Iris in Lily Pond

The sun wasn't out when we visited Monet's Garden but that didn't stop me from taking a ton of pictures.  This one was a little different.  Dutch Iris aren't as spectacular as the bearded iris but in this setting they make a classy statement.

"Iris in Lily Pond"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Waterlily

It's not Monet's garden but the waterlily pond at the Norton Simon Musuem in Pasadena.  I guess being art related makes it count for something. 

"Waterlily"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Monet's Rooster

It was an overcast day when we visited Monet's Garden but the local fowl weren't fazed.  This rooster was busy keeping track of all the hens in the yard.  And chase them he did.  He was quite a "cocky" character.

"Monet's Rooster"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Monet's Azaleas

Springtime in Monet's garden is indeed a beautiful sight.  There are azaleas of all colors planted throughout the entire garden.  I've never seen orange or yellow azelas before but there they were, scattered amongst the other lovely plants.  These dark magenta flowers were on the edge of Monet's famous waterlily pond.

"Monet's Azaleas"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Tulip Frills

It was the season of blue and purple flowers in Monet's Garden but I found a few of these vibrant orange and yellow tulips that stood out in brilliant contrast.

"Tulip Frills" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Orange Rhodies

Monet's Garden was awash with blooms, irises, tulips, wisteria, azaleas and rhododendrons. But when I spotted these orange ones I was taken aback. I'm used to seeing them in whites and shades of reds and pinks. They were so vibrant they almost looked phony.

"Orange Rhodies" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Monet's Dining Room

The all yellow dining room makes a dramatic statement when you enter Monet's house. It opens to the entry hall and offers a warmth of sunshine to an otherwise drab 19th century house. If you were an invited guest, it was best you showed up by 11:30 a.m. or he'd eat without you. Monet was very punctual about his main meal of the day.

"Monet's Dining Room" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Monet's Kitchen

Being able to visit Monet's Garden was a the big thrill of my trip to France this year. Walking in his footsteps, being in his studio and seeing his house was a real treat. His kitchen was a study in blue. His dining room is all yellow with blue and white plates. I'll post that tomorrow.

"Monet's Kitchen" © Kathy Dunham 2009

From Monet's Bridge

A treat of a lifetime! I get to paint in Monet's Garden this afternoon. It took 2 years to get permission, but here I am and the flowers are wonderful. It's overcast so I won't get a lot of great color or contrast, but it is the garden that was planted to be painted. We can't paint until 5:30 so we go in earlier to check it out. His house is interesting as are all the wonderful flowers. But it's his pond of waterlilies that are so famous. They won't be in bloom until later in the year but the wisteria over his Japanese bridge was in full bloom!

"From Monet's Bridge" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Almost Monet's Garden

I'm having a luncheon tomorrow for the gals who are joining me at my watercolor workshop in France next month. A little meet and greet before we go and to talk over last minute details. Next month about this time I'll be able to post the real picture of Monet's Garden. I've gotten permission to paint there and really excited to walk in his footsteps.

This photo is actually at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C.

"Almost Monet's Garden" © Kathy Dunham 2009