Last week, I had a chance to see the Berthe Morisot, Woman Impressionist Exhibit at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. Quite simply, it was one of most inspiring art exhibitions I’ve seen in recent years. I fell in love with her work and am inspired to try to create some photographs in the style of some of her paintings, the way I created my Inspired by Frida series in 2018.

Before seeing the exhibit, I knew very little about Morisot. I knew she had exhibited with the Impressionists in Paris, and that she was married to Edourd Manet’s brother. Somehow I had the impression she hadn’t done much work, and that her work was similar to Mary Cassatt’s work. We’ll just say – I was so wrong!

I thought I’d share some of my photos of paintings in the exhibit with you. I apologize in advance for the quality of the photos – I was using my phone to take the photos – and as you can see – I cannot hold it level (now you know one on the reasons I use a tripod!)

This painting of Morisot’s sister was one of the few I’d seen before visiting the exhibit. I think this is why I though her work reminded me of Mary Cassatt.

The Cradle, Berthe Morisot, 1872

Hide & Seek. Berthe Morisot, 1873

I loved seeing all the shades of green Morisot used in this painting and in many others.

Reading (The Green Umbrella). Berthe Morisot. 1873

Woman and Children on the Lawn (The Lilacs at Mourecourt ). Berthe Morisot. 1874

In England. Berthe Morisot. 1875

Woman at Her Toilette. Berthe Morisot. 1875 – 1880

At the Ball. Berthe Morisot. 1876

Young Woman Dressed for the Ball. Berthe Morisot. 1879.

Like many of the American Impressionists would later do, Morisot painted some of her subjects in gardens.

The Fence at Bougival. Berthe Morisot. 1884.

The self-portrait was in the “Women at Work” section of the exhibit. Morisot was a professional working artist. Her husband gave up his artistic career to support hers!

Self Portrait. Berthe Morisot. 1885.

Child in a Red Apron. Berthe Morisot, 1886.

Cottage Interior. Berthe Morisot, 1886

Model at Rest. Berthe Morisot. 1887

I kept going back to this painting in the exhibit. There was just something about the flowers, the portrait and raw canvas at the edges I found fascinating.

Young Girl With A Vase. Berthe Morisot. 1889

As I looked at this painting, I could hear the music the girl was playing in my mind – and felt like I could see the music coming from the mandolin in the blue brush strokes to the right of the instrument.

Girl Playing the Mandolin. Berthe Morisot. 1890

Lucy Leon at the Piano, Berthe Morisot. 1892

Young Girl in a Green Coat, Berthe Morisot. 1894

“I am approaching the end of my life, and yet I am still a mere beginner. ” Berthe Morisot. 1890

The Berthe Morisot, Woman Impressionist exhibit will be on display at the Barnes Foundation through January 14, 2019. If you can get to Philladelphia to see it before it closes, I really recommend taking the time to see this magnificent exhibit and learn more about Berthe Morisot.