I have always been drawn to works of Monet and other impressionist artists. I feel that it is because the simple scenes that they paint are clear at a distance but blurry when close. This way of painting seems to reflect reality in that not everything may be as simple as it seems. Claude Monet is widely considered the father of French impressionist painting. He flourished in the late 19th century and spent time painting landmarks across Europe. Many of his paintings are from his home at Giverny, in which he paints a series of scenes from different angles or different times of day. He enjoyed painting nature, but from a controlled point of view, such as his gardens or the famous haystacks. This painting is titled The Flowered Garden, and I believe it is one such painting of a series from Giverny. Monet makes the image come alive with the texture of the paint used and the vibrant use of color. His use of lighting give the whole scene depth and allows us to take a walk down that path. I first saw this painting at a doctor’s office because for some reason many medical facilities like to display Monet, maybe for a calming effect. When I began studying it as I waiting in the office I began to think of a wall. It might be because of the wall of flowers lining the pathway or just the house as an obstruction at the end of the path. Just the thickness of the paint adds to a feeling solidness that one cannot get through. While I sat there I wrote a poem about a wall and have this painting to thank for it. This is another reason impressionist painting is so enjoyable. Since nothing is clearly defined in the scene more of what is viewed is open for interpretation. While you look at such a painting, the mind is free to wander and get lost in every stroke or blob of paint. Even though there is no wall in the painting itself my mind began to describe one by what it saw in the painting. I enjoy looking at an art piece in which every new time I view it I can notice something new, or see something differently. It makes a piece lasting, and can keep my interest for more than just a first glance.
Do heavy paints like this have to dry and be layered on?
What do other people see when they open their minds to art?
Is Monet trying to stimulate thought, or simply painting a garden scene?