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art, botanical, Claude Monet, Kew Gardens, Lea Valley, light, nature, photography, Stackpole Estate, Tate, Wales, water, Water Lilies
Waterlilies I, mixed media on paper, 2012, copyright Diana Hale
I am not Monet so why do I want to paint waterlilies? He is a hard act to follow so why do I persist?
There is something irresistible about waterlilies. Of course I love painting water and any subject incorporating water appeals automatically. For me I love the way waterlilies float on water and seem to be part of it. Light, colour and form interplay, sometimes with ultra clarity, sometimes dissolving into a blur of broken surfaces. This dissolving was what Monet portrayed so well especially in his very late paintings, some of which are currently on show in the Turner, Monet, Twombly show at the Tate in Liverpool, which I am finally going to see at the weekend. I remember the magic of first seeing the all enveloping display at the Orangerie in Paris years ago. It is impossible not to be influenced by Monet’s depictions, even when painting in front of the reality. I know it is something I will have to come back to again and again.
Waterlilies II, mixed media on paper, 2012, copyright Diana Hale
Waterlilies are also a personification of summer, and the shimmering of sunlight on water and lily pads dazzles and enchants.
I have painted and photographed waterlilies in pools, ponds and lakes from the Lea Valley to the Stackpole Estate at Bosherston in Pembrokeshire, as well as in indoor settings such as the Waterlily House at Kew Gardens. Some are native species, mostly yellow or white, some more exotic, mauves, pinks and reds.
The leaves are also varied in size and colour, shape and pattern, crinkled and ribbed, wavy edges or upturned plates.
Sometimes the mystery and ephemeral quality of the waterlily in its natural setting is what endures in the memory.
Amwell Pool, 2010, acrylic on canvas, copyright Diana Hale
Related articles
- Rare Film: Claude Monet at Work in His Famous Garden at Giverny, 1915 (openculture.com)
- Turner Monet Twombly: Later Paintings (gerryco23.wordpress.com)
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Hi Diana – For some reason have also thought of water lilies as having inherent mystery. Used to visit the botanic gardens in Edinburgh a lot when the kids were little and there is a pool in the glasshouse with some of the more exotic varieties. What I recall was the heat of the glasshouse and smell as you entered. Then these almost alien looking, exotic coloured pads floating on the surface with flowers emerging like perispcopes which your paintings and photos capture so well.
Hi. I love waterlilies and you bring life to yours! You captured the dazzles of light in your second painting so well! Jane
Thanks Jane – I’m glad to know you are another waterlily lover!
Beautiful post. Lovely photos and paintings.
Thanks from a fellow plant lover!
“Sometimes the mystery and ephemeral quality of the waterlily in its natural setting is what endures in the memory.” What an absolutely beautiful sentence amid such natural images. It really did take my breath away, Diana, all in all a lovely post.
Karen
Thanks Karen – I can see that would appeal to your inner self!
The last painting is stunning!
Thanks Tyran – that is one I did a few years ago when I was a bit more mystical I think! Perhaps that will resurface at some point.
Pun intended?
I love your 2nd watercolour, Diana. Reminds me of when i’ve been staring at something beautiful for awhile…and it changes. That dissolving you speak about.
I’m glad if I managed to get that effect, thanks Kathryn.
Lots of different ways of seeing waterlilies! Lovely to see your colours and the reflected sky. Monet is hard to forget but you have put your own stamp on these. Fascinating photos of the lily pads.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Beautiful!
Thank you!