In the Garden 1895

Claude Monet’s “In the Garden” is an oil painting, and the techniques he uses in the application of this material are key to understanding the artwork. Monet applied paint to the canvas with loose, gestural brushstrokes, giving the impression of spontaneity. This technique, known as 'Impressionism,' was radical at the time. Forget smooth, academic finish; this was about capturing a fleeting moment, the effect of light on a scene. The visible brushwork and the blending of colors create a sense of movement, which is critical. Monet’s technique was rooted in the rapidly changing industrial world, as it captured the feel of modern urban life. Rather than depicting historical or mythological scenes, Monet turned to the everyday. The garden, a place of leisure, becomes a subject worthy of artistic attention. Monet elevated the act of painting, and the way he used materials, to a new level of importance. He invites us to appreciate the sheer physicality of paint and the artistry of its application.