Adult & Higher Education

This short course provides an engaging introduction to one of the most influential artists of the Impressionist era, Claude Monet (1840–1926). Over three weeks, you will explore Monet’s life, artistic development, and major bodies of work through the key places and periods that shaped his practice — from the vibrant artistic life of Paris to the landscapes of Normandy and his later light studies in Venice and London. Throughout this course you’ll gain an appreciation of Monet’s techniques, themes, and lasting impact on art history.

This course is taught by Dr Anne Anderson, who was a senior lecturer in Art and Design History at Southampton Solent University for 14 years. She has curated four national exhibitions and her book on The Perseus Series accompanied the Edward Burne-Jones exhibition (2018, Tate Britain).  Anne has published over a hundred academic papers. She has held several prestigious fellowships including Fellow of the Huntington Library, CA and Fellow of the Henry Francis DuPont Winterthur Library and Museum. Currently a guide and lecturer, Anne specialises in Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts art tours. 

Week 1: Monet in Paris

• Introduction to Monet and the rise of Impressionism
• Paris in the late 19th century — salons, cafés, and artists’ networks
• Key works: Impression, Sunrise and other early Paris paintings
• Experimentation with light, colour, and plein air painting

Week 2: Monet in Normandy

• Monet’s connection to Normandy — Giverny, Étretat, and the Seine
• Life at Giverny: house and gardens
• The role of landscape in his development
• Series painting: Haystacks, Poplars, Rouen Cathedral
• Exploring how place influenced subject and technique

Week 3: Monet in Venice and London

• Monet’s travels to Italy and England in the early 20th century
• Venice: reflections, canals, and architectural motifs in light
• London: Houses of Parliament series
• Later style and legacy of Monet’s atmospheric works: Water Lilies 

No formal prerequisites — this course is designed for beginners and anyone with an interest in art history or Monet’s work.

Just a notebook and pen if you’d like to take notes.

By the end of the course, you will have a solid introductory understanding of Monet’s major works and themes, and be well placed to explore further study in art history, Impressionism, or museum/gallery visits with a deeper awareness of Monet’s artistic contributions.