I perhaps owe having
become a painter to flowers. ~Claude Monet
For me, a landscape does not exist in its own right,
since its appearance changes at every moment;
but the surrounding atmosphere brings it to life –
the light and the air which vary continually.
For me, it is only the surrounding atmosphere
which gives subjects their true value.
~Claude Monet
My favorite artist has always been Claude Monet who was the founder of French Impressionist painting. And so while we were in Paris, we took a bus tour to Giverny where in 1890 the artist bought a house and land. Later he added a greenhouse and a second studio. The artist remained the architect of his massive gardens at Giverny even after he hired seven gardeners to whom he wrote daily instructions, precise designs and layouts for the plantings, and invoices for his floral purchases. Then in 1893, he purchased additional land with a water meadow and began a vast landscaping project which included lily ponds and a Japanese bridge, subjects of his best known works. Although, I expected his gardens to be gorgeous, that doesn’t even begin to describe what could well have been a model of the original Garden of Eden or what Heaven might look like. So over the next few days, I want to share with you some of the things I saw that day. Enjoy!
Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. ~Genesis 2:8 ✝
I look forward to seeing the gardens. You’ve certainly captured my interest!
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Oh Brad you would have loved them. It was simply one of the most amazing sights I’ve ever beheld with my own eyes. 🙂 ❤
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yes, I see from tonight’s post!
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No man can grasp nature. All we can do is enjoy it’s beauty, simplicity and also it’s violent stages too. This is beautiful and look forward to more of your trip to Paris.
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You’re so right, missy. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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Did you know that prior to Monet’s death, he instructed his family that he should have a simple funeral—no fanfare, no mourners other than family, no flowers or wreaths as he stated that he wanted no regalia marking his death ” as it would be a sacrilege to plunder flowers from his garden for an occasion such as this”. . . and so on that sad day a simple sheath of wheat was all that marked his coffin—-
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No, I didn’t know that. But you know I’ve become the same way. I hate that people kill flowers for funerals.
I’ve already told my family that I don’t want any fanfare and that I’d rather them go do something fun and celebrate life and my part in their lives. Thanks for the info. 🙂 ❤
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Me too—that whole have a wake instead—a fulfilled wake 🙂
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Beautiful, and I am fascinated by the impressionists!
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Thanks. That makes two of us. So many of them are my favorite artists. Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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Ooooh, I can’t wait, Natalie. Monet is one of my favorite artists as well. Thank you for sharing your trip with us! Hugs ~ Laura
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Oh, Laura, you are very welcome. You would have loved Giverny. My photos can’t do it justice. It was just the most amazingly beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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So glad YOU got to see it. Maybe I will too one day! Blessings ~ Laura
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Very nice Natalie. Each time I am here, I have a great time.Everything is lovely in my eyes.
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Thank you so much, Ngobesing. I’m so glad you enjoy yourself when visiting my little corner of the world. Hugs and blessings, N 🙂 ❤
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Hugs and blessings to you Natalie!
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What a treat, Natalie. I look forward to this ‘tour’ via your blog.
Blessings & hugs ~ Wendy
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Thanks, Wendy. I know you would have loved Giverny too. My photos don’t begin to do it justice but maybe you can get a sense of how very beautiful it is. Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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Beautiful Natalie. He truly portrayed nature beautifully.
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Thanks, R. Yes, he did. His paintings and his gardens are both gorgeous. Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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I can’t wait to see your upcoming posts!
Hugs and Blessings,
Theresa
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Thank you, Theresa. I wish they were as beautiful as what Giverny truly is, but at least you can get an idea of the amazing beauty there. Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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Monet is my favorite artist particularly of how beautifully he paints nature. My love for gardening and art have made me fond of him and of course your posts. Thanks for sharing my dear!
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It’s the same for me, Inaam. I’ve always loved Monet and my love of gardening enhanced that as well. Thank you so much for the sweet comment about my posts. I’m glad you enjoy them and you are very welcome. I’m blessed that our paths have crossed out here in the blogosphere. Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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I agree…gorgeous. It’s almost impossible that the garden once belonged to an actual person, it’s so amazing:) His gardeners carried his casket…he loved the garden so very much and appreciated the people who helped him.
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It is just amazing! I knew it would be but it was even more so than I dreamed it would be. Thanks for that tidbit of info. That’s just so cool! Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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