Redefining Work: A Visit to the NYBG Monet Exhibition

Yet another very nice feature of my second career as a painter is how it opens up what counts as work. Activities that are fun and amazingly rewarding that I once saw as outside of work are now an important part of work. When I was a psychologist researcher/university professor, a trip to the New York Botanical Garden to see gardens inspired by Monet's gardens at Giverny would have been a holiday, a day off. Now, it is part of my job description. In my painting work, such a visit teaches me some of the more I need to know about Impressionism and about the connection between gardens and painting. Today at the Botanical Garden is a day outside of the studio that helps what goes on in the studio.

The Monet exhibit that includes two rarely seen paintings by Monet and some wonderful photographs of him in the garden closes soon. If you can't get there, check out the splendid website of the Garden for some great images relevant to Monet and his work in the garden and studio (click here for your visit.)