First Impressions

I like Claude Monet's work. Now I realize there aren't a lot of people who would really adamantly state that they "HATE impressionism." Just about anyone can recognize that portrait of Sunflowers Van Gogh did, or the Japanese Bridge Monet studied.  Unfortunately i think impressionism is often regarded like music that's labeled "easy listening." Its non-confrentational, pleasant...boring.

I find like Monet inspiring because in truth he was kind of a renegade.  He invented his own style of painting which he continued to develope for the rest of his life.  He studied particular scenes countless times. ( He painted the Japanese bridge at Giverny over 50 times.)    He continued to paint even after he could no longer see certain shades of purple and blue.   He  repainted many of his previous masterpieces even when he was loosing his vision. I am inspired by people who continue to this way.  I'm inspired by those who seek reinvention and improvement and have the persistance and drive to explore, and inquire.

As for this cake I encourage anyone with some food coloring, frosting and piping gel to go for it.  First of all its an impressionist painting so completely accuracy isn't necessary.  The sheen of piping gel also helps to give the image a luminous layered quality.  I filled parchment bags with various shades of frosting as well as just mixed piping gel right on the table with color.  A thin metal spatuala is a great tool to manipulate the color just as you would on a canvas.