Friday, May 29, 2009

Art Bead Scene: Monet's Water Lilies...

The Art Beads Scene monthly challenge for May is Monet's Water Lilies.  A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of going to the Museum of Modern Art on a quiet weekday morning.  I made my way up to the Monet paintings.  It was surprising just how empty it was.  I'm used to going on the Target Free Fridays, when the museum is overrun by thousands of visitors.  Usually folks are craning their necks to see, bickering over seats on the benches, or absentmindedly commenting on the beauty to anyone who will listen.  I relished my unprecedented time alone in the gallery, all save for the silent security guard.   I sat there in the nearly empty room soaking up the color, the light, and luminosity of his paintings... enjoying the quiet and looking at the paintings the way I think they were meant to be looked at.

The above piece is my interpretation of the painting.  It's got a whole lot on it (Swarovski crystals, opalite, freshwater pearls, Czech glass, kyanite, jaspers), most importantly the fine pewter lotus charm from my family at Green Girl Studios.

Here's the "beauty" shot.  I like this picture the best, I think, because it really emphasizes the light and the way the colors in the materials seem to glow, kind of like the paintings.

11 comments:

Lorelei Eurto said...

I think you captured the beauty of the painting in your necklace perfectly! The colors you chose are outstanding. I love the pinkish purple stones (glass?) by the pendant. are they swarovski?

Andrew Thornton said...

Some of them are. Some of them are pink opalite. The Swarovski crystals are rose water opal. There's also Vintage Rose Swarovski crystals.

Christina J. said...

Love it! The last photo is wonderful.

Jean Hutter said...

I love your interpretation of the painting - the colors and texture are beautiful and that lotus focal really says it all.

How wonderful to be able to view the art work without a lot of distraction - MOMA I am jealous!!

I have often thought of having an exhibit of my paintings and jewelry inspired by the art work - maybe I will give this some more thought!!

SummersStudio said...

This piece is breath taking. It has so much subtle movement through it and flows from one element to another.

nina said...

andrew, this post and the necklace make me feel very peaceful and hopeful all at once. you amaze me, always. hope you are well - xoxoxoxoxoxo

Bead-Mused said...

Just absolutely gorgeous!

Jenny said...

As you said - it has a whole lot in it... true, but it is so harmonious, essence of Monet distilled to an intimate scale. Well done!

TesoriTrovati said...

Years ago when I was but a wee 20-something my mother and I took a trip to Chicago to see the traveling exhibit of Monet. Those water lilies were unlike anything I have ever seen before. The immense size of them is what was both thrilling and terrifying...how could he have made such monster sized pieces? You cannnot help but be drawn into the serenity. Of course there were hordes of us waiting for hours to shuffle through. Jealous doesn't even begin to express how I feel tha you would get to sit and be enveloped by the beauty that is the water lilies. And capture those paintings you certainly did!
Hope to see you at Bead & Button! I have got to have some Green Girl Studios pieces in my collection!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Stacey said...

Such a beautiful piece. I love all the elements added - and the stinging with links - just beautiful.

Cyndi L said...

The pendant is gorgeous, and I love your piece, Andrew! Monet's style is timeless, and so is your design :-)