Claude Monet certainly sealed his place in the art world - his 1872 painting "Impression, Sunrise" gave name to a whole artistic movement, his water lily paintings are admired around the world, and his Giverny estate opens its doors to about half a million visitors each year.
I am mostly interested in Monet's passion for light - he was both so patient in his study of this phenomenon and truly driven to capture it as his heart felt it and eyes saw it. And for me, sunrises and sunsets were crucial for his learning of light.
Don't we all love them too? A lovely sunrise makes our day, gives us energy and positive outlook. When we travel, we often venture to destinations known for breath-taking sunsets. We search for what Claude Monet was looking for during his own life - for that special moment when the natural light embraces its surroundings and brings them to life. So, let's take a look at how art is still alive through photos I took during my travels.
Sunrises ... When I went to Jamaica and later to Belize, I enjoyed the sunrises. I remember pausing on an early morning walk, looking up, and enjoying the sun breaking above the horizon and slowly moving up and warming up the land. I can imagine Monet standing on a river bank, with his brushes and paints, quickly capturing the flickering of sun rays across the water.
I am mostly interested in Monet's passion for light - he was both so patient in his study of this phenomenon and truly driven to capture it as his heart felt it and eyes saw it. And for me, sunrises and sunsets were crucial for his learning of light.
Don't we all love them too? A lovely sunrise makes our day, gives us energy and positive outlook. When we travel, we often venture to destinations known for breath-taking sunsets. We search for what Claude Monet was looking for during his own life - for that special moment when the natural light embraces its surroundings and brings them to life. So, let's take a look at how art is still alive through photos I took during my travels.
Sunrises ... When I went to Jamaica and later to Belize, I enjoyed the sunrises. I remember pausing on an early morning walk, looking up, and enjoying the sun breaking above the horizon and slowly moving up and warming up the land. I can imagine Monet standing on a river bank, with his brushes and paints, quickly capturing the flickering of sun rays across the water.
 Sunrise. Jamaica, 2014. |  Sunrise, Belize, 2015. |
Sunsets ... After a day of busyness and activity, a colorful sunset is the perfect calming moment. The sun's heat is not as strong; the rays not as sharp. Clouds in the sky embrace the sun and take on new colors - rich orange, dark brown, pink, blue ...
 Sunset. Jamaica, 2014. |  Sunset. Belize, 2015. |
What is your favorite place to view a sunrise or a sunset? Do you pause to enjoy these? Share your experiences!