Giverny

about an hour away from Paris lies a small town by the name of Giverny. For most, the name of this village holds no significance but for those who live and breath art, it's another story.

Claude Monet. A pioneer, an innovator, and an artiste. This man was responsible for the creation of a new style and the beginning of a new era. His painting Impression Sunrise, or Soleil Levant, was criticized and misunderstood by the French artistic society. Although many wrote him off as talentless and confused, he went on to become one of the most popular and noted painters of all time. Without his bravery and passion, many of the artists and painting we have today would not have existed. Later in his life, Monet found inspiration through flowers, nature, lilies, and the French countryside. He made residence in the town of Giverny where his home and the area in and of which he painted is now a place of pilgrimage for artists and those who appreciate art.

While traveling in Paris last summer, my group decided to visit Monet's home: a truly unique experience. His hose and gardens have been restored and when walking around you feel as though Monet's easel and brush could be seen at any moment. Monet's nineteenth century home is very beautiful and an interesting snapshot of the time, but his gardens, lilly pond, and poppy field are what bring the tourists. Spend five minutes here and you will think France has transformed into Eden.

One of Monet's most famous paintings Poppy Field, was created here. This work of art captures the essence and the beauty of Giverny as if you are standing in the field as Monet paints. Ironically I stood in this very field. After living this moment, then realizing it on canvas, my perception of anything and everything has changed. Monet took things for what they were, quirks and all, and found beauty in every single one. If Monet did this with art, why can't I do it with my life? The work of Claude Monet is simply this: art of inspiration.

The Musee d'Orsay on a Friday Afternoon

One fine day last summer, I strolled the streets of Paris with my grandmother: something I had dreamed about doing my whole life.

Both sets of my grandparents can be referred to as "world travelers." My whole life they have been venturing to new places and sharing their experiences with me. From Scotland to Italy, I became accustomed to post cards and numerous souvenirs, but what I longed for was the trip itself. I wanted to stand and live in those places, not just see them through a Kodak camera.

I was born and raised to appreciate and love other cultures, so naturally I have become quite the world traveler myself. I have journeyed to Uruguay, Mexico, France, and England: all before the age of 18. Out of those countries though, France remains my absolute favorite. From learning bits of French as a toddler and taking upper level french in high school, I am practically a Frenchman in all but name. The laid back life style as well as the incredible architecture and art is so romantic and ideal. You don't just love France, you fall for it.

Along with my love of all things french, I also have a love for french impressionism. So where do I combine my love for a specific nationality and paintings? The Musee d'Orsay. Having some background knowledge of the artists featured in the museum from my favorite impressionists book, I made a list of every single piece I wanted to see, number one being The Floor Scrapers by Gustave Caillebotte.

While taking arts and humanities in high school, we were asked to find a painting and critique it. Browsing Google Images I came across a painting that literally took my breath away. Not many things in one's life can cause such and emotional reaction, especially paint on canvas. Being somewhat of an art conesure, the brush strokes of Caillebotte captured me and drew me in. At first glance the scene seems to be just three men renovating an apartment, but after taking a deeper look, it can be taken for much more.

There is so much to say about this work of art, where to begin? First, Caillebotte utilizes shape and value to start the eye's journey throughout the painting. The richness of the wood and the two men in the foreground combine to create a focal point. The lightness of the bare wood moves the eye to the outstreached arm of the last man to the side. From the last man's leg, the eye of the onlooker moves to the horizontal and simple lines of the base of the walls. This creates movement back to the wine bottle on the floor which then flows to the first man in the beginning.

The techniche of this work is not the only impressive aspect, but the emotion Caillebotte gives to this simple scene. In the painting each man's face is hidden. Not completely opaque but shadowed enough to give no specific identification. This combined with the muscles of thier backs and shoulders lets the viewer realize how tiering the life of the hardworking can be. Sometimes the reality of humanity can be clouded by social and material status.

It is possible Caillebotte did not intend for a political message to be taken from his work, but none the less it is an awe inspiring painting. The simplicity makes such an impact. The Floor Scrappers is my favorite painting and it is even more beautiful in person. Paris and Caillebotte in one day? I guess c'est la vie.