Make the Leap and Visit Auvers-Sur-Oise

By Guest Blogger: Vanessa Françoise Rothe 

Follow in the Footsteps of Vincent van Gogh

Walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh as we visit Auvers-Sur-Oise, the picturesque village where he spent the final months of his life, creating some of his most iconic works. This inspiring destination is part of our itinerary during our workshop Making the Leap: The Fine Art of Business, a transformative art business workshop led by Vanessa Rothe.

The Enchanting Village of Auvers-Sur-Oise

Auvers-Sur-Oise is a charming and beautiful village located just an hour’s train ride north of Paris. It is a lovely example of a small French village, with quaint houses, a small chapel, and cobblestone streets lined with restaurants and cafés. The village takes its name from the Oise River, which runs through it.

Although it may seem like a typical picturesque French village, Auvers-Sur-Oise has a unique history. Its charm attracted many Impressionist artists who painted here, and some even called it home. Artists such as Camille Pissarro and Paul Cézanne created many works here, including some famous landscapes on the outskirts of town. Charles-François Daubigny, considered one of the first Impressionist painters, also lived and worked here. The village is also home to a museum dedicated to Absinthe, the green, licorice-flavored drink that was popular among 19th-century poets and painters. During that time, Auvers-Sur-Oise was teeming with artists, providing inspiration and countless subjects for their work.

A Resting Place for Two Brothers

Both Vincent and his brother Theo are buried next to each other in the village cemetery, where their graves can be visited. During his stay in Auvers-Sur-Oise, Van Gogh created an astonishing 80 paintings in just 70 days before he passed.

Vincent was a unique artist for his time, and his brother, Theo van Gogh, played a crucial role in his life—not only as an art dealer in Paris but also as a source of financial and emotional support throughout his career.

Van Gogh’s Vision of Auvers-Sur-Oise

Van Gogh wrote many letters to his brother and family describing the village and surrounding area. One well-known work he painted here is L’Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, a view of the back of the village church. In a letter to his sister, he described it:

“The building appears to be violet-hued against a sky of simple deep blue color, pure cobalt; the stained-glass windows appear as ultramarine blotches, the roof is violet and partly orange. In the foreground, some green plants in bloom, and sand with the pink flow of sunshine in it.”

This quote reveals how he saw everything in such vivid colors. Vincent used pure colors in his work, perhaps in part due to progress and new pigments in the color-making industry. 

Many of his final works were painted in this area. Among them is Wheat Field with Crows, painted in July 1890, which is considered one of his most famous works. The painting depicts vast fields under a stormy sky, with wild crows circling above—often interpreted as harbingers of death, possibly reflecting Van Gogh’s despair. In an attempt to try to understand the man and his motivation, we look for answers in his work.  Ironically, though, there is no definitive proof that he was in a state of deep sorrow at the time. In fact, some argue that his final paintings are filled with energy and movement, as if he was profoundly engaged in his art and the world around him. 

Van Gogh’s Struggles in the Art Market

Van Gogh was always grateful to have his brother Theo help him manage his art business and attempt to market and sell his work. Theo not only ordered and shipped Vincent’s art supplies but also encouraged and guided him with inspirational words through their letters. Despite being a prolific and incredibly talented painter, Van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime — proof that the art world simply wasn’t ready for his genius.

The Modern Art Business: Learning to Thrive

The art business world operates very differently today! Artists now need the skills to manage it all themselves — especially if they want to turn a profit as professionals. 

During the Spring of 2025, artists have a unique opportunity to explore the modern way of running a successful art business. Set in the beautiful Normandy countryside just north of Paris, our workshop, Making the Leap: The Fine Art of Business with Vanessa Rothe, offers invaluable insights into the professional art world. Participants gain practical tips on how to pitch their work to gallery owners and magazine editors. It includes exclusive access to valuable discounts on inventory software, panels, and subscriptions—tools designed to help cut costs and optimize profit.