van Gogh: Irises Birdhouse

Irises is one of several paintings of irises by the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, and one of a series of paintings he made at the Saint Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, in the last year before his death in 1890.

Van Gogh started painting Irises within a week of entering the asylum, in May 1889, working from nature in the hospital garden.[1] There is a lack of the high tension which is seen in his later works. He called painting "the lightning conductor for my illness" because he felt that he could keep himself from going insane by continuing to paint.

The painting was probably influenced by Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints like many of his works and those by other artists of the time. The similarities occur with strong outlines, unusual angles, including close-up views, and also flattish local color (not modeled according to the fall of light). The painting is full of softness and lightness. Irises is full of life without tragedy.

He considered this painting a study which is probably why there are no known drawings for it,[2] although Theo, Van Gogh's brother, thought better of it and quickly submitted it to the annual exhibition of the Société des Artistes Indépendants in September 1889, together with Starry Night Over the Rhone. He wrote to Vincent of the exhibition: "[It] strikes the eye from afar. The Irises are a beautiful study full of air and life." The painting is one of his most renowned works.[3] (from Wikipedia)

I build these birdhouses using 3/4" plywood and metal panels that I design and make in my studio. The panels will never rust. They are made from the same UV-protected metal as a novelty license plate, like those for a university or ball team. Hang your birdhouse in dappled sun or full shade for happy birds and long lasting colors. Air vents located under the protection of the eaves and in the floor allow air flow through-out. The roof is removable for easy access to clean out old nests.

• Interior birdhouse is constructed of 3/4″ plywood, except for the roof, which is one of the metal panels.
• Hole is 1.5″ Diameter.
• 6″ x 6″ x 12″
• Approx 7.5″ wide at the eaves

A cShoresal Design
Vincent van Gogh,
Artist