Artists, the magicians of the visual world, have always held a certain mystique. Behind those strokes of genius are stories often as intriguing as their creations. Let's look at some 'did you know' tales about artists that might surprise you.

1. Vincent van Gogh Sold Only One Painting During His Lifetime
Vincent van Gogh, famous for his vibrant and emotionally charged works, struggled mightily during his lifetime. His dedication to his art produced around 2,100 artworks, including 860 oil paintings. Yet, he only sold one painting while alive - 'Red Vineyard at Arles.' Today, his masterpieces fetch millions at auctions.

2. Michelangelo Hated Painting the Sistine Chapel
You'd think the iconic Sistine Chapel ceiling was a labour of love, but not for Michelangelo. He considered himself a sculptor, not a painter. He reluctantly took on the project, and it took him four years to complete the masterpiece. He even wrote a poem expressing his misery and dissatisfaction during the process.

3. Frida Kahlo's Colorful Casts
The Mexican artist Frida Kahlo had a tumultuous life filled with pain due to a bus accident in her youth. She underwent multiple surgeries and wore full-body casts. But instead of concealing them, she used them as canvases, painting colourful self-portraits on her corsets and leg braces.

4. The Stolen Art Heist of Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
One of the biggest unsolved art mysteries is the 1990 theft at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Two thieves disguised as police officers entered the museum and stole 13 pieces of art valued at over $500 million, including works by Vermeer, Degas, and Rembrandt. The art still remains missing, and the case is open.

5. Jackson Pollock's Unique Painting Technique
Jackson Pollock, a pioneer of abstract expressionism, had a distinctive way of creating art. He laid his canvases on the ground, dripping and pouring paint onto them. His 'drip paintings' are celebrated for their unconventional, high-energy style.

6. Salvador Dali's Fear of Grasshoppers
The eccentric Salvador Dali was renowned for his surreal artwork and even more surreal personality. He was known for his peculiar phobias, including a fear of grasshoppers. He couldn't bear the sight of them. Naturally, this fear often found its way into his works.

7. Art Heists: Stealing the Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings; unsurprisingly, it has been stolen - but not recently. In 1911, an Italian handyman named Vincenzo Peruggia hid inside the Louvre overnight, then walked out with the masterpiece under his clothes. It took over two years for the authorities to find the artwork stashed in a trunk in Peruggia's apartment.

8. The Hidden Tutankhamun Painting
Egyptian artists in the 14th century BC didn't sign their work. So, it might be a surprise that the famous king Tutankhamun, known for his treasure-filled tomb, had a wall painting he signed. It was discovered during an excavation and revealed a vibrant, more personal side of the ancient ruler.

9. Banksy's Surprise Art Sales
Banksy, the elusive street artist, is known for his thought-provoking pieces and secrecy. In 2018, he stunned the art world when one of his paintings, 'Girl with a Balloon,' shredded itself moments after being sold at an auction. Banksy built a shredder into the frame, setting off a sensational art-world scandal.

10. The Big Rock on Georgia O'Keeffe's Ranch
The iconic American artist Georgia O'Keeffe, known for her large flower paintings, had a pet rock. Not just any rock, but a massive, beloved stone that was too big to move. She considered it a companion and refused to leave it behind when she moved to New Mexico. It remains perched at her ranch.

Artists, with their unique perspectives and quirky habits, add vibrant colour to the canvas of history. Their lives and works often transcend the ordinary, making their stories as intriguing as the art they create.