Ismael and Patrick, Antibes, 2011

Video still of Ismael and Patrick's Antibes, 2011.

Inspired by Claude Monet, Antibes, 1888.

We chose this painting because it had depth to it. We also liked this painting because it had lots of textures including the sand, the sea, the tree and the mountains. Also the vibrant colours used to emphasise the beautiful vision of the Mediterranean.

We found out the name was Cap d’Antibes, which in translation means the edge of Antibes. Antibes is on the edge of France so we knew we were looking at the Mediterranean, because of this we knew that the tree was a Mediterranean Pine Tree and the rocks are Pink Rocks. We also found out that when the painting was x-rayed it showed a more windy and less peaceful environment.

While researching we saw a photograph of Claude Monet and we wanted to make him into a cartoon character as he had very recognisable features like his beard. Before the Mediterranean was a sea it was just a patch of land, so we wanted to show this. Also, because Monet was one of the founders of Impressionism, he was one of the first to start painting outdoors, which before his time was unusual.

Our animation is about the growth of life, and about Monet finding the location of his masterpiece.

Inspired by:

Claude Monet, Antibes, 1888

Claude Monet, Antibes, 1888

Starting in early spring 1888, Monet spent several months painting in Antibes, in the south of France. He struggled with ever-changing weather conditions, but worked hard to convey the transitory effects of light and wind. Here, Monet captured the intensity of Mediterranean light and colour by using strongly contrasting colours. He wrote: What I bring back from here will be sweetness itself, white, pink and blue, all enveloped in this magical air.