Beyond Monet: No Mud, No Lotus

Jim Fleming, a historian at Colby College who focuses on weather and climate, closely examines Monet’s paintings of snowy landscapes, and talks about how the artist captured the humid haze of Venice and the “pea soup” smog of London.

Hear about the innate connection between humans and nature with Catherine McCord, who works with the horticultural therapy department at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Catharine shares insights about what therapeutic benefits Monet might have gotten from gardening, and from surrounding himself with colorful and aromatic flowers.

Mike Kerwin, a geologist and environmental scientist at the University of Denver, talks with Stefania about the dramatic characteristics of the French coastline where Monet captured the ferocious sea and majestic rock formations. He also imagines how Monet would have painted the rocky, varied landscape of Colorado.

Stefania interviews Tamara Kilbane, aquatics curator at the Denver Botanic Gardens and waterlily expert. Tamara gets intimate with the plants, shares what’s so special about them, and marvels at Monet’s keen observation skills.

Joan DeJean, urban historian at the University of Pennsylvania and author of How Paris Became Paris: The Invention of the Modern City, talks about the pivotal time in which Monet painted bustling modern life. Joan and Stefania cover boulevards, balconies, park benches, and newly affordable umbrellas – all seen in Monet’s paintings.