In 1882, Vincent van Gogh's artistic development gained momentum as he continued to explore new subjects and techniques, deepening his commitment to becoming a professional artist. This year was particularly significant because van Gogh began to focus more intently on drawing and watercolors, honing his skills in capturing the human form and the urban environment around him. Van Gogh was living in The Hague at the time, where he found inspiration in the city’s working-class neighborhoods and the lives of ordinary people. One of the key developments in van Gogh’s work during 1882 was his focus on drawing as a fundamental aspect of his art. Van Gogh understood that mastering drawing was crucial to improving his overall artistic ability, and he dedicated much of his time to studying the human figure, perspective, and anatomy. His drawings from this period include detailed studies of people at work, such as laborers, weavers, and women performing household tasks. These works are characterized by their strong lines, careful shading, and attention to the textures of clothing and skin. Van Gogh’s drawing Sorrow (1882), which depicts a seated nude woman in a state of despair, is one of the most poignant examples of his ability to convey deep emotion through his mastery of line and form (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) (vangoghgallery). In addition to his work on figure drawing, van Gogh also began to explore watercolors more seriously in 1882. While he had experimented with watercolors before, it was during this year that he started to use them more frequently, both as standalone works and as studies for oil paintings. His watercolors from this period often depict the landscapes and urban scenes of The Hague, including views of the city’s canals, bridges, and streets. These works are notable for their delicate use of color and light, which van Gogh used to capture the atmosphere of his surroundings. The watercolor View of the Sea at Scheveningen (1882) is a particularly fine example of his ability to evoke the mood of a place through the careful application of washes and tonal contrasts (The Metropolitan Museum of Art). Van Gogh’s personal life during 1882 also had a significant impact on his art. He began a relationship with Sien Hoornik, a woman who had fallen on hard times and became his model for several works. This relationship was complex and fraught with difficulties, but it provided van Gogh with a new understanding of the struggles faced by those on the margins of society. His drawings and paintings of Sien and her children, such as Woman Sewing and Mother with Child (both 1882), reflect his deep empathy for their situation and his desire to depict their lives with dignity and compassion (Encyclopedia Britannica) (Van Gogh Biography). Moreover, van Gogh's time in The Hague allowed him to connect with other artists and to gain exposure to different artistic influences. He maintained a close relationship with his cousin-in-law, Anton Mauve, a well-known artist of the Hague School, who provided guidance and support to van Gogh during this period. Under Mauve's mentorship, van Gogh improved his technical skills and expanded his understanding of composition and color. However, the relationship between the two artists became strained later in the year, partly due to van Gogh's unconventional lifestyle and his involvement with Sien (The Metropolitan Museum of Art). 1882 was a pivotal year for Vincent van Gogh as he developed his skills in drawing and watercolor, explored new subject matter, and deepened his commitment to portraying the lives of ordinary people with empathy and realism. The works he created during this period laid the groundwork for his later masterpieces, showcasing his growing ability to convey emotion and atmosphere through his art. This year also marked the beginning of van Gogh's exploration of themes that would dominate his work throughout his career, including the dignity of labor, the struggles of the working class, and the power of nature.