I was familiar with Van Gogh's work long before I saw one in real life. The paintings on a 2d page did not have much impact. I only fell in love with the impressionists (not just Van Gogh) when I saw the original work - its the brush strokes that bring their work to life.

I recall seeing a brilliant red pointillist painting by some artist I had never heard of and the impact it had on me as I got close and each little red dot 'dancing' was surreal.