influencer in his studio

An ekphrastic poem for dVerse poets pub where Merril features Monet’s “The Studio Boat” (1876) on display at Barnes Museum in Philadelphia.

______________

i get the impression…

claude is quite familiar
with rivers, at home in
boats; mesmerized by
lily pads, bridges, and
play of light on water.

monet’s a mirror master
who had ripple effect on
the currents of art history
but who knows if he’d prefer
painting plein aire to fishing?

if we’d float in a houseboat
together, wonder how long
i’d reflect your expression?
motionless yet emotionally
framed as impressionistic.

11 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. purplepeninportland's avatar purplepeninportland
    Sep 19, 2025 @ 20:15:33

    Loving that opening line, Lynn!

    Reply

  2. Carol C's avatar Carol C
    Sep 18, 2025 @ 20:23:44

    Love your opening line, Lynn. The rest flows along beautifully.

    Reply

  3. Björn Rudberg (brudberg)'s avatar Björn Rudberg (brudberg)
    Sep 18, 2025 @ 03:27:33

    I think you put yourself into that boat… which is what good art makes you do.

    Reply

  4. merrildsmith's avatar merrildsmith
    Sep 17, 2025 @ 16:42:35

    I like how your reflections and questions move from Monet to the personal.

    I like the sound and image of “mirror master” and the word play:

    “monet’s a mirror master
    who had ripple effect on
    the currents of art history”

    Reply

  5. Gillena Cox's avatar Gillena Cox
    Sep 17, 2025 @ 15:48:35

    luv the focus of reflection in your poem

    much♡love

    Reply

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