An Artist, An Influence

“Haystacks at Giverny” by Claude Monet (1890).

As I walked the path from the wheat fields to the apartment in which Vincent VanGogh lived in Auver-sur-Oise in France last May, I felt an immense connection not only with VanGogh but all of the Impressionists that had tread that path. It was an amazing feeling to be there. The day trip to this small city was part of a workshop I taught in Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France. The French Impressionists have always influenced me. Their interpretation and recording of the rural, pastoral and everyday life scenes have always spoken to me. I have always been moved by the simplicity of their work.

To have painted more than once in Monet’s gardens and the surrounding French countryside as well as the south of France has been a life long dream realized.

“Poppy Field near Giverny” by Claude Monet (1895).

French painter, Christian Avril in Giverny during the workshop approached me and said, “We need American painters in Giverny. We have always had American painters in Giverny. Cassatt, Robinson, etc…you need to visit with Veronique and Andre at the gallery. They want to talk to you.” I did visit with them, and as a result I am now represented in Monet’s village. I plan to return this summer to continue painting again in Giverny to again be impressed and moved by the rural, the simple and the gardens as were so many of the Impressionists.

Ed Fenendael’s work can be seen at his gallery, Morning Mist Studio at Windmill Farm, 3829 Fairview Rd., Baileys Harbor. For more information visit http://www.watercolorexcitement.com or call 920.868.9282.