The result is a series titledReflections of the Seine: Inspirations from France.
We talked to Hanson about this creative experience.
Read My Modern Met’s exclusive interview below.
“Parc Monceau”
Monet’s Lilies
What inspired you to go on this trip?
Sunset at Etretat
Aix en Provence
How did you plan which places to visit?
I researched the locations of every Impressionist painting I loved and found out where they were painted.
“Monet’s Lilies”
Then, I planned a river cruise along the Seine, followed by a week-long photo safari through France.
I visited as many locations as I could fit into two weeks, which was quite a lot!
I also visited several art museums in Paris and saw many impressionist paintings in person for the first time.
“Sunset at Etretat”
Is this the first time you visited these places that inspired the masters?
Yes, this was my first visit to France.
Bordeaux Vineyard
Impressions of France
What did you feel upon seeing all these places?
“Aix en Provence”
I painted a series of water lily paintings in homage to Monet when I returned to my studio.
It was interesting seeing how the actual landscapes affected the way the Impressionists painted.
Sunflowers in Provence
Sunflower Dawn
Was there a particular sight that moved you as an artist?
“Bordeaux Vineyard”
I drove to the exact location, but again, no sunflowers, only fields of lavender.
I pulled over and joyfully spent the next hour walking through the field and taking reference photos.
The paintingSunflowers in Provencewas one of the first paintings I created upon returning to my studio.
“Impressions of France”
“Monet’s Garden II”
“Monet’s Lilies II”
“Seine Reflections”
“Valensole Lavender Fields”
“Sunflowers in Provence”
“Sunflower Dawn”
