This publication accompanies an exhibition of the same title, on view at Denver Art Museum from 21 October 2012 through 20 January 2013, organized by the Denver Art Museum in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

Becoming van Gogh illustrates the artist's efforts to master draftsmanship, understand the challenges of materials and techniques, incorporate color theory, and fold myriad influences into his artistic vocabulary.This book features works by van Gogh alongside works by the artists who influenced him, showing how he incorporated elements of their techniques into a style that became, eventually, uniquely his own. It features essays exploring how van Gogh imbued his early works with energy as he strove to master drawing with graphite, ink, and washes; how he began to understand color with watercolor paintings; and how he tested his skill with oils on canvas.