The Yellow House: Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin Side by Side

by Susan Goldman Rubin, Jos. A. Smith (Illustrator)

Beginning with their ambition to found an artists' colony and ending with each artist going his own way, this is the story of how, during autumn 1888, Van Gogh and Gauguin came to live together for two months, in Arles, in the south of France. It is not only the story of their friendship, it is also about how artists generate and share ideas and how they work.

Genres: Art, Biography, Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, France, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Susan Goldman Rubin is the author of more than forty-five books for young people, including Andy Warhol: Pop Art Painter; The Yellow House: Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin Side by Side; and Edward Hopper: Painter of Light and Shadow. A long-time instructor in the UCLA Extension Writers Program, Susan Goldman Rubin lives in Malibu, California.

Reviews

[Linda Lipko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a block of history in the lives of these two incredible impressionist painters. Vincent Van Gogh was already experiencing signs of what came to be called "fits" when he invited his friend and fellow artist to join him in the yellow house in the south of France.

Two different temperaments, and two varied style of artistry. One saw the world in colors, the other (Gauguin) tried to paint more realistically. For two months in the fall of 1888 they inspired each other. Living together was problematic. Van Gogh was a messy painter, as he splashed gobs of paint on the campus, whereas Gauguin attempted to be very orderly and organized in his works.

All too soon the friends clashed. When Gauguin told Vincent he was leaving, a violent argument resulted in Vincent cutting off his ear. Vincent was taken to the hospital, Paul was indeed very frightened and immediately left Arles.

This led to the down fall of Vincent's emotions which could no longer be held in check.
These two incredible artists never saw each other again. Vincent gave some of his sunflower paintings to Gauguin, and Gauguin in turn gifted Vincent his drawing of Madame Ginoux.

The image of two chairs are one chair painted by Van Gogh, and the same chair painted differently by Gauguin show the differences in their perceptions.

[Carole Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one that was a part of my classroom library when I taught elementary school. I have quite a collection of books that I personally bought that the students loved to read. The lives of Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin are interesting on their own, but for 2 months they tried to live together in Vincent's home in Arles, The Yellow House. They found out that they had different styles of painting and different ways of looking at life. Vincent painted what he saw and Paul painted from his imagination. Paul was organized and Vincent not so much. They did carry on a correspondence after Paul left Arles which continued until Vincent died. Certainly, we can appreciate our differences and applaud our strengths.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the simplicity of this book. There is enough biography here to make it relevant but it’s still interesting for children who understand about friendship. The comparison in styles of art and personality was well done. A good book for kids about Gauguin who later paints things that might be above the maturity level of elementary kids. I’d say this book works for k-6. Short enough for reading aloud with many samples of the painter’s works.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I could, I'd give this book a 3.5, but I rounded up. In 1888, Van Gogh and Gauguin were roommates in southern France. The story was easy to read and for children to understand. It introduced many of the famous pictures from both artists. It just wasn't a book that I'd want to return to often with my kids. My critique is that the element of entertainment or an interesting fact of focus on about either artist was missing from the book.

[Ruby Sturcey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is lovely book for anyone, but especially useful for introducing younger people to master Artists and their struggles with often challenging paths to creative magic. Their stormy friendship and lifelong struggles provide a great example for creatives of all ages to stick with their unique paths in life, and find value and meanaing in just DOING IT, regardless of the outcome, and whether faame and fortune is a result.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the comparison of the two styles on the same subject, and the one of two related subjects. I also loved the illustrator's own art. Interesting and enriching back matter. Found in a library while taking a break on a road trip; hope to find it in one of my own to reread it. Highly recommended for schoolchildren (too sophisticated for rug rats but they might like the pix).

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief look at the time Paul Gauguin and Vincent Van Gogh spent living and working together in the south of France at Arles, two months in the fall of 1888.
What I found enjoyable in this title was the inclusion of paintings of both artists painting the same subject on a double page spread. It was incredible to see side by side Van Gogh’s, “Madame Ginoux” and Gaugain’s “Night Cafe”. Two very different depictions of the woman who ran a cafe in Arles.
Included in this title are biographical pages for both Van Gogh and Gauguin as well as a list of the eleven paintings of both artists. Title will have appeal to adults although written for a younger audience.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely little picture book that will serve as a nice introduction to these artists for young readers. Illustrations are very nice.

[Gary Crossey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant little book.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gr 2-5-For a brief period in 1888, two of the world's greatest artists lived and worked together in Arles, in southern France. Though only lasting about eight weeks, this tumultuous period and relationship influenced the work of both men. Rubin does an excellent job of contrasting their two styles (and temperaments) and clearly describes how differently each one treated the same subject. The illustrations include reproductions of their paintings and excellent pictures of the men at work and home. The artwork isn't captioned, so careful looking and reading of the text is necessary for someone unfamiliar with these artists to determine who painted what. This book provides an excellent introduction to the study of these painters and their styles. It was produced in conjunction with the Art Institute of Chicago, which hosted the exhibition "Van Gogh and Gauguin: The Studio of the South," and includes brief biographies.

Robin L. Gibson, Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH

[James K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is best suited for 2-4 grade. The story follows Vincent van Gogh in the autumn of 1888 when he recently moved to Arles. However, a fellow artist, Paul Gauguin, moves in with him and they share their artistic knowledge with each other. Though they do decide to move apart in the end, each has learned a different technique from the other: van Gogh to paint with his imagination, and Gauguin to capture the colors. I like how detailed this book gets. I had not even heard of this encounter nor Paul Gauguin before, but I feel I learned a lot about both just from this reading. At the end of the book, the author provides biographies of both authors that expand beyond the information given by the story. I could increase my students' analytical abilities by having a class discussion or small group discussions comparing and contrasting the two artists. Also, students could also use their paintings as inspiration to create their own to recreate scenes from the story.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of when Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin lived together in Arles. They were both very different personalities and argued frequently, culminating with the night both men got in a heated confrontation and Van Gogh ended up cutting off his own ear.

The writing itself didn't compel me to read so much as the beautiful illustrations did. I thought the story made light of both men's inability to get along with each other. Given how much conflict they both seemed to cause each other, I felt this book was rather lacking in conflict.

[Shyam Rahim · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know how you can tell if someone gets kids by the way they talk to them? The good ones get down on the ground, look them in the eye and really listen to them... felt like this book was created by someone like that. Shyam was fascinated by the little facts and story and never got overwhelmed like he sometimes does with other books on art or art theory. Not surprisingly, the most interesting part for him was when Vincent cuts off his own ear. Of course!

[Jekka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by Cedric, age 7:

That was pretty interesting. Paul is like me; he likes red, and take his time. Vincent isn't like me; he uses lots of paint and rushes his painting. I liked Vincent's paintings more, because they are bright and look like nature. Paul has a lot of naked people, which I don't like.

I was surprised because everything wasn't perfect, on people's clothes stuff was sticking out, and the colors didn't look right all the time. But I liked learning about the artists.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Yellow House tells the story of Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin's eight week stay together where they worked side by side creating beautiful yet very different works of art. Their tumultuous relationship had its share of helpful and harmful effects to Van Gogh's already fragile emotional state. A nice addition to any art or art history unit or just good way to expose your students to an artist.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third or fourth book I have read now by Susan Goldman Rubin and I appreciate her biographical picture books for 2nd to 5th graders. It is not easy to find the right balance of information to put into 40 pages and geared at diverse reading levels but she does an admirable job. In this book she looks at the friendship and artwork of Paul Gauguin and Vincent Van Gogh.

[Whitney Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a tale of famous painters and artists: Vincent Van Gough and Paul Gauguin as they travel and learn from one another. Can teach students about the importance of historical art and differences in other peoples imaginations versus your own. Also can show your students why it is important to work togetehr and look at how others express themeselves.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biographical portrait of both Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gaguin. The book simply depicts the time they lived together, including some of the turbulence of their relationship (including Van Gogh cutting off part of his ear). The book discusses and portrays the many differences between the two artists with pictures of the artwork of the same objects, side by side. I really liked this book.

[Alexandria Hiam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biographical portrait of both Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gaguin. The book simply depicts the time they lived together, including some of the turbulence of their relationship (including Van Gogh cutting off part of his ear). The book discusses and portrays the many differences between the two artists with pictures of the artwork of the same objects, side by side. I really liked this book.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Yellow House: Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin Side by Side (Hardcover)
by Susan Goldman Rubin
looking at the friendship and art works of the two artists and how they saw the world, worked and lived.

[Anna Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book to read to K-5 to begin an art discussion

[Natalie]

a very creative book. i love its story laid inside it. learn vincent's ways of colors. all of the paintings insper me. love it as much as you would do.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin and their time living together in the yellow house. Could work well for an art program with grades 2-5.

[Tina]

Good picture book about the relationship between Van Gogh and Gauguin. I especially like the illustrations. It does have a somewhat abrupt ending.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

chapter 13 recommended reading