Snapshot of Giverny Garden

Snapshot

There are so many things to consider while painting plein air.  Twice I have painted on site within Giverny .

Overwhelmed by all of the subject matter possibilities, I chose to paint small sections of the garden, the arbored doors of Monet's house and vignettes of the lily pond.  I have been told that it is impossible to paint an accurate sunrise or sunset, that no depiction can record the beauty presented by the ultimate creator, I felt the same way about this garden. 

Control Freak??

The Grande Allee - Giverny

I have been holding onto this painting for a few months.  It became mental therapy for me.  When the components of my life fly out of control, I take it out on my art.  This is the result.  

Chateau Vierville

Painting Trips Past

Memories and Works

 

This is an interior painting of the banquet room, Chateau Vierville.  Situated in Normandy, just above Omaha Beach, the  13th century chateau was a temporary allied command post just after D Day, World War II.  The owners of this historic home are cousins of my French sister, Francine.  We were invited to spend the day, painting on the grounds and inside the chateau.  The banquet room is where we all shared a luncheon, with our hosts. So many stories were shared, secret passage ways, ties to the French revolution, the confessor of Louis 16, was hidden here before returning to the British Isles.  We were told that he overstayed his welcome and was physically escorted to the ship..  I don't blame him, this is a beautiful place, I didn't want to leave.

Many paintings were inspired from this leg of the painting trip.  The memories are returning.  

I shipped this painting to Francine's son, Benoit, as an engagement gift for him and his fiancee, Sonia.  

 

Giclee Page

www.jeanhanna.com/giclees/

 

A gallery of available giclees has been added to my website.  To view the current offerings, please click on www.jeanhanna.com/giclees/.  If you are interested in making a purchase, please contact me through my email, artigal@hotmail.com.
I hope you enjoy the new page!

Roosters

So, I am deathly afraid of birds.  Have no idea why - nonetheless, I find them fascinating. Georgetown is a mini Key West, roosters and feral cats abounding.  

I had no fear painting this ceramic rooster, he is a retro fifties stick toothpicks in me and I become an hors d'oeurves server.  Hilarious, but he has a certain dignity, and I have never served olives from this boy.

Finishing Touches

Gardener - Giverny 

11" x 14" Oil on Panel

I started this painting a year ago.  The resource material was not the best; however, I decided to proceed. 

I spent a day painting in Giverny,with my students, a day that was closed to the general public and open to painters. Keeping us company were the many gardeners who are employed to maintain the grounds in the style of the master, Monet.  

I have been looking at this painting for a long time, knowing it was unfinished, waiting for the moment of thunder, and it came this morning.  Sometimes it is better not to think so much, just let the art flow.

I hope you enjoy this piece.  It is a memory!

Study of the Week

Study of the Week

Fresh Air Vendor - Bois-Colombes

This is the first offering of my study series.  I was drawn to this elderly vendor on one of my morning walks to the city art gallery in Bois-Colombes, France.  I seem to be drawn to every day people performing every day tasks.  

This oil study is executed on a 6" x 8" archival canvas panel.  It is ready to be framed, the purchase price is $75.00.  

I welcome your comments and interest in my art.