New Monets discovered in art class
A day trip from Paris to Giverny, Claude Monet’s gardens and home to the famous water lily pond and Japanese bridge, was the highlight of my trip to France years ago. The weather had been cold and grey throughout the trip; however, the sun shone gloriously at Giverny, bringing out the best in the gardens that inspired many of Monet’s paintings.
Even though it has been decades since I used a brush for anything other than giving the porch a fresh coat of paint, the appeal of being able to create my own Monet at Wine Country Studios’ Creative Art Series, hosted by Louise Lambert at Grizzli Winery, and recreate the feeling of euphoria while visiting Giverny was too much to resist and I signed up.
Participants could choose to paint the Water Lily Pond or Water Lilies.
Lambert was quick to point out the workshops are for novice and experienced painters alike and the one I attended included Àrst-timers like myself and those returning after attending other workshops by Lambert.
Before settling into paint, participants got a quick history lesson on Monet, the father of Impressionism.
Being called an Impressionist was considered criticism when the movement developed in France in the late 1860 as artists painting outside worked quickly to create an impression before the light changed and their paints dried.
Once the palettes were loaded with paints, Lambert gave the class a brief introduction on how to set up their work and set up examples painters could use as a reference.
From there, participants set to work with Lambert moving among the nine painters, offering tips and answering questions, but allowing artists free rein on their work.
While painting, participants could nibble on meats, cheeses, fruits and chocolate while sipping Grizzli wine.
Winery staff made sure everyone was looked after, right down to changing the murky water in the cups painters used to rinse their brushes.
Lambert’s workshops encourage artists to be creative.
“We allow them creative expression,” said Lambert. “We give them the foundations of what they want to do and then they’re allowed to put their own print on it.”
In the end, each painting is a different interpretation of a classic piece of art.
The workshop starts with a tour of the Tuscan-inspired winery including the vineyards and production area. The tour Ànishes with a tasting of Àve of Grizzli’s wines including a fruit wine and two icewines. The tasting helps participants decide which two glasses of wine they want to sip on while painting.
I don’t expect any museums in France will be calling to exhibit my work; however, my painting of Monet’s Japanese bridge is enjoying a place in my family room as a reminder of a relaxing afternoon.
Lambert will offer a workshop on Dutch master Vincent Van Gogh July 28 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Grizzli winery. Participants can paint Van Gogh’s SunÁowers or Irises. Tickets cost $68 and can be purchased online through Eventbrite, in person or over the phone at the winery. All materials are provided. For more information, e-mail info @GrizzliWinery. com or call 250-7696789. Participants must be 19 and over.