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Claude Monet. Water Lilies, 1906. 88x93cm (34x36"). Art Institute of Chicago. |
"Right now I just want to paint the reeds underwater, the water's surface, and the sky reflected, all of that at once. What's impossible about that?"
"Only God--"
"I want to do it."
"You will, God willing. You are."
Monsieur was looking at a pale rose clematis blossom as though he'd never seen one before. "My God, how exquisite. Look how the light bathes the petals, adding colors before the sight meets our eyes." He shook his head. "What a confounded profession. No matter what beautiful thing I see, it's too hard. It's beyond an old man's powers."