John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent is widely regarded as the greatest portrait painter of his generation. His ability to capture the elegance and character of his subjects with seemingly effortless, fluid brushwork is legendary. Sargent was equally adept in oil and watercolor, using the latter to capture light and movement with incredible speed and precision. His work bridges the gap between 19th-century academic realism and modern impressionism.

For painters focusing on portraiture or the mastery of the 'alla prima' technique, Sargents work is an essential study in confidence and economy of stroke.