Van Gogh Palette Generator

Inspired by Vincent van Gogh's distinctive color palette, particularly from his Arles period (1888-1889).

Overview

Van Gogh's work is characterized by:

• Vibrant yellows - Chrome yellow, cadmium yellow (sunflowers, wheat fields)
• Deep blues - Ultramarine, cobalt blue (night sky, cypresses)
• Complementary contrast - Yellow/orange paired with blue
• Emotional intensity - Colors that express feeling rather than represent reality

Usage

import { vangogh } from "@skchr/color";

// Default: Arles period with bold contrast
vangogh("yellow");
// ['#ffd700', '#ffb347', '#87ceeb', '#1e3a5f', '#0d1b2a', ...]

// Netherlands period (darker, muted)
vangogh("blue", { period: "netherlands" });
// ['#2d2d2d', '#4a4a4a', '#1a237e', '#0d47a1', ...]

// Paris period (lighter, more saturated)
vangogh("green", { period: "paris" });

// With subtle contrast
vangogh("orange", { contrast: "subtle" });
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Options

Periods

Netherlands (1883-1886)

Dark, muted colors. Early work before moving to Paris.

• Muted browns, dark greens
• Limited saturation

Paris (1886-1888)

Lighter, more saturated colors. Influence of Impressionism.

• Brighter primaries
• More varied hues

Arles (1888-1889)

The most recognizable Van Gogh style.

• Intense yellows and oranges
• Deep blues and purples
• High contrast complementary pairs

Examples

// Wheat field palette
vangogh("#daa520", { period: "arles", contrast: "bold" });

// Starry night palette
vangogh("#1e3a5f", { period: "arles", contrast: "bold" });

// Sunflowers palette
vangogh("#ffd700", { period: "arles", num: 8 });
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Color Theory

Van Gogh used complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel) to create visual tension and energy:

• Yellow ↔ Blue/Violet
• Orange ↔ Blue
• Red ↔ Green

He wrote: "Looking at the stars always makes me dream... Why, I ask myself, shouldn't the shining dots of the sky be as accessible as the black dots on the map of France?"