Many critics told Van Gogh his art was trash. Critics thought his colors were gauche. His art was starkly different than the Dutch Masters who came before. They were successful, so why rock the boat by being different?


It turns out that there was a avant-garde scene in Paris who understood what they were looking at.

Now Van Gogh is quietly accepted by modernity as one of the best to ever do it.

This is a reminder that it can be rewarding to be true to yourself and your style. That reward comes not from aiming to the center or what audiences currently want, but by creating something unique and special that no one else can.

- Excerpt from my upcoming book, "Chicken Soup for the Pickle Hater's Soul"