CLAUDE MONET - 4

The Bodmer Oak, Fontainebleau Forest 1865

In this painting, Monet used bright yellows, greens and oranges to show the sunlight filtering through the canopy of branches onto a carpet of russet leaves.  This forest, located 37 miles southeast of Paris, was famous for having inspired 19th century artists. 

The Bodmer Oak tree was named after Swiss artist Karl Bodmer, who exhibited a painting of the tree in 1850.  My first thought when I saw this scene...does the dead gray tree standing beside the thriving oak tree symbolize the death that stands beside each of us throughout our life journey?   

Artists often found their inspiration in Nature.  They interacted with Nature through their senses and created their works of art incorporating what they observed.  The environmental conditions are different from place to place, yet Nature has been, and still is, a universal human experience.  We see plants, animals, water and the sky adorning works of art across all cultures.  There's something refreshing about being surrounded by the natural world.  That's why people visit parks and go hiking in the wilderness.  Nature nourishes and nurtures.

Nature provides a sense of harmony and balance.  Its colors, textures and shapes work together and provide a sense of calm that artists can translate into art.  Being outdoors gives the brain space to think higher thoughts.   

Norman Farm Through the Trees - 1886

Here Monet captured the serenity of a Normandy, France farm scene through a frame of trees.  Dominating the picture is a leaning tree with visible bark, a mossy base and branches reaching into an overcast sky.  Monet invites us to contemplate the simplicity and beauty of country life.  Take note of the scattered white wildflowers that lead us closer to the buildings, where a patch of flowers grows.  

Impressionist artists captured a moment in time to pass on to the generations.  This farm scene is exactly what Monet saw.  We also learn to take note of the scenes that Nature provides for us every day.  I now better understand what is meant by the term, "art appreciation."  Paintings do speak to us.  Paintings hold within them unspoken messages.  

Art appreciation is personal.  How we view a work depends on our life experiences, cultural background and knowledge of art.  Different people may respond to a painting in different ways.  Art is like a language, a form of expression.  A painting may send a symbolic message, a historical, religious or political message.  The purpose of art is to draw an emotional response, to "move" us in some way.