Before I received my copy of Monet’s Passion by Elizabeth Murray, I knew this was going to be a beautiful volume. When I opened the packaging I was overwhelmed by the book’s beauty: the rich feel of the jacket, the amazingly rich photographs that seem to have captured every aspect of Monets’ garden, and the exquisite transparent overlays with pen and ink sketches. Having written a few books about prehistoric art myself I am all to aware of the issues involved in publishing high quality art books at reasonable prices. This latest edition of Monet’s Passion, published in 2010 to celebrate its 20th anniversary, really and truly is a snip at only $35.

But, let me not give the impression that Monet’s Passion is nothing more than a superbly produced coffee-table, picture book. For that would be wrong. The subtitle accurately sums up what lies behind this book and the wonderful images it contains: ideas, inspiration and insights. Elizabeth Murray explores the history and conceptual development of Monet’s garden from the artist’s time there, what he was creating and how, to the present Giverny, where the garden is one of France’s most visited attractions, and beyond Giverny, where today gardener’s of all capabilities seek to draw on Monet’s inspiration where ever they live.

Elizabeth Murray, a professional gardener and artist, gave up what she was doing in the US and volunteered her gardening skills for the restoration of Monet’s garden. In return she was offered an apartment and a food allowance. And for nine months she worked alongside the French gardening team, working five days a week from 8 am to 5 pm. For these efforts in bringing this wonderful part of France’s heritage back to life, Murray now has privileged access to the gardens and so she is in an authoritative position to be writing about the themes covered in this book for she has experienced the inspiration of Monet’s garden all year round. I only ever visit the gardens when they are open to the public, so from the beginning of April to the end of October, but I am always truly amazed how different the gardens are throughout these seven months, how there is always something different to take in. And this is a quality of the garden that Murray has captured in both her photographs and her writing.

Besides seemingly exploring every inter-twining aspect of Monet’s skills as a gardener, horticulturist and colourist, his love of flowers, colour and light, and how these are manifested in the ground and on the canvas, a substantial part of the book is about ‘Bringing Giverny Home’. This is not a ‘How to Recreate Giverny in Your Backyard’ manual, but rather an experiential approach to creating your own inspirational garden using some of the principles Monet used in creating his garden, the same principles his restorers rediscovered during their restoration work.

This book is a must have, and read, for anyone who has ever contemplated the many paintings Monet produced of his gardens, but particularly those of his gardens at Giverny which he did more to create than anywhere else, and for anyone who has visited Monet’s gardens in Giverny and felt inspired by them.

Monet’s Passion has justifiably been lavishly produced. There are 140 pages and over 75 colour photographs, there are also colour garden plans, transparent overlays with masterful pen and in sketches providing extra detail, and a number of historical photographs. The Smyth-sewn casebound book is 8 ¾ by 8 ¾ inches, with a ribbon marker and quality jacket. Monet’s Passion is published by Pomegranate Communications, Petaluma, CA, and is available from their website, click here. This wonderful book is also available in electronic form, follow the link above and you will be able to purchase a download of the book for your computer or laptop.

Elizabeth Murray, professional gardener and artist, in front of Monet’s house, Giverny.

Monet’s house and garden re-opens to the public on 1 April 2011. Just as Elizabeth’s love for the gardens grew with the blossoming of each new plant, my appreciation for the people who have restored Monet’s gardens, and those who continue to look after it grows with each new visit. And, I can not wait to visit it again in April. At Basse Copette I am offering 2-night, all-inclusive Spring breaks that include a trip to Giverny and Vétheuil. So become one of the first to see in Spring 2011. For all bookings made before the end of January 2011, I will include a complimentary copy of Monet’s Passion. Click here, for more information about the Impressionist Spring breaks at Basse Copette.

Yesterday, Stephanie Cowell’s new novel, Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet, was published by the prestigious New York publishers Crown. And today, a review copy arrived in Normandy, chez moi! I can not wait to get on with it. As soon as I have completed the novel I shall post a review here, and Stephanie Cowell has kindly agreed to a ‘Question and Answer’ post – so if any of you MGN readers have a question for Stephanie, please post it here and I shall be sure to include it.

The novel is based on history, but Stephanie has used a bit of artistic license herself altering certain events and fictionalizing others for dramatic effect and continuity. It tells of the relationship between Claude Monet and his muse, his best friend, and mother of his children, Camille Doncieux. But, enough of that until I have read the book myself!

In the meantime, for anyone living in, or visiting, New York, Stephanie Cowell will be performing a reading and book signing at the Kris Waldherr Art and Words gallery in Brooklyn, NY on April 16th. For those who will not be in New York then, this event will be livestreamed, click here for more information about this event.

To order your copy of Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet by Stephanie Cowell, click on the link to Amazon below.