Haystacks, Giverny 1896

Editor: Lilla Cabot Perry’s "Haystacks, Giverny," from 1896, an oil painting done en plein-air… It’s really lovely, a warm sort of landscape. I’m immediately drawn to the texture; you can practically feel the roughness of the hay and the damp earth. What draws your eye? Curator: Oh, isn’t it charming? I adore how she captures the light. It's not just seen, it’s felt, almost tasted – like that golden hour when everything is bathed in warmth, just before the sun dips below the horizon. Have you noticed the violet and rose hues dancing in the field? She’s not just painting haystacks; she's painting light itself! What does that say about the artist to you? Editor: It makes me think of the artist observing something beautiful and serene that made her want to preserve the beauty in paint! Curator: Exactly! The fact that she lived near Monet, and became friends with him, really explains her understanding of painting the changing qualities of light. Beyond a beautiful depiction, Perry captures a sense of the transient. A quiet observation that reminds us to slow down and take in the beauty that surrounds us. Do you feel it does the same for you? Editor: I definitely get that feeling now! Before, I was just focused on the texture, but now I see the light. It almost feels… fleeting. Curator: Fleeting! Perfect word. I imagine Perry would smile hearing that. Editor: That’s incredible; it gives me a totally different understanding of the painting. I am just taken away now. Curator: And isn't that the joy of art? A fresh pair of eyes, or even ears in this case, can uncover new wonders hidden within. Thank you, really.