An Imaginary Conversation Between Vincent and Pablo
An imaginary discussion between Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso:
Pablo: Vinnie, how have you been? Wonderful new piece, what do you call it?
Vincent: I’m not sure, maybe “Big Moon in Sky” or something like that. My friend Don suggests I call it “Starry, Starry Night.”
Pablo: Question for you, what paint did you use on this? Is this the 3000 series of paints?
Vincent: No! It’s the new 5000, I wouldn’t be caught dead using the 3000, have you seen the tonal range on those paints? Appalling!
Pablo: I agree, personally I wouldn’t ever purchase a painting if it used those paints.
Vincent: Agreed, what are those other painters thinking?
Pablo: This canvas is nice, what is it?
Vincent: It’s a new canvas, out of Germany, and I like the texture on it. I’ve been searching for the right canvas and just am not happy with anything yet.
Pablo: I know what you mean, I’ve been searching for years for the perfect canvas and will not rest until I do. Hey, I’ve been noticing the perspective on this piece and it leads me to believe that you’re using a 54″ easel? Placing your canvas a little higher are you?
Vincent: Yes but not a 54, it’s a 57 and combined with those new Hartford stools (they have a great padded cushion) I sit so much higher and really like the feeling when I’m working. Plus, they adjust so easily.
Pablo: Wow, I’ll have to check those out, I think Al’s apothecary is carrying them.
Vincent: I heard a rumor that you’re trying some of those new camel hair brushes? Tell me it isn’t so Pablo!
Pablo: Where did you hear that? It’s true, but I’m not telling anyone. They are so much better than the cat hair brushes that I normally use. Have you tried them?
Vincent: I wouldn’t be caught dead with one of those, do you know what would happen if it leaked out that I was using Camel hair! I don’t have to tell the scandal…
Pablo: I see you’re using those new frames from Friar Wilson, how do you like them?
Vincent: Pretty good, they’re a lot cheaper so my margins go way up. I need a little extra “ching” so that I can purchase that new satchel from Mary the Seamstress. Have you seen it, it matches my frock and is really nice for carrying around my art supplies.
Pablo: Yes, those are nice, but not as nice as the ones made by the Maid Vivian!
Vincent: You’re nuts, those look horrible! You’ve got a poor sense of colors Pablo.
Pablo: Me??? You’re the one stuck in the 1860′s. It’s the 1880′s man, wake up!
Vincent: Look at us, talking about paints, easels and brushes. Does any of this really matter? I mean, do you think photographers sit around and talk like this? I suspect not.
Pablo: Good point. Maybe there’s more to painting than equipment and tools and such?
Vincent: I think so, perhaps it ought to be more about the art?

October 7th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
Very amusing! =D hehe
October 7th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Hey Cole, I was just wondering what kind of computer you used to type this blog post?
October 8th, 2010 at 6:48 am
Cole, apart from being a funny story, it reflects some of the truths of our times.
- no that one can’t be a good photographer. He/she shots with a basic DSLR? It’s not even a Nikon or a Canon!
…and lot of other examples.
Best wishes!
October 8th, 2010 at 7:03 am
HAHAHAHA. Classic. Great post.
October 8th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Love this! A very powerful and direct way to address an issue that has plagued photography for years. (Funny too!) Thanks Cole!
October 8th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Hilarious, yet so very true. Applies to all walks of life but makes us chuckle when it hits home
October 8th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
That’s awesome. Good stuff..
October 10th, 2010 at 9:46 am
Classic… hilarious… and hits the nail right on the head.
October 12th, 2010 at 11:06 am
so true … funny & bitter
October 12th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Genius…pure genius
October 13th, 2010 at 2:46 am
[...] online and happened to come accross a great blog link, via Editorial Photographer’s group, (a conversation between Vincent & Pablo) and it got me back to thinking of the art of photography. Yes, we use these tools, gadgets, and [...]
October 18th, 2010 at 1:08 am
Sums up a problem in a nutshell. I know so many people who are wrapped up in the equipment and methods rather than the real point of photography. I have long maintained that a good image is the sole aim, how it was made is of little relevance, except to the hardware pedant. Good stuff.
October 18th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
[...] “An imaginary discussion between Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso“ [...]
January 9th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
LOVE it. That is too funny.
January 11th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
I’m so glad that I am not a painter. What a bunch of gear snobs.
June 11th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
[...] (see my blog entitled: Am Imaginary Conversation between Vincent and Pablo at http://www.colethompsonphotography.com) [...]