Revisiting Giverny and Claude Monet

I was in France this past September and one of the highlights of the trip for me was visiting Claude Monet’s home and gardens. Just incredible, to be where Claude Monet lived, where he worked, gardened, painted. I was in awe of the wide variety of flowers in the English Garden, every color imaginable, along with the lush symmetry. The famous Japanese Garden where the water lilies were still blooming in September, was like walking through a dream. It was incredible and inspirational.

Pictured above, “The Green Door”. I felt this size would be best for re-creating a journey back in time to Giverny.

I had done several small studies before attempting the final version, see below. Each time I did a new sketch I became more aware of what I wanted to include in the painting… practice practice does make a difference!

When I started the painting I had several sets of pastels picked out, ended up needing a color here and there, and the next thing I knew my table was full of all my favorite sets! I did mostly use Sennelier and Henri Roche pastels, thinking let the French pastels connect to my French inspired painting.

I photographed the process as my painting developed. Taking photos at each stage helped me see with fresh, critical eyes.

I will take this to be framed in a few days (just need to make sure I don’t see any glaring problems) and plan on hanging this wonderful memory in my home. Now I can spend the rest of the month organizing my pastel storage and studio space, good luck too me!