CLAUDE MONET - 2

Today we'll look at two of Monet's Impressionist paintings.  Let's take time individually to study his use of colors to cast shadows, reflections and sunshine....notice the tree on the far left and the brushstrokes of gold.  And, the yellow hat with blue ribbon that matches the sky.  The presence of the hat makes this painting relatable to the viewer, plus it adds a touch of casual comfort.  By now, we are better able, as beginning art students, to study paintings. In this first painting, we see Monet has placed people in the painting who are out enjoying the sunny day.

On the Bank of the Seine, Bennecourt - 1868
Now in the Art Institute of Chicago

Here we are looking at Claude Monet's future wife, Camille Doncieux, (holding their baby son, Jeon) looking toward the small village of Gloton, from where she and Monet have presumably rowed their boat.  (Camille and Monet married on June 28, 1870).  The figure of Camille was used to lead the viewer's eye across the water.  By including her in the painting, he adds a personal layer to his artwork.  She also adds a sense of contemplation and connection to the landscape. Camille modeled for him in more than 30 paintings.   Pay close attention to the way he plays with light on the water...with color.  When he paints shapes, they often appear blurry.

Next painting......

Woman with a Parasol - 1875
(Madame Monet and Her Son)
Now in the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Woman with a Parasol shows his wife Camille and son Jeon out for a summer stroll on a windy summer's day.  Note how Monet painted this picture from a lower point of view.  This has the effect of increasing Camille's importance as she fills the upper parts of the canvas.  Her skirt appears to whip around with the wind, adding the element of movement.  The painting features flowing ribbons and a small figure of his son to balance the composition.  

As for symbolism, the parasol represents shelter, protection and the gentle nurturing presence of a mother.  He used bright colors to represent the beams of sunlight hitting the parasol and their clothes.  The woman's dress and parasol symbolize her status in society.  The grassy slope symbolizes the countryside that Monet preferred to the city and industry.  Monet manages to create for us a casual, carefree family day out.  

The sky and clouds are painted in mostly white and blue, but he also applied grays to depict the interplay of light and shadow.  His use of wider and thicker brush strokes gives the impression of more light.

The parasol was used to protect oneself from sunlight, whereas, the umbrella was used to protect oneself from rain.  The difference being the material used. 

We have to realize at that time the academy art community had set conventional rules to be followed by artists.  Radicals, like Monet, violated those rules.  Their pictures consisted of more freely brushed colors, which was more of a priority than maintaining lines and contours.  Before this movement, landscapes were painted indoors in a studio.  But, the impressionists understood that they could better capture the changing and momentary colors and effects of the sun if they painted outdoors actually experiencing the view.  They were more focused on portraying an overall  visual effect instead of catering to details.

Note:  Have you taken the time to watch a brilliant sunrise?  If you have, then you know that the brilliance in color changes quickly.  I don't know how an artist could accurately paint a sunrise without actually seeing it.  Personal perception is the key.