A few years ago, a friend invited me to one of those sip wine and paint gatherings in a large open rented studio space.
“Today, we paint like Monet did in his garden!” our artist teacher announced.
The instructor was so confident that we could carry this off. I was less so. Looking at this painting, would you think of Monet and his pond in the Garden at Giverny? Tell the truth? If you put the paintings beside one another…you would quickly see that I rebelled and went off in my own direction. The teacher might have been a little disgruntled. The other students tried to find something “nice” to say about it. I could tell they didn’t approve of my rebel stand. Wasn’t I supposed to do it better, closer to the original, follow instructions?
Truth is that I liked what I painted. It made me happy. I had to listen to that inner voice that said, try this, try that. Break the rules. So I did!
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Last month, I took a class called Expressive Bouquets taught by fine artist, Sherry Lynch Woodward. The wannabee Monet painting above transformed into this mixed media painting of a bouquet of flowers.
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It’s wise to be open to change. In our art and in our lives. Not an easy thing it seems. But then, what choice do we have. Resist it or flow with it.
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This video offers a little sanctuary in these chaotic times. Take a few minutes to be with it. I’ve played it more than once.
Wake Up Princess 
I love both of those paintings. Your message resonates with me as well…and I do practice being open to change…actually, I wish I could stick to only one or two subjects or mediums for art but I am always curious to try something new. Cheers!
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I appreciate your adventurous spirit, Louise! In life and art!
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Ahh, that’s sweet! Thank you. I am enjoying reading your posts. ❤️
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Christine,
Your original painting delights; offering a peaceful and happy feeling. Your transformed painting is a beauty. Thank you for the video of Monet’s beautiful garden.
Cathy
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You’re welcome, Cathy–glad you enjoyed the video and the paintings.. I think I need to watch the Monet video once again.
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Love your own unique impression of the Impressionism! Really lovely. And having visited Giverny when I was in Paris, I remember so well how beautiful the gardens were and how remarkable it was to wander around the water and foliage he made so famous. But yes, art needs to be your own. Good for you for breaking the rules; you created a beautiful piece.
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Thanks, Danielle. So glad you were able to visit Giverny. That would be a dream come true! I think
Monet would approve of my “rule-breaking.”
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