We sometimes think there isn't much difference between the impressionist pictures artists do today and those in the great museums. I've even heard the comment, "I'm glad I saw those paintings, because I realize I can paint just as well."

But to see any picture properly, we have to view it in the context of its time. So upon entering the Van Gogh museum, I gave myself a little pep talk, trying to think back to the painting of the time; smooth, darker, highly detailed. I tried to erase all of the modern art I'd seen since.

Then to see Van Gogh's expressive, brightly coloured, innovative pictures is quite startling. And sadly, one also gets an idea of why they were so unaccepted. And I think and wish, that I would have been one of the few exceptions, but with sinking heart feel that I too, would have been just another blind fool.

So when I hear that comment about being just as good, I snort inside with anger. For dear copyiest, do not confuse your painting with theirs, those great explorer, innovators of the nineteenth century.

I was afraid to see Van Gogh's original pictures, for after building them up over the years, felt that the result was likely to be one of disappointment. It was not.