27 November 2018
In the Hawkes Bay every two years the Russell family open their garden to the public for a sculpture exhibition among their abundant wild flowers. The proceeds go to Cranford hospice.
The advertisement in the local Wellington paper caught my eye so I decided plan a long weekend in Havelock North with Sally.
The timing was appropriate as I had just finished watching the DVDs on “Painting the Modern Garden – Monet to Matisse”and “Vincent van Gogh-a new way of seeing”. I also watched “Michelangelo-Love and death” but I wasn’t on the lookout for any “Davids” at the exhibition.
Seeing the pictures of the wild flowers was the main impetus for me attending -sorry all you wonderful artists.
I really enjoy impressionist paintings and its just not the flowers but their observation of light. And photography is all about light.
Hence the irreverent title. I wonder if the painters of yesteryear would have enjoyed the expanse of the wild flowers and the expanse of the human mind with the creativity shown in the artwork.
It was such a wonderful day with the music , variety of food and especially the ice cream -lick on that Pissaro. But it was the people there that made it. Everyone was so relaxed and enjoying the day. It was so peaceful as well and that was unusual considering the amount of visitors. It helps to have the space though. A tune was humming in my head all morning-” If you’re going to San Francisco don’t forget to wear flowers in your hair”.
Subtitute San Fran for Hawkes Bay but somehow that doesnt work- maybe Round Pond Garden?
Didn’t remember seeing any selfie sticks as well but this isn’t the Lourve.
So what would have Monet done if he were there? Would he have painted something like on the Home page, and I’m not talking about the Bumble Bee shots. He wasn’t into Action Impressionalism. Or would he have said “Piss off everyone I’m trying to paint… but hand me a sauage”.
The observant may notice that a new camera system was used . Well artists have different brushes, photographers have different cameras……
More on the GAS in another blog.
ps I regard myself as an old fart but GAS refers to Gear Acquisition Syndrome. My sphincters are loosening but we won’t go there……
1. 10 November 2018 Panasonic G9 iso200 70mm f11 1/100sec Leica DG 50-200 f2.8
2. iso200 92mm f16 1/30sec Leica 50-200 f2.8
3. iso 200 50mm f9.0 1/250sec Leica 50-200 f2.8
4. iso 200 12mm f5.6 1/250sec Leica DG 12-60mm f2.8
5. iso 200 22mm f4.0 1/200sec
6. iso200 200mm f4.0 1/640sec
7. iso640 200mm f5.6 1/1000sec
8. iso 640 138mm f5.6 1/1000sec
9. iso 640 162mm f5.6 1/1000sec
10. iso 640 175mm f5.6 1/1000sec
3 replies on “Monet eat your heart out”
I love the photo of you and Sally with the guides. It all looks very intrepid, especially the hard ground bed and mosquitoes.
It wasn’t that intrepid, I’m just an outdoor wimp.
Thanks for your lovely comments.
What a fabulous exhibition Chris. I love the poppy and bee photos. Poppies are my all time favourite flower and remind me of driving around Europe in the summer. The colours are so vibrant and I love the way you have captured this with all your photos.