5' x 4'
Acrylic & gold leaf metallic powder on canvas • SOLD

Several days before traveling to NYC for my art exhibition, I received a request from a client to create a painting reminiscent of water and earth in an impressionistic style, rather than in my traditional bold, Zen brush painting style. I accepted the challenge without knowing or seeing the completed work in my mind's eye. Upon returning from NYC, I began working on the piece, building layers of soft colors by diluting acrylics and gold leaf metallic powder, in a watercolor wash method. 

The ease and flow of the impressionistic style of this painting surfaced intuitively. Intrigued, I contemplated possible influences in my recent experiences and remembered going to the MoMA (Museum Of Modern Art) in NYC in April of 2006 . . . and viewing the 20’ Monet painting “Water Lilies”. 

Recounting that experience at MoMA - I walked into a semicircular room without realizing Monet’s “Water Lilies” masterpiece was behind me. As I turned and viewed this grand painting in its entirety, I was rendered breathless. Time stood still as I stood humbly before this masterpiece, tears welling in my eyes, my entire being filled with a sense of pride and respect for Monet.  In that instant, I became his pupil and he became my mentor for this painting.

“Homage to Monet” is both a tribute to Claude Monet and a reminder to honor my own unique self-identity, while also honoring the greatness in others. 

Brenda Heim 2006