Jeanne and Pat on the Japanese Bridge in Monet's Garden
Yes, it was raining the day we went to Giverny to see Monet's House and Garden. And, it wasn't an easy trip. First, we left Paris on the Metro (their subway) to the train station. Then we took the train to Vernon, a town next to Giverny because the train doesn't go to Giverny. I think Monet chose this town on purpose for that reason! So then you catch a bus from Vernon to get there. You could take a cab, but then you would have to make arrangements for a pick-up since they don't hang around in Giverny. Finally we are there in every painter's paradise! I have been there and painted there in the past, but never saw the iris and the wisteria in bloom. Amazing! Even in the rain, the colors were spectacular!
Monet loved children. After his first wife Camille died, he and Alice who became his second wife, raised his two sons and her children in Giverny. He painted them in the gardens. I like to imagine the family living there. The kitchen is my favorite room. It is tiled in blue and white and is large and cheery. I can see the children coming and going while Alice cooks, Monet outside painting with Blanche, one of his stepdaughters, rolling a wheelbarrow filled with canvases for him. She loved to paint too!
I just want to say, "Thank you, Mr. Monet, for devoting your life to painting and to gardening so that generations to come can enjoy your art and your home." And thanks to the Claude Monet Foundation for restoring the properties and maintaining them. If you like Monet's paintings, I hope that you have a chance to visit Giverny and see the places in the paintings!
That reminds me, I need to water my flowers!
Au Revoir!
Durinda
2 comments:
Durinda what a lovely post about Monet's garden and home. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Karen! There is so much to say about Giverny. It is one place I hope every painter gets to visit.
Post a Comment