Having the opportunity to see the paintings Monet created from observing the water lilies in Giverny before making the trip out there was a special experience. At the Musee de l’Orangerie, I spent much time observing the paintings by Monet so I could obtain a mental picture of the space he captured. My aim was also to gain insight about the feeling of the water lilies at Giverny. It was impressive the tranquility and peacefulness Monet was able to capture through his paintings, given his impressionist style lends itself to the more chaotic and cluttered. The brushstrokes are very heavy in these paintings, but the overall painting is one that is at peace and free of tension.
Apart from the occasional disruptive tourist group, the gardens of Giverny matched the serenity of Monet’s paintings. The water lily paintings contain great diversity in color and the gardens of Giverny contain great botanical diversity, but neither is overpowering. There is a natural balance in each experience. Comparing the representation Monet created and it’s original source also captures the beauty of the impressionist style. Through Monet’s use of the heavy brushstroke, he creates art that expands upon the world visible to the human eye. This freedom Monet has allowed himself to represent the space how he envisions it, rather than how it looks, provides the viewer with an opportunity to see into the mind of the artist. It is fascinating the many doors modernism opens for not only the artist, but also the observer.
When reflecting upon my visit to Musee de l’Orangerie, I was impressed by the many perspectives in each of Monet’s paintings. I assumed these perspectives were products of viewing the water lilies at different times of day, given the tonal value changes throughout each painting. If I were able to return to Giverny, I would like to see the water lilies in a sunset or at night so I could compare that experience with the paintings. Until then, I will still have the memory of Monet’s paintings to fill that gap.
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