Claude Monet was a French painter and a leading figure in the Impressionist movement. He is renowned for his landscapes, especially his series of paintings depicting water lilies, haystacks, and Rouen Cathedral. Monet's innovative use of color and light captured the fleeting effects of nature and the changing atmosphere. His loose brushwork and emphasis on capturing the essence of a scene rather than its details were revolutionary at the time. Monet's dedication to plein air painting and his commitment to capturing the ever-changing qualities of light continue to inspire artists today.