Recommended for All Studio Artists
- Is this a door to one of Monet’s studios? At one time he had 3 on the grounds.
My theory is that people not only travel to experience Monet’s beautiful artistic and floral contributions, but that it is human nature to be drawn toward those who exude passion. We are fascinated and inspired by those who driven to express their message knowing they are making many sacrifices. Photographs of Monet’s Gardens do not begin to tell this story — being in the presence of his creations difficult to put into words.
On our final day, we had special permission to go into the gardens from 7-8am to paint or take photographs. It was a misty morning, yet beautiful and quiet. There is an area most people do not see that is beyond the small Japanese style bridge near the pond. It is a place where I chose to meditate and to try to process the previous week. I would have liked to have had more time back under the trees that morning because I was sill awestruck by everything.
- Gardeners work early in the morning and all year around
- You could not help smiling while experiencing the abundance of roses
- A quiet spot before the crowds arrive
- I did not want to leave this floral fantasy
After walking the entire gardens again, I walked to my favorite place — Monet’s pond.
- The occasional simple sign
Water lilies are “sun” flowers. What I mean is that they bloom only when the sun is out. Because it was early in the day and cloudy, they were just gradually opening.
- Water lilies slowly waking up to overcast daylight
- On my last visit I discovered this billboard hidden under thick trees
- Monet’s pond with his house in the background
- Someday I would like to see this bridge when the wisteria are in bloom
- Is ‘She” refusing to talk to ‘Him?’
- It was glorious being surround by such beauty!
- Lovely subtle pink roses up against Monet’s pink house
- Nature’s marvelous patterns
After our early morning excursion, we went back to the Inn for breakfast and then a group critique. It is always fascinating to see the individual creativity of everyone, especially since we were handed the “same” subject matter. I received some helpful feedback regarding my field studies, and then we had the afternoon to ourselves. Packing was the first task at hand, but I could feel the magnet pulling again, so I returned to Monet’s Pond one more time. I loved being the quiet lone photographer amongst the crowds.
After packing it was group photo time, sharing our last meal together and partying! Before we had parted for France, I had learned that Elizabeth Mowry had had a significant birthday, so we conspired via email to give her a surprise party. She was very surprised and appreciative. Our hosts also enjoyed providing extra spirits to help with the celebration.
- Inn hosts, Gerard & Stephanie, served up their special brew
- Elizabeth thrilled with the surprise!
- We even moved a few hips to music!
A fun time was had by all and it was a marvelous exclamation point to our trip to Giverny.
I was up the next morning at 5:30am (I am not familiar with that time of day!), to head off to the airport.
- The ‘Lilac Room’ – my room at the Inn
It was a bittersweet farewell to the Inn and to an experience and memories I can cherish for a lifetime.
Thank you for tagging along for the ride. Hopefully, you have enjoyed it and perhaps even felt a few passionate juices within you stir. Where will the next journey take us?