John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) was an American expatriate artist, considered the "leading portrait painter of his generation" for his evocations of Edwardian-era luxury. He created roughly 900 oil paintings and more than 2,000 watercolors, as well as countless sketches and charcoal drawings.
Sargent’s portrait painting technique was characterized by bold, confident brushwork and a mastery of light and texture. He painted alla prima, applying wet paint onto wet, which allowed for fluid transitions and a luminous quality. His brushstrokes were both precise and expressive, capturing intricate details with seemingly effortless gestures. Sargent often began with loose underpaintings before refining forms with carefully placed highlights and shadows. He emphasized composition and atmosphere, using dynamic poses and rich tonal contrasts. His ability to render fabric, skin, and light with remarkable realism made him one of the most celebrated portraitists of his time.
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"Alla prima" portrait painting, meaning "at first attempt," is a dynamic and spontaneous approach where the artist completes the work in one sitting. This technique requires mastery of brush control, color mixing, and the ability to capture the essence of the subject swiftly. The wet-on-wet method allows colors to blend directly on the canvas, fostering rich textures and natural transitions. |
AuthorPatrick Howe Archives
January 2025
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