Still Making an Impression: Monet's Art 100 Years Later

Some works of art never go out of style. More than a century after Impressionism transformed the art world, its dreamy landscapes, soft colors, and expressive brushstrokes continue to capture our imaginations. And perhaps no artist represents that timeless appeal better than Claude Monet.
2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Claude Monet's death, making it the perfect time to celebrate his legacy and explore why Impressionism remains so beloved today.


---> A New Way of Seeing the World
When Impressionism emerged in France during the 1870s, it challenged traditional painting styles. Instead of highly detailed, polished scenes, artists embraced loose brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and the changing effects of natural light.

Monet was one of the movement's leading pioneers. In fact, Impressionism got its name from his 1872 painting, Impression, Sunrise, depicting a hazy harbor illuminated by the morning sun.

Rather than capturing every detail, Monet painted the feeling of a moment: sunlight dancing across water, clouds softening a landscape, or a garden changing colors throughout the day. Revolutionary at the time, this expressive approach is still what makes Impressionism so appealing.



---> 100 Years Later, Monet's Art Still Captivates Us
Claude Monet passed away on December 5, 1926, at age 86. Yet a century later, his paintings remain among the world's most recognizable and beloved works of art.

From his colorful gardens at Giverny to his iconic water lilies, Monet created peaceful scenes filled with gentle brushstrokes, dreamy reflections, and beautiful colors.

Perhaps that's why his artwork continues to resonate. In our fast-paced world, Monet reminds us to slow down and appreciate life's simple beauty, whether it's sunlight reflecting on a pond or the changing colors of the sky. A hundred years later, those moments remain just as magical.



---> Why Impressionism Still Feels So Modern
Despite its 19th-century origins, Impressionism still feels wonderfully contemporary. Its emphasis on color, emotion, and personal interpretation continues to inspire artists, designers, and photographers today.

Unlike more formal styles, Impressionism celebrates individuality. A painting doesn't need perfect details to be beautiful. Sometimes a few expressive brushstrokes and unexpected colors capture a scene more powerfully than a photograph.

This creative freedom also makes Impressionist-inspired painting especially enjoyable for beginners. Rather than focusing on perfection, painters can experiment with color, texture, and movement while creating something uniquely their own.



---> Paint Like Monet at Pinot's Palette South Hill
Want to experience a little of Monet's magic for yourself? There's no better way than picking up a paintbrush!

At Pinot's Palette South Hill, we love celebrating Impressionism with beautiful Monet-inspired paintings like Monet's Water Lilies II, A Monet Afternoon, and Monet Inspired, Wisteria Over the Pond.

Our talented instructors guide you step by step, making it easy to explore soft colors, dreamy landscapes, and expressive brushstrokes, even if you've never painted before!

Whether you're a longtime Monet admirer or simply looking for a relaxing, creative outing, we'd love to paint with you.



Our studio is offering “Monet’s Water Lilies II” (*the painting above) on Sunday, November 8, so come in and paint like Monet!

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