Claude Monet - his art - your opinion?

[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.