Outskirts Author Takes Closer Look at Impact of Van Gogh’s Arles Period

Porto, Portugal, March 02, 2008 --(PR.com)-- More than 100 years after his death, Vincent van Gogh remains one of the world’s most important, influential and best-known painters. But a revealing new book proves there’s still plenty to learn about the Dutch post-Impressionist master—specifically, the legacy of his grand, if short lived, artistic experiment known as the Studio of the South.

Now available through the Outskirts Press Web site at www.outskirtspress.com/mariofortunato, Mário Fortunato’s “The Studio of South: The Romantic Book,” looks at this key period in Van Gogh’s career and its aftermath. Blending scientific inquiry with historical documents and his own keen insights, Fortunato illustrates what he calls a “miraculous” recovery of the movement among later artists, and shows how their work illuminates some hidden meanings in their predecessor’s masterpieces.

The story starts in the southern French city of Arles, France. Van Gogh moved there in February, 1888, weary of the Parisian city scene. In Arles, Van Gogh hoped to be inspired by the colors and vibrancy of rural life, which he found liberating compared to the dour environment of Paris. With a dream of establishing a utopian art colony, Van Gogh was joined by his friend Paul Gauguin. It was during this period that Van Gogh produced some of his most important work, including “Still Life: Vase with Twelve Sunflowers.” But it was not to last. In December of that year, distraught over his relationship with Gauguin, Van Gogh cut off part of his left ear, giving it to a prostitute. Soon after, Van Gogh’s emotional condition deteriorated, and he left Arles for a mental hospital.

But what if the dream of the “Studio of the South” didn’t really end?

In gorgeous full-color, “The Studio of South: The Romantic Book” examines how the themes and interests of that extraordinary and experimental time period of 1888 are powerfully evoked in the artists who followed, with particular attention to the renowned painter Helena Amaral. Through a careful, scientific examination of color theory drawing upon Fortunato’s background in physics, as well as reproductions and other primary sources, Fortunato elegantly unifies science with painting and religion. Through it all, he demonstrates a keen insight in showing how these subsequent artists appear influenced by the master’s use of light and shade. At the same time, Fortunato’s groundbreaking thesis posits these later artists’ works themselves reveal the master’s own aspirations and strong Romanticism.

“The Studio of South: The Romantic Book” is now available through Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and the online bookstore of Outskirts Press, at outskirtspress.com/mariofortunato.

ISBN: 978-1-4327-0855-9 Format: 8.5 x 11 color paperback Pages: 72 SRP: US$18.95/CAN$19.95 Genre: Art – Painting

About the Author: Mário Fortunato is an award-winning painter and writer in Porto, Portugal. Trained in physics, Fortunato has collaborated with renowned artist Helena Amaral on a number of projects, including the 1998 launch of her Web site, The Flowers Painter, at www.helena-painter.com. He is the author of the 2002 book “Gladioli in Still Life (Helena Amaral... jusque Vincent van Gogh),” which was published by the Société des Écrivains.

Author Contact: Visit him on the Web at www.outskirtspress.com/mariofortunato

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