Waiting in Édouard Manet's Style
Waiting
in Édouard Manet's Style
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59 inches by 39 inches, landscape format
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Acrylic on canvas
The painting The Croquet Game inspired me to paint "Waiting in Édouard Manet's Style".
We are looking at a shady spot in a lushly planted garden. It is a sunny early summer's day. A young woman in a red hat and white frilly dress is sitting on a black garden chair. A bouquet of yellow-red tulips lies on a small table in front of her.
The woman is sitting at a wayside cross and has obviously fallen asleep.
Who do you think the tulips in front of her are for?
There are several possibilities:
Perhaps an admirer has passed by. He has found her asleep. He wanted to reveal himself to her today. But then his courage failed him.
He carefully placed the flowers on the table for her. He hoped that she would be happy when she woke up. He imagines the look on her face when she finds the flowers. Will she guess that they are from him?
Another possibility is that the young woman should hand over the flowers straight away. Perhaps she was too early and discovered the beautiful spot. Cosy and inviting. Ideal for a short rest.
But that's all just speculation.
What you can clearly see is the cow that has approached. She is gleefully munching on the bouquet. I hope the woman doesn't scream when she wakes up now. That would disturb the peace that lies over the scene.
