Art in the woods
As of yet, I still do not have a favorite style of art. My tastes seem to have changed throughout the decades. But I do find some subject themes repeat in my field of interest such as those by the descriptors: “art in the woods,” “pictures within pictures,” and “landscape and subject blend together.” For example, the image above is a painting by John Singer Sargent of a scene with a painting being composed by Claude Monet. This painting has the appeal of both the woods, and a picture within a picture.
Claude Monet Painting by the Edge of a Wood John Singer Sargent 1885, Impressionism, portrait, oil, canvas
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Landscape and subject blend together
Everything about the above painting tells me to relax. It does it gently so I don’t have to feel bad about a thing. The subject is a part of the scene, with a touch of texture expressed by the brush to express the differentiation between the subject’s pink dress and the dimensionless ground of this wooded area, where the hammock is suggested to hang from trees out of view. The red of the umbrella stands out – this relaxing woman is well-prepared for any occasion, and she can rest peacefully on her hammock in the confetti-like woods.
The Hammock Giovanni Boldini, c.1872 – c.1874 , Impressionism, genre painting, oil, panel
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Art in the Woods
One can imagine seeing apparitions in this piece. It’s a peaceful view of nighttime and the hint of the magic of the forest, with its glowing hues, and with the green and yellow “lights” it is a suggestion of an almost black-light luminosity. This reminds me of many of my most favorite forest scenes.
A Birch Grove Arkhip Kuindzhi , Березовая роща c.1880 Impressionism, landscape
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I saved my favorites for the last ones. Somehow they represent something new that is on its way for me – these paintings both fill me with intrigue. They are both by John Singer Sargent, who I discovered today, and who by the painting below, inspired me to post today. Since the painting below is not in public domain, I have linked to the video about the painting. Having received stargazer lilies for my birthday this year, and having particular affections for both the rose and carnations… everything about this painting below, I love.
Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, by John Singer Sargent, around 1885
The Sphinx, John Singer Sargent, 1890 – 1891
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Fiesta Estrellas 
Paintings of landscapes and woods are usually soothing to me too. 🙂
🙂 wonderful, Brad…
Hi there Ka!
I adore your choices, and if possible, adore more your reasons behind choosing them. So evocative for me emotionally, wondrous and mystical!
Namaste my sister,
Linda ❤
Thank you, Linda! I’m really glad that you injoyed these choices 🙂
Namaste ❤
K
Just incredibly beautiful paintings …and the way you help us read them makes them more amazing! Loved this post fully.
Thank you, Pragalbha – I’ve been enjoying slowing down, and immersing myself in what my senses are receiving! Thank you so much for visiting. I am delighted that you enjoyed this post, as I very much enjoyed writing, and experiencing it in the process of flowing through me and onto the blog.
Absolutely my pleasure!
Lovely paintings and descriptions. ❤
❤ Thank you, Alethea
You’re welcome, my friend ❤
Beautiful captures and meanings Ka 🌈
Thank you, Karen! & Thank you for sharing your prism and your light! I am enjoying the savoring of this moment 🙂
🙏🏻🌈💚
You’ve captured something gorgeous here with your lovely prose. My favorite is The Hammock. I love the fact that the woman is able to relax because she is so well-prepared!
Thanks, Lori! I am, too, appreciating The Hammock…. just, it’s time, for right now, to project myself into this image. Looking forward to a retreat in a couple of weeks, and just enjoying things slow down momentary, as I ready for the busyness of the fall, and my next steps forward into all the fun things that life involves me in… Hoping all is well with you!
Oh these sacred garden spaces, how beautifully the artists have rendered them in paint! So lovely. Thanks for sharing Ka.
I recently learned that Monet created his gardens, shaping the visions he wanted to paint, before painting them; find this incredibly fascinating . . . the layers behind his finding inspiration in nature leading to creating with nature and giving back::beauty, not only painted but beyond, garden space shared in community, just love it so much, feels like he was an expansive, visionary, generous soul! Apparently these gardens are present and visitable till today . . . . anyway, enjoyed your selections, a wondrous day to you 🌸💞
Yes – I could immerse myself in these spaces very regularly and cavort with the fairies… Imaging the excitement of the fairies each time the artist places paint on the canvas! All the elemental spirits, the enchantment of the forest and the garden alike… 🙂 🙂 🙂 Yes, generous souls are artists. I am aware of Monet’s gardens and hope to visit someday maybe as my husband already has seen them in person. In the meantime, the gardens exist right ‘here.’ Thanks for visiting and enjoying the savoriness of all the senses….
wonderful
artist’s
offering 🙂
Offering, indeed 🙂
I love the woman in the hammock and your description of her. It got me to take a deep relaxing breath. Also, the painting below it reminded me of fireflies which I rarely see anymore. It’s a delight when I do see them, like reading this post.
JoAnna,
the woman in the hammock sort of snuck up on me. I found the painting with her image while I was developing my post that sprung up from the “Carnation lily, lily, rose” painting, and this is also how I discovered the painter John Singer Sargent ~ whose name sort of lingers in my ears whenever I read it. I’ve been also missing fireflies so very much. I don’t see them because I moved across the country and they are not here. Thank you for your visit! I’m glad we can share the fireflies here! To be seen again….
Smiles, Ka
I saw some fireflies during my visit to the NC mountains in July. Smiles.
I’m glad you got to see them so recently! Time is flying 😬🧚🏻♀️