In this third post on the Grounds for Sculpture you will see sculptures inspired by famous Impressionist paintings, and all are by one sculptor, Seward Johnson. As Impressionism is my favorite period of painting, I was beyond enamored while at the Grounds by each and every one. I also discovered, in perusing Seward Johnson’s website, that sculptures I have already included in previous posts are by him as well.
Entitled “A Thought to Consider,” this sculpture was inspired by Manet’s “In the Wintergarden.”
Johnson is 83 years old, and to say he is prolific is an understatement. His sculptures cover far more than those inspired by paintings, but giant sculptures of people, (see “American Gothic” in an earlier post), and people engaged in everyday activities. If you really want to see the amazing scope of his work, go visit his website.
Meanwhile, enjoy an initial selection of some I photographed.
“Sailing the Seine” was created after Manet’s “Argenteuil.”
Seward named this “Pondering the Benefits of Exercise” inspired by Renoir’s “The Rowers’ Lunch.”
Based on Monet’s “Woman with A Parasol,” Seward named his sculpture “One Poppied Hill.” The woman and her child are indeed high on a hill. You might easily pass them by as you walk through the grounds if your eye had not already been trained to look everywhere as the sculptural gems are displayed in every manner and place imaginable.
Created 3-dimensionally after one of Monet’s most famous paintings, “Terrace at Sainte-Adresse,” Seward titled this “If It Were Time.” The two photos above are close-ups; to see the entire installation take a quick look here. (p.s. The child in the view immediately above is real.)
And who better to show than Monet himself painting the scene, discreetly obscured in nearby brush. Seward named this sculpture “Copyright Violation!”
This is really just a handful of sculptures by Seward Johnson. When I can I’ll share more of his and other sculptures at the Grounds.
Still A Dreamer 
I absolutely loved this Jeanne! I studied these photos with careful delight transporting myself into each scene just to get a closer look at ever fold and artistry of the sculptures. Thank you so much for sharing the amazing works of Seward Johnson with us.
As a side note, one of my most favourite artist is Albert Edelfelt – Finland’s most famous painter from the 19th century. I leave you here with a small selection of some of his most memorable works. I had the privilege of seeing them first-hand during an Edelfelt exhibition at the National Art Gallery in Helsinki some years back when they displayed his art collection under one roof. Sharon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Edelfelt
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The Grounds for Sculpture really is an amazing place … I can’t believe, with all the years I passed it on the highway traveling to various places, that I never got there. I’m so glad my friends suggested it – it’s magical. And thank you for the link for Albert Edelfelt – I’ll check him out! Jeanne
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