No comments about Henri Cartier-Bresson 2009 Wall Calendar.

2 comments about Monet in the 20th Century.

1. This book is a perfect addition to any art library. Having seen "Monet in the 20th Century" in Boston at the Museum of Fine Arts, I was well prepared for the exhibit by having read the book first. I found the exhibit to be an extraordinary example of Monet's achievment in his later years. This book focuses on the works of Monet starting at the start of this century right up to his death in 1928. All through this period of Monet's life and including the representation of the body of work produced within those years, this book never skips a beat. Although not an all-encompassing look at his complete works of that period, this book offers the best look out there of his paintings as well as his development throughout the last quarter-century of his life. I found it to be in keeping with what is already known about Monet's later years, but certainly not devoid of interesting insights. The quality of the book, it's contents, including all of the color plates reproduced within is very good. I would not have an art library without Monet representation, and this is the ideal book for an addition or a starter.



2. I found this book not only to be filled with the wonderfull works of Claude Monete but it also has a great insight to his life and the imprssion he left on modern art today. This book also contains full fold-out pictures of some of the artists best works. For anyone who has ever enjoyed any of Monets work you will love this book.

No comments about Claude Monet: Fields in Spring (Emanating).

No comments about Edward Hopper 2009 Wall Calendar.

2 comments about Monet and the Mediterranean.

1. The artist's rainbow palette and his self-imposed task of "painting light" are vividly presented in Monet and the Mediterranean by Joachim Pisarro. Focusing on Monet's work during his three stays on the southern coasts of France and Italy, this exhibition catalogue showcases paintings executed under the most extreme effects of light.

   Grandson of Camille Pisarro and a noted art historian, Joachim Pisarro writes, "Monet's decision to paint by the Mediterranean in 1884 was bound to an inner strategy: his art was a constant search for shatteringly new pictorial motifs."

   We are not disappointed, the lushly overgrown vegetation and brilliant sun in his landscapes provides spellbinding visual excitement.

   "What is astonishing about Monet's work in the south is the degree of elasticity, of pictorial metamorphosis, and of technical virtuosity it required from the artist." Mr. Pisarro said. "A century after these paintings were produced, their impact remains undiminished."

   An insightful biography and history, Monet and the Mediterranean holds 120 striking color plates.




2. Claude Monet's fascination with the Mediterranean began in December 1883, when Pierre-Auguste Renoir invited him on a trip to the Riviera. En route to the sea they visited Paul Cézanne in L'Estaque. By the time they reached Monaco, their first Mediterranean stop, Monet was completely enchanted by the warm southern climate, its lush, exotic vegetation, and the extraordinary quality of light. He was to return again and again to the southern coasts of France and Italy to paint some of his most superb work.

   "Monet And The Mediterranean" unites over 100 paintings created during the course of three major trips Monet made to the Mediterranean from 1883 to 1908. The sheer beauty of the nature these works depict is breathtaking, as are the luminescent colors of his palette and dazzling light effects. The artist's use of light is frequently dramatic, as he often painted scenes at sunrise, midday and sunset.

   Joachim Pisarro has brilliantly communicated, through this text, his deep love for painting and art history. He has combined and provided here a biography, history, and critical interpretation that allowed me to view some of my favorite paintings as if for the first time. This volume features over 100 color plates, with introductory commentaries for each series or group of paintings. The artist's love of the region and its light is evident in his work - from olive and citrus trees in the Italian fishing village of Bordighera to the vast seas and skies of Cap Martin and Cap d'Antibes to the shadowy canals and golden Ducal Palace of Venice. The Mediterranean was, perhaps, Monet's greatest muse, providing him with a climate, light and color that possessed him with what curator Joachim Pissarro calls an "ineluctable need to paint."

   A real treasure of a book! Makes a wonderful gift!
   JANA

No comments about Cheri Blum Natural Elegance 2009 Calendar.

2 comments about Monet A&I (Art and Ideas).

1. After countless colorful but tedious coffee table books on Monet this gem is a welcome surprise. Rachman's book is well constructed, beautifully and carefully written, informative and enchanting. Cannot be more highly recommended.



2. This history reads like a finely wrought novel. I felt transported to Monet's France and straight into his studio and mind.

3 comments about You Go Girl Paris: A Women's Guide to Paris (Paris Travel Guide).

1. Planning to celebrate my 50th birthday in Paris and just found this book on the Internet (I loved their previous book regarding London). I was thrilled to see that I have read several of the books they recommend so the references were especially meaningful. I plan to start reading others on their recommendation list and then bring their guide with me when I go!
   
   Barb and Polly are sisters and they "do Paris" on a shoestring budget which is right up my alley. They suggest many sights and experiences but always give you an idea of how much, how seedy, how "must-do" certain activities are. I like the perspective they give as two women traveling about because the trip to Paris I am planning is with two girlfriends from grade school!
   
   I think if you are in a Book Club and are wondering what sort of theme you should have for the year... think about getting You Go Girl Paris, read several of the book recommendations and then head off en masse for a trip detailed for you by Ms. Chesley and Ms. Boline. It sounds absolutely fabulous.



2. I purchased this book because I thought it would give some insider tips on things to do/see that would be of interest to women. Unfortunately, it is basically a generic guidebook, that doesn't say anything new. It does have good info on what to see in the museums and divides it into where things are located, but you can get this from just about any other guidebook. The book looks like it was printed from someone's home computer, there are quite a few typos and the few pictures that are included are in black and white.
   
   I was very disappointed, and wished I had spent the money on a different book. I will not be taking this book with me when I travel to Paris.



3. I traveled to Paris with a group of girlfriends in early November and we absolutely loved this guide. We felt we would have missed so much without it. We all had read some of their book recommendations on Marie Antoinette and Josephine Bonaparte, beforehand which made all the difference for us. It helped us understand some of the history of France so we didn't feel so touristy when we visited the sights. We had many "aha" moments as we looked at many of the work displayed in the museums as we remembered what we had read.
   
   All of the major sites are covered, plus many off the beaten path which we enjoyed and would not have known about without this book. We can't wait to go back!

No comments about Louvre 2009 Calendar.

No comments about Claude Monet. 1840 - 1926..