Claude Monet
Let's move to a calming seascape from the French coast.
The beautiful sunset viewed from Pourville, igniting the sky in shades of pink and purple over the Channel in 1882, is a great example of how Monet approached art. By capturing the precise moment the sun dips beneath the horizon, Monet skillfully portrays the sea reflecting the sky's hazy hues. Monet loved such moments; he was deeply attuned to variations of light and colors.
Upon visiting Pourville, Monet expressed to his partner, Alice Hoschedé, his admiration for the picturesque setting, lamenting his delayed discovery of such a spot where the sea was within arm's reach ("couldn't be closer to the sea… I only regret not coming here sooner"). This painting immerses the viewer in a serene, color-rich landscape devoid of human activity, offering a view of the boundless Atlantic Ocean. Monet held a particular fondness for the Normandy coast and Pourville, drawing inspiration from the unspoiled vistas of sea and sky. The simplicity and raw beauty of nature challenged Monet to explore new ways of depicting space and the interplay between elements, marking his contributions to the genre with a distinctive touch of innovation.
Such paintings are a great example of how art can calm our nerves and move us to another state of mind.
P.S. I love Monet! If you're his fan as well and would like to learn more about his life and approach to painting, please check out our Mega Online Course on Impressionism. :) I must warn you ... it's huge and full of art history stories (and a bit of gossip).
P.P.S. And here you can explore Monet's art through 10 of his paintings which give the best idea on the themes he used to portray!