Claude Monet - his art - your opinion?

[CountryWolf07]

If you are into art; How would you describe Monet's work when you view at them? What do you think about his work, what makes it so successful?

Here are some of his work:

[Ginger's Mom]

I am not "into" art. I really do not know anything about it, however, when I saw the title of this thread I had to open it up. I love Claude Monet; he is my favorite artist. I think his works are peaceful, beautiful, calming and dreamy. I also like the Eduard Manet picture of Monet painting in his garden. Are you doing a report on him? What makes him so successful? I actually think he played to the aristocracy at the time of his painting. What makes his work so lasting? I think the dreamy quality (due to the way they were painted) that can help you to put yourself into the middle of his pictures.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I have always enjoyed Monet's work -- most of it anyway. I find his hay stacks and some of his water lilies boring.

He was considered radical at the time.

But, to me, it is his colors and that his paintings make me feel as much as see. As he lost his sight his colors became more washed out. It is the earlier, more vibrant work I most enjoy. I have a poster from an exhibit at the Art Institute in my bathroom. One of his garden paintings. It makes me feel what it was to be in that garden.

[Karen]

I do like his art, and the "impressionistic" part rather than trying to be exact and photorealistic. I think it does a better job conveying the mood and atmosphere of the time and place, and I love the rich colors. You can just about feel the humidity and smell the fragrance of the scene in the waterlillies paintings. Maybe that's only because I know what such a place smells like, dunno if that works for anyone else. But because it's the "impression" of the place, it seems more calming than a simple photograph would be.

Though, when I was a child, I wondered if he was simply very nearsighted (as I am) and was conveying exactly what he saw!

[Killearn Kitties]

What makes is so successful? I think the impressionists are the most accessible of artists. With such a visual art, it is easy to relate to the works.

Monet himself painted over a very long period of time, he lived long enough to see his art successful. I also think that the combination of colours he used, for example with some of the waterlillies, the combination of the greens, blues, and purples, is particularly beautiful.

[Marigold2]

I think he and Thomas Kincade were succesfull because they painted images that call to our sense of beauty and peace. Who would not want to live in one of Kincade's homes? Who would not want to walk along Monet's gardens? We understand their art and want to go to those enchanted places.

[Freedom]

Sorry, I much prefer the Dutch realists.

If I wanted to see the world as the Impressionists do, all I have to do is remove my glasses or contact lenses. Why would anyone want to see the world like that? I don't get it.

[Barbara]

He's one of the greatest. Worldwide and in all periods.
The internet cannot do him justice. If you stand in Paris in front of one of the waterlily pictures you can just drown in the colours.
And while some of the colours may seem unrealistic when you see them in a book go out and try to look at nature in all different kinds of lights: early morning, dusk, sunset, clear light, hazy light and you'll find the realism in those pictures.

[cyber-sibes]

Monet is one of my favorite artists, too. The Impressionists sought to capture the effect of light & atmoshere, and his work does it beautifully. I love his color palette, it's so rich & vibrant. Seeing his paintings in museums is much more rewarding than looking at photos or posters - you get to see all the textures & qualities of his painting technique up close. I find his work inspiring - I want to climb right into his landscapes!

[Randi]

I really like his art, it so calming and aesthetic, and I love the colors he chose! I have a framed poster hanging in my dining room called Nympheas I got for my birthday.

[moosmom]

My favorite is Van Gogh. I also am fond of Peter Max from the 60's & 70's.

[catnapper]

I'm into art but never really cared for Monet. I do love his colors though. I understand why he was so famous and important. He was a leader in his time, breaking away from the realism that they all painted. Personally I think he needed eyeglasses and he painted what he saw, because thats what the world looks like to me without my glasses

[kittycats_delight]

My favorite is Van Gogh. I also am fond of Peter Max from the 60's & 70's.

Just for you then Donna.

I too love Van Gogh.

I am not too big on impressionists but out of them I prefer Renoir.

Donna I have this Van Gogh print. If you want it full sized I can do it for you.

Michelle

[cassiesmom]

I love Monet's work. The Art Institute of Chicago had a special show of his series paintings, and I saw it with an audio player - you walk through the show, listen to the program as you go, and you can hear more about the artist and the pictures. Impressionism is my favorite style of painting because it is easy to relate to.


Caillebotte: Paris Street, Rainy Day -- this is my very favorite of all the paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago.


And Seurat: Sunday, La Grande Jatte -- this is a very well known painting at the Art Institute that I never get tired of looking at!


Kitty Cats Delight, here is a Renoir for you.

[kittycats_delight]

I love Monet's work. The Art Institute of Chicago had a special show of his series paintings, and I saw it with an audio player - you walk through the show, listen to the program as you go, and you can hear more about the artist and the pictures. Impressionism is my favorite style of painting because it is easy to relate to.


Caillebotte: Paris Street, Rainy Day -- this is my very favorite of all the paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago.


And Seurat: Sunday, La Grande Jatte -- this is a very well known painting at the Art Institute that I never get tired of looking at!


Kitty Cats Delight, here is a Renoir for you.

hehehe Thanks. I have a few Renoir prints here. We actually have a nice little collection of prints we got in a series. I just have to get them framed. I have one Monet for my mom as she loves Monet. I will scan my favorite Renoir and try to find the print online of the Monet I gave my mom.

ETA: This is the Monet print I gave my mom.


And this is one of my favorites by Renoir.