Vincent van Gogh's artistic vision was profoundly shaped by his emotional struggles, especially his battles with mental illness. His time in Arles, where he sought the light and color of the French countryside, influenced his use of bold, vibrant hues. Van Gogh was also inspired by Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, focusing on emotion over realism. The influence of Japanese woodblock prints on his compositions and the depths of his personal experiences led him to create works that convey intense feeling, like "Starry Night" and "Sunflowers," establishing him as a pivotal figure in the art world.