artwork-y seems to emerge from lousy photographs. I kid you not.

If you try to build a derivative from a lovely photograph, you will find it difficult to get past the beauty of the original.