By John Dumergue
Even nine years after visiting Claude Monet’s house and gardens, and writing an article for AOTEAROA ARTIST The New Zealand Artists Magazine, I am compelled to submit another article on the same subject. This time with less words but more of my lily pond paintings.
The memories of my visit have still remained with me and and will never fade, as it is the most wonderful motivational experience from all my art encounters. If you are fortunate enough to visit France, a trip to Giverny to see Monet’s house and gardens is a must. Bear in mind that they are closed to the public from 1st Nov to 1st April. November is the busiest month of the gardening year. It is a time they deconstruct everything and plant thousands of spring bulbs.
When the Foundation Claude Monet sent me two photos of volunteers in the garden, only one was used so I have included the second one this time. The expression on the young women’s face shows how happy she is in such a wonderful environment. I am sure she will cherish her time there for the rest of her life. If someone asked me to sum up what it was like visiting Monet’s house and gardens, I would show them that photo, as they say ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’.
Compilation of John Dumergue’s Lily Ponds