It all started when Monet moved to Giverny with his family in 1883. Monet’s new home and garden became a significant, in fact, primary, source of inspiration for his artistic career.
In terms of the colors in this oil painting, Monet did not include any stark colors; instead, we are met with cool and warm tones. There is the dominance of greens from the surrounding foliage and blues from the bridge.
The texture of Monet’s brushwork consists of short brushstrokes and is often described as “rapid” or “choppy”. They are done in horizontal and vertical strokes.
There is an interplay of horizontal and vertical lines in this composition. We will notice the water from the pond almost receding into the background with the utilization of linear perspective.
Some sources say that if it was not for the local community’s approval, Monet would not have produced his series of iconic water lilies and Japanese bridge paintings.
Monet’s series of water lily paintings, including the Japanese bridge, has been considered as some of the artist’s best artwork from his painting career. He skilfully explored the nature of color and light in his compositions and he depicted the natural environment in a new way that would influence the art world for years to come.