Jane Gottlieb
Gottlieb captures vistas of Monet’s home and gardens and hand paints them with striking, vibrant colors. The images range from Monet’s well known wisteria covered bridge to his color and pattern filled home. Gottlieb’s landscapes intensify the sensation of seeing and heighten the viewer’s perception of the real world. Intensely colored flowers, surrounded by brilliant foliage of myriad greens keep pace with lively patterns of light and shadow, backed by purple skies.
Of Giverny, Gottlieb says: “A trademark of Monet’s garden is the natural and bold interplay of colors. The hues of the flowers, trees, structures and skyline are further offset by the startling variations in light, making the gardens a constant source of profound visual impact. My color enhancement in this series is a recognition and extension of that reality.”
In conjunction with an exhibition of Gottlieb’s work at The Butler Institute of America Art, Dr. Louis A. Zona, director, called her power as a colorist “explosive” and stated: “These are classically beautiful works in theme and composition, but move well beyond tradition in interpretation and critical placement of color elements.”
Gottlieb begins with color photographs, archival Cibachrome prints.
She paints each print with several layers of photographic retouching dyes using paint brushes, cotton and distilled water. The water softens the surface of the print and the dye is absorbed into the emulsion. Once the print is cleaned and dried, its surface returns to a glossy photographic print.
While technically a tour de force, Gottlieb’s photos transport the viewer to a place of historical sense and order. The Cibachromes provide the viewer with a walk through Monet’s garden to experience it anew.
Gottlieb’s work has been featured in many publications, including the Los Angeles Times, Elle Magazine and American Photographer Magazine. Viking Studio Books published two books on her art. The Laguna Art Museum and the Monterey Peninsula Museum of Art published color catalogues of Gottlieb’s work to accompany her exhibitions.