Monet’s Garden

After Irises in Monet’s Garden (Left) After Monet’s Iris Garden at Giverny (Right)

In my November newsletter last year, I talked about my challenges of using short brushstrokes in the style of Van Gogh. In continuing my challenge to incorporate more complexity into my paintings with smaller brush strokes, instead of using my usual brushed out strokes, I chose two Monet paintings to inspire me.  Although I was able to use the short strokes in both paintings, there is a difference in my first and second interpretations.  The painting on the left more closely captures the values of Monet’s painting “Irises in Monet’s Garden” while in the painting on the right “Monet’s Iris Garden at Giverny” I imposed a sunnier atmosphere by brightening the lawn in the yard and increasing the depth of the shadows of the irises along the garden path.

Always experimenting, always learning, and always thankful for being able to enjoy producing colorful art!