Thursday, January 28, 2010

Giverny Spring

From my painting trip to Giverny.

17 comments:

  1. Kitty, this is so magnificent! I love the greens. I love the texture of the trees and plants, everything seems so moist and natural. You've brought me right there. The reflections are lovely. Thank you for showing this one. I can believe Giverny is still as beautiful as when Monet painted there, seeing what you've done. That must have been a wonderful trip!

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  2. Thank you Robert,
    They were wonderful trips. I spent a total of 3 months painting at Giverny, in 1986 and 1990. This painting is from the first trip. I was able to be there at this early bloom and come back for the waterlilies in July. The Beaux Arts in France encourages artists to come and paint. I believe they feel a resonsibility to share this wonderful outdoor studio with the artists of the world. I was asked to send a statement and slides. They said they wanted to be assured that I was prominent and competent enough to be able to show my following pictures painted of the Garden.

    At least that was how it was then, I don't know how it has evolved. I understand the Van Der Kemps are no longer curators at the Garden. They were the force behind the regeneration of the garden.

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  3. How lucky for us that the Van Der Kemps worked to bring the garden back to glory. Even luckier for us that you were there to paint it! Lovely!

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  4. It is a thrill to see how you bring the feel of the plants and water to us. Incredible, and I am just plain in awe of that.

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  5. Kitty I was visiting Giverny, several times during the time you were going. So this painting reminds me of the beauty. How was it painting there during those busy times with school children and tourists. Or did they allow you in at quiet times?

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  6. Wow, this is so beautiful! It feels...moist. Humid. Drippy. It's great.

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  7. P.S. What size is this, Kitty? It feels big.

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  8. Jala,
    It's 24"x36", done on site, plein air.
    Carol,
    They allowed artists, who are registered with them, into the garden when it is closed, before 10AM and after 6 PM and on Mondays, which were known by the artists as 'holy monday'.

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  9. More! More! More!
    What a great memory for you to have walked the path of one who has inspired many.
    I keep saying that, someday, I will be able to go there, at least as a tourist...someday!

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  10. Great blog and wonderful art work Kitty.

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  11. Kitty,
    I had a feeling this was done en plein air although you have the ability to make any painting alive. I've followed your work since moving to OR in 2001 yet keep thinking pastels will be for me "one day" and continue with my oils. Often I feel the scene lends itself better for one than the other. Your art inspires me so I am very happy to see new works. Thanks for your comments on the Robert Genn Site recently. Very good advice and concise.

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  12. No one paints water like Kitty Wallis!

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  13. Thank you all for your responses. Is there an artist alive who isn't energized by feedback?

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  14. Hi Kitty! I've just given you the SUNSHINE AWARD for blogging. I know that this is new to you, (blogging, I mean), but your posts show the life and love you have for COLOR! Check my blog for details and keep up the good work of sharing your wisdom and love for art! Katheirne

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  15. Absolutely beautiful Kitty! Monet would be envious.

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