Descriptive Writing

January 15th 1868

Dear Mr.Gandibert,

Thank you for your last letter and my apologies for taking so long with the reply. We here were busy with the Christmas and New Year festivities, as I’m sure were you. But let me wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

This Christmas season was an especially joyous one in our household, for it being Jean’s first Christmas and Camille insisted on everything being perfect for him. Jean for the most part seemed to have enjoyed it as much as a 4 month old could.

I would like to give you my sincerest thanks sir, for the location you have placed us in. It is truly a sight to behold and I write this as I look at the view from my window this January morning.

The Freshly fallen snow, visible as far as one can see in this morning light, creates a stunning blue shadow on the ground. This must be what one must imagine while thinking the words breathtaking. Because it is sir, breathtaking in its simplistic beauty.

It seems to be never ending, going far beyond what is visible to the naked eye. The snow blanketing the ground and the fence, and giving the trees the appearance of white cherry blossoms one would hope to see in spring.

I see all this beauty and my hand itches for a paintbrush, to capture this moment forever in a landscape. Preserving it forever and unlike anything seen before.

I see a Magpie just landed on the gate in the fence, perched on top of it and taking in its new climate with its intelligent eyes and just for a moment, it seemed to look right at me, as if knowing its being observed and discussed and not the least bit surprised by it.

She’s taking in the view now, getting acquainted with her new surroundings, fascinated by it. But if only she knew she is what makes the view fascinating, bringing it into focus and completing it.

I might actually go out to the courtyard today to try and capture the view before I miss out any details to a foggy mind. The shadows that enhance the beauty of the scene, the trees which even in their bare state have never looked more alive and the magpie that seems to have stolen the focus for itself.

Hopefully I’m not being too ambitious with my vision because if captured correctly, this might be the first of its kind with the work I’m planning with the colored shadows.

Sir, I seem to be in abundance with my thanks in this letter but please allow me to once again express my gratitude on behalf of Camille and I for keeping our location just between us.

Hoping to hear from you soon.

Faithfully,

Claude Monet.