Queanbeyan Art Society members were inspired by more than just the picturesque gardens when they recently spent two days painting outside at the historic Well Station in Gungahlin.
They were also quite taken by the property's long-time caretaker who art society president Barry Cranston believed had a more than passing resemblance to French painter Claude Monet, both sporting a flowing white beard and certain je ne sais quoi.
"He's like a modern-day Monet," Barry reckoned.
The man in question has a floral last name - but it's not Water Lily.
Dennis Rose has lived at Well Station for more than 30 years and is a groundsman at Harrison School across the road.
Barry took some photos of Dennis with an artist's palette but Dennis reckons he is no artist.
"No, not really, but I'm open," he said.
Barry was also impressed by the gardens at Well Station, brought to life by Dennis' wife Maree.
"It's like Shangri-La here," he said.
"When we arrived here, it was just dirt. My wife is the creative gardener, I'm just the gopher."
