A Peaceful Place

By bjaybrooks on
Giverny Garden, 1908; artist painting a seated man. “Almost finished, Monsieur... the light here is magical!”
An artist paints a seated companion amid Giverny’s vibrant flowers, pond, and iconic house.

MJ and I were having lunch today at the Art Museum in St. Louis. We could not help but notice what a peaceful experience it was. Art is settling. Being surrounded by creativity is inspiring. Thinking about the Woman Impressionist and their wonderful work. Berthe Morisot and Claude Monet’s stepdaughter Blanche Hoschede Monet were important in the French Impressionist Movement.

Comic panel text: “A QUIET AFTERNOON IN THE GARDEN. - BERTHE MORISOT”; “THE LIGHT TODAY... IT DANCES AMONG THE LEAVES.”; “LULU, LOOK AT THE PRETTY BLOSSOMS.”; “INSPIRED BY HER WORKS.”
A mother and baby enjoy a quiet, flower-filled afternoon garden beside a vintage pram.

‘Blanche had a unique intertwined relationship with Claude Monet: she was his stepdaughter, his student, his assistant, and eventually his daughter in law.’

Blanche Hoschedé Monet paints in a garden; text reads: “Maman’s garden... I must capture the light, just as Papa did!” and “Blanche Hoschedé Monet, artist of Giverny.”
Blanche Hoschedé Monet paints her mother’s flower-filled Giverny garden in a comic-style scene.

We require reflection. When deprived of it we become ill. A peaceful place is vital to our security and wellbeing. We have become a people who devote the lion’s share of our time to making a living and little to making a life. We wonder where the spark of creativity is. Is it hidden under the pile of dirty laundry? Is it wating patiently for the precious two weeks of vacation we are allowing ourselves next summer?

MJ and I also walked the uneven brick sidewalks of St. Charles, Missouri. St. Charles is a happy event for our family over many years. The history of the place surrounds you at every turn.

Illustration of historic Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri
A lively, illustrated view of historic Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri, lined with shops, flags, and horse-drawn carriages.

So, art causes us to think outside the box. Art enables us to see things from a different perspective. Art opens our minds. It shines a light in the darkness.

Comic titled “LES IMPRESSIONNISTES: LES FEMMES DE L’ART!” showing women painting outdoors; speech bubbles read “C’EST MAGNIFIQUE, BERTHE!” and “REGARDEZ CETTE LUMIÈRE, MARY!”
Four women paint and discuss light together in a lively Impressionist garden scene.
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