This work was created in the summer of 1888 in Arles, France by van Gogh. The area that was painted was a real area, but it had some elements removed from the scene such as a roman statue. The light setting was also artificially increased a little bit from my understanding. This painting also shows the enforced rule of the time that light pollution should be kept to a minimum. Interestingly, since 1991 this area has been refurbished in Arles, France so that an individual standing here will see life nearly as portrayed by this work. (Wikipedia).
I like this work because of the lighting. There is a lot of lighting to show the cafe scene, while across the street is also decently well lit. Down the street the light decreases significantly to show depth into the painting. There is also some contrast in moonlight showing the right side of the buildings as very dark and the left side as well lit. Shading is used effectively to draw attention to the forefront of the painting, particularly the cafe. Line are also used in the street to show cobble stones only in the front. Just as with the light, lines become less important as the distance moves deeper into the painting. The stars also show depth in multiple axis’ based on size, but the lighting with them is consistent. Shades are contrasted well in the piece.
This piece stirs some feeling in me. It gives me a sense of adventure and yearning. I want to come see this street and experience it. I also like how though the street is dark further into the picture, strangers are all around and appear comfortable in the darkness around their neighbors. This seems like a safe neighborhood. The contrasted light makes me feel happy looking at this picture. I think I am a sucker for scenes of everyday life with good lighting like this. The color and shape style in this picture also makes it look soft and easy to approach. It is just a comfortable piece of work. On a side note, I am curious who the people are in the cafe, and what they are celebrating. I remember hearing something a while ago that it may be a homage to the Last Supper.
Source:
Wikipedia. Café Terrace at Night. 30 May 2019. Document. 1 June 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caf%C3%A9_Terrace_at_Night
John's Art Blog 
Hey John 🙂 I like that you chose this piece. Just looking at it made me think of walking the Paris streets. It brought back great memories. I agree with your comment of the lighting. I also think the lighting might have tried to capture the great energy or vibe that everyone in the place must have felt. The good energy of enjoying each others presence. I do wonder about the darkness in the painting. The unique way the artist captured the stars so that they twinkle in bright way also.
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Hello John,
I agree with most of your observations about the painting. I see that you discussed line briefly when discussing the cobble stones, but not the windows on the buildings. I assume you were just talking a little bit about each art element. I enjoyed your post, one big reason being that I am a Van Gogh fan. I think his work is very interesting and gives a sense of what he was feeling at the time. It makes me want to travel and see places. This cafe is actually on my bucket list of places I want to visit among others. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.
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I appreciate how the use of color can be used to show light and highlight the time of day this painting was created to represent. I am impressed at the way the yellow under the awning really makes me feel like i’m sitting at a restaurant around sunset. I agree with you that the way the light decreases and shows distance – I know we learned the name for this in the Elements of Art assessment, but I’m drawing a blank at the minute. Can anyone else help out and remember what this term was called?
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Good job on talking about the lighting, lines, shades, and contrast. I do feel a sense of comfort in this photo as well but only in the lit up area. I feel the further one walks down the pathway the less public and lit up the area is. I am curious if the building itself is also yellow and green or if the only yellow is from the light. Interestingly, they do not show the actual light that is lighting up that whole area, unless I am just not seeing it. I love how the lines create this picture, almost creating. a “soft” tone. This reminds me of when I was on Caye Caulker island in Belize, this past April. The only lit up areas at night were the restaurants with the outdoor seating and beyond that was just a dark pathway. This painting makes me think there is music at this restaurant, causing a happy/celebrating vibe. I love that you chose this painting, thanks for telling us about it!
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