Dutch Postimpressionist Vincent van Gogh became famous for his use of color, distinctive brushstrokes, and thick paint in his paintings of peasant life, nature scenes, landscapes, and self-portraits. This biography discusses Van Gogh's childhood, education, missionary work, early struggles with perspective and proportion, influence of artists Camille Corot and Jean-Francois Millet, introduction to oil painting, support from his brother Theo, time in Arles with artist Paul Gauguin, influence of Japanese prints, and travels through Belgium, England, and France. Sidebars, a glossary, an index, and a phonetics section accompany easy-to-read text and full-color reproductions of Van Gogh's artwork, including Portrait of the Artist Without His Beard, Vincent's Bedroom in Arles, The Potato Eaters, Starry Night, and The Red Vineyard.