Introduction:
Claude Monet was the leader of the French Impressionist movement. He played a vital role in uniting its followers. Monet had a great talent for doing paintings, making outdoors and capturing natural light. His mastery of using colors and depicting light and atmosphere made his later works abstract, which affected future generations of abstract painters. So, let us begin to see the famous paintings.
Painting # 1: Women in the Garden
The painting “Women in the Garden” was created in 1866-7 and stands out for showcasing Monet’s interest in the impact of light and how it changes the colors we understand, which reflects the part of Impressionism, a style that Monet and his fellow artists would further explore in the future.
Painting # 2: Westminster Bridge (aka The Thames below Westminster)
Monet just loved London’s fog and mists. He captured the atmosphere by showing the blurry sky, its reflection in the water, and the heavenly outlines of buildings and boats.
Painting # 3: Boulevard des Capucines
Boulevard des Capucines gives us a quick look into French society during that time and highlights Monet’s impressive style. It reflects a period when industrialization began to replace traditional methods, with horses on the boulevards soon to be substituted by cars.
Painting # 4: Woman with a Parasol – Madame Monet and Her Son
The artist aimed to show a relaxed family outing instead of a formal portrait. Through the use of pose and placement, he indicated that his wife and son paused their walk while he painted their portraits.
Painting # 5: The Rue Montorgueil in Paris. Celebration of 30 June 1878
It was painted on 30 June 1878 for a festial announced by the government to celebrate their peace and work. This event was part of the third Universal Exhibition in Paris, which took place a few weeks after its opening. The painting aimed to symbolize France’s revival after the defeat of 1870.
Painting # 6: Rouen Cathedral: The Facade at Sunset
 He explored the effects of different lights during winter by painting the cathedral at various times of the day. The canvas is dominated by the cathedral’s burnt orange and blue appearance, with only occasional glimpses of the sky at the top.
Painting # 7: Water Lilies
The Water Lilies, particularly the murals at the Musée de l’Orangerie, represent the artist’s complete immersion in nature and his beloved subject. When you observe the paintings, you will be captivated by the exquisite beauty of the natural world.
