5 comments about Monet's Years at Giverny: Beyond Impressionism.

1. This book is fantastic! It captures the essence of Monet's painting better than any other book I've seen. The color printing is accurate. The plates are large and plentiful. There are complete series like the Japanese Bridge and Lily Pads as well as select paintings that are rarely found in other Monet books. And the inclusion of some unfinished late canvases shows how far Monet went into the future of Western art. You won't find many better than this!



2. This book takes an in-deapth look at one of the greatest impressionist artists of all time. Go out and buy it today.



3. Unlike most art books, this small volume has been in print continuously since 1978 & when you read it, it isn't hard to see why: superb reproductions and an extremely elegant design (plus its small size - very unusual in art publishing) offer the reader a wonderful experience wandering in Monet's vision of a carefully constructed alternate reality. In Monet's Giverny, natural forms respond instantly to light. The images produce a peculiar sense of floating in the viewer - many of the pictures lack a horizon line or any indication of where the viewer is in relation to the picture. As a result, we seem to hover in flight, poised above a constantly shifting panorama of woods, water, fields, and lilies. Interestingly, no human figures are visible in these works (Monet was never really a figure painter) producing a peculiar sensation of isolation and contemplation in the spectator - we wander through this magical land alone, or with whatever companion we desire. A superlative achievement which has found few imitators in the world of art publishing.



4. Whether you have appreciated Monet's works for years or you are just discovering him for the first time like me, this book is a beautiful, informative collection of his best.

   Beyond the absolutely vivid and beautiful quality of the paintings displayed in Monet's Years at Giverny, I greatly appreciate the style of language used throughout the book. Unlike many major art books which often seem to forget about the layman reader, this book reads more like a beautiful story of his life providing great insight into his works.

   In college, I was fortunate enough to see a collection of his Water Lilies in Paris. Although at the time I was amazed to see them, through Monet's Years at Giverny I came to fully appreciate them---Not only the paintings, but the man himself.

   Excellent addition to any collection!




5. Claude Monet lived in rural Giverny from 1883 until his death in 1926. Many of the paintings that we most closely identify with his oeuvre were done on his property or in the neighborhood. Following his death, the property deteriorated until its restoration was completed in the 1970s with the help of Lila Acheson Wallace, of Reader's Digest fame. This book was created to in part to honor that restoration and the show that commemorated it. The show marked the beginning of a resurgence of interest in Monet that continues to grow. My only reservation about recommending this book is that it would have benefited from larger sized pages so that the reproductions could have been larger.

   Giverny is located to the north of Paris, and is connected to Paris by the rail line from Gare St. Lazare (which Monet painted several times). The view of nature we get there is a reflection of Monet's very French focus on creating gardens, a lily pond, and walkways that bring natural beauty into our controlled grasp.

   I have had the pleasure of visiting Monet's home at Giverny several times since it was restored and highly recommend that you make this journey as well when you are in Paris. Your concept of Monet's work will be changed by seeing his working conditions. The grounds are primarily an extension of his studio, for making observations of nature easier. First time visitors will be shocked to realize that the lily pond was dug and expanded at great effort and expense by Monet. Without his persistence, we would be missing many of our favorite Monet paintings.

   Throughout the time that Monet lived in Giverny, his eyesight deteriorated . . . mostly due to cataracts. As an artist friend of mine points out, that eye affliction greatly improved his painting by making it freer and less detailed.

   He also pioneered many techniques of al fresco paining, such as creating an artist's studio in a boat for his famous river scenes. This enabled him to capture many unusual perspectives from the water to the river bank. Similarly, one purpose of the Japanese bridge over his lily pond was to give him a similar point of perspective.

   The book contains a map of Giverny and Monet's property (purchased in 1890 after he originally rented it), and 81 works that he created in the area.

   Missing from these reproductions are the famous water lily paintings that he gave to the French nation which are now housed in the basement of the Orangerie. Be sure you see them when you next visit Paris. Many people go to the Orangerie and never make it to the basement. These are among the greatest jewels of Impressionism.

   You will be pleased to see the 25 works from the Musee Marmottan in Paris. These masterworks are also often missed by those who visit Paris because they do not know about this small gem of a museum and its superb Monet collection.

   The reproductions are organized around themes: (1) river scenes (from the boat) (2) haystacks [sic] (3) poplars (4) river and fields (5) morning on the Seine (from the boat) (6) the Japanese footbridge (7) the Garden Path (8) early water lilies (9) the late series (my favorites are the rose trellises over the garden path) (10) pond subjects, and (11) late water lilies.

   The end of the book also has a chronology of Monet's life and works that will help you integrate this show into his entire work.

   You will come away with a new excitement and respect for nature from these images. You will also feel more connected to and with the beauty of nature. Your mood will be lifted, just as Monet intended. What you see will be uniquely yours, also just as intended. Monet pays you the ultimate compliment here of letting you participate in the creative process by arranging the work in your mind to fit your mental needs and perspective.

   After you enjoy these images, I suggest that you come away inspired to make what you do more accessible to others. How can you make your life and your work easier for others to participate in?

   Live in beauty!

1 comments about Monet Paintings Giftwrap Paper (Giftwrap--2 Sheets, 1 Designs).

1. This product was not what I expected. The colors are washed out and the images are so small that's it difficult to recognize them as Monet. I bought this to wrap a special gift for a Monet fan, and she did not even recognize that the images were Monet. Skip this one and go with the Tiffany glass gift wrap--much prettier.

No comments about Monet Paintings and Drawings CD-ROM and Book (Dover Electronic Clip Art).

No comments about Coastal Dreams 2009 Calendar.

2 comments about Monet: 16 Art Stickers (Fine Art Stickers).

1. This collection of stickers is a must have if you're a Monet fan. They include all of his most famous paintings, from water lilies to haystacks; and they can be used for most anything. It's a great set to give to a child who is learning about art, or even those who just like the nice scenery. Under each picture it tells you the name of it, and I especially like the fact that for being stickers, they still have so much detail. I'd recommend them to anyone who is a lover of art, or just likes to decorate things up with a little color.



2. This collection of stickers is a must have if you're a Monet fan. They include all of his most famous paintings, from water lilies to haystacks; and they can be used for most anything. It's a great set to give to a child who is learning about art, or even those who just like the nice scenery. Under each picture it tells you the name of it, and I especially like the fact that for being stickers, they still have so much detail. I'd recommend them to anyone who is a lover of art, or just likes to decorate things up with a little color.

1 comments about Dragons by Ciruelo 2009 Mini Wall Calendar (Calendar).

1. I love this calendar! I have collected as much of Ciruelo Cabral's art as I could. He is an amazing painter and I was so happy that my publisher chose him--per my recommendation--for the covers of my first two novels. This 2009 calendar has some wonderful art, some of the best he's ever painted. I would highly encourage lovers of dragons and fantasy art to pick this one up.
   
   Paul Genesse
   Author of The Golden Cord &
   The Dragon Hunters
   Books one and two of The Iron Dragon Series
   www.paulgenesse.com

No comments about Arts & Crafts Tiles 2009 Mini Wall Calendar.

No comments about Charles Rennie Mackintosh 2009 Wall Calendar.

4 comments about Monet in Normandy.

1. For those of us who were not able to travel to see the exhibition, this is a wonderful catalogue which shows many of Monet's best canvases of Normandy (haystacks, the Rouen cathedral, the Coast...). Each of the paintings is very well described with a complete listing of its provenance. Top-quality illustrations make this book a valuable addition to the already extensive literature on Monet.



2. I was able to see the Monet in Normandy exhibit in Cleveland, and for any Monet lover, it was fantastic. This companion book has beautifully done reproductions of all of the paintings in full color. The text associated with each painting is very interesting, and even though I have read many books about Monet, there is quite a bit of new information provided.
   This book is the next best thing to being in the museum, seeing the paintings in person.



3. I had the good fortune to see this exhibit when it traveled. I don't usually like to listen to the commentary on a headset, but I did so this time, and it really enhanced the experience. Looking through the book 3 months later, all that I heard came back to me as I recaptured the good feelings that come from all this beauty in one volume. It is organized nicely and a "must" for a coffee table book in the home of impressionist fans.



4. Dr. Brettell writes with clarity and specifics. Lots of information
   I haven't found in other books. His articles are divided into subtitles so it's easy to complete a section if your time is limited. Illustrations are well referenced.

2 comments about Six Monet Cards (Small-Format Card Books).

1. One of a series from Dover that includes Cassatt, Dali, Degas, Gauguin, Homer, Kahlo...you get the idea. Ridiculously inexpensive, you should collect them all. Once you have them, you'll resist ripping them out of the cute little booklet & mailing them. Maybe, like me, you'll keep them in a drawer by your computer as handy fine art stress relievers.
   
   Bob Rixon



2. I ordered several of these booklets based on the reviews of others. If you're looking for something small to frame, this is not it. The quality of the picture is poor (color and clarity). the selected pieces are also a disappointment. three of them are of women (not my favorite). the other three are landscapes. If you're looking for an unusal postcard, this is ok. you get what you pay for. they may be ok for a school bulletin board but again the quality is so poor that I would hesitate to share with students.