flowers

Manet painted a unique series of flower paintings when he was sick. They seem to be some of his best works. In the early 2000's Hemingway gave a full 18 months of dedicated study to his flower series. Manet made his presence felt throughout the making of those paintings. Hemingway constantly engages with his garden. It is like a wonderful Eden (fallen of course) to him. His garden is vital to him as it surrounds his home and studio. To interact with it like this, is pay back for its selfless contribution. The flowers each have their voice, a bit like Monet's 'Water Lillies', they demand attention. He feels powerless to reject the overtures which the garden throws up. The dandelion clocks, the roses, peonies and the rest.