Learn the secrets of Sargent's painterly brushwork, with Kristy Gordon

John Singer Sargent's painterly brushwork serves as an inspiration for many painters. Master artist, Kristy Gordon, shares her insights as she analyzes his painting approach and shows you how to use more confident and painterly brushwork in your own painting.
This is a clip from "Sargent's Painting Techniques, with Kristy Gordon," a full-length instructional video for purchase as well as for members of www.artistsnetwork.com. Find this video and hundreds more at: www.artistsnetwork.com/member...
Learn more basic watercolor tips and techniques at www.artistsnetwork.com. Become a member and unlock exclusive access to magazines, hundreds of premium video workshops, and other unique digital resources for fine artists of all kinds!
Discover more of Kristy Gordon's work at: kristygordon.com/

[@Citizen_X.]

There is a free PDF guide floating around about the methods of Sargent. An excerpt from it below:
"When he was dissatisfied he never hesitated to destroy what he had done. He spent three weeks, for instance, painting Lady D’ Abernon in a white dress. One morning, after a few minutes of what was to be the final setting [sic], he suddenly set to work to scraped out what he had painted. The present portrait in a black dress, was done in three sittings"
Also from the PDF:
"Sargent would often scrape off hours of work when painting a portrait and then expect the sitter to return the next day. Many clients complained about this trait and it reveals that even a genius such as Sargent didn’t always get it right on his first attempt"

[@thebelyahvlog7059]

I just painted a nocturnal kiwi bird for a friend in a canvass using acrylics and I had to practically scraped and washed my canvass in the washing tub out😂 of desperation and worried I won't be able to do it but in the end I've done it and my friend was happy for it. 😂😂😂😂.. but I'm still not happy and confident about it.

[@paulsheldon9510]

I’m reading one of my wonderful books on Sargent and was looking for an explanation of bravura brushwork and came across your lovely video of a detail of my favourite portrait! What luck! Beautifully painted and thank you for sharing! ❤

[@NorahsYarnArt]

Loved everything about the video

[@jameswoodend6029]

I saw an exhibition of his work in Philadelphia and he said or showed he 2 sided his brushes a neutral on 1side strong chroma warms on the other side that's how got the effects of the details on the chair decorations

[@rabbitsandphilodendron]

This was really helpful! Also the instructor is explaining it really well (and is very relatable in her reaction trying to recreate the brushwork :D)

[@middarklight]

Kristy, the long brush is intended precisely for being held at the back. Distance from your canvas is key and Sargent would take several steps away from his work throughout in order to evaluate. Gripping any brush, especially a long handle, at the midpoint of the handle or right down at the hilt completely defeats the purpose and leads to distortion caused by being way too close to the canvas.

[@jameswoodend6029]

Middarklight Sargent rocked from heels to the balls of his feet/ I disagree w Kristy that he was slow and methodical/ I've watched a known Chinese artist/ he was incredibly fast w perfect strokes very much like a swordsman would he painted from heels to shoulder keeping his hands still not breaking the wrist or fingers it actually creates perfect zen balance

[@ricoadiputra9805]

To be fair though, she is using a smaller canvas

[@MiguelFlores-br3ht]

​@@jameswoodend6029I recall a few accounts where they describe him doing one stroke, taking a few steps back and forth between canvas and subject, and rocking in for a quick, sweep stroke. So quick, confident strokes but still arguably slow and methodical (the time between strokes)

[@recreepy]

A truly beautiful piece of art, every brushstroke tells a story super

[@danthomas6587]

I enjoyed watching you interpret Sargent's portrait. Thx for sharing.

[@joanieford3434]

Kristy, I loved your demo. All parts of it.

[@kla631]

Lady Agnew of Lochnaw, he wasn't in a hurry to paint it, it took him a couple of months. It was commissioned in 1892 and completed within the the same year. He almost gave up painting after a scandal caused by another one of his paintings, something we would laugh at today.

[@shaimaasayed1219]

Thank you 😘💓

[@Joyskas_]

I need that kind of brushes < 3

[@lucianocortopassi3098]

Dude! This is amazing

[@shaimaasayed1219]

It's amazing 😍😍😄😍😍😍

[@paulklee]

Great video!

[@toddgipe1748]

Thank you

[@jimqartworks]

amazing

[@lee-annolivier4289]

Very helpful. What brush are you using? 🙏

[@rakeshmehra3657]

What colors were used in face I tried vermillion and Naples yellow does not seem as per the original

[@trudy5963]

When working wet on wet, must it all be done in one day, or is it that as long as it isn't really dry you can keep working?

[@christianleearagon9150]

Work in one layer before its dry, its called "alla prima".

[@tiagodagostini]

You can have more than one layer of wet on wet. Just because you have mroe than 1 layer doe snot make it into a grisaille (the counterpoint to an a la prima)

[@ArtbyJoeH]

Those tricky strokes, perhaps he rotate the canvas?

[@pictureel5863]

I think you really cracked it. He was precocious but patient.

[@nickfanzo]

I think the features and “drawing “ may be off a little . Thanks for sharing

[@SelinaLPS100]

she sounds like winona rider kinda

[@eyeshowyou]

It would have been nicer if you worked on the face...more interesting. But as i can see, your copy will look great

[@TheKunstlich]

Your hair is killing me.

[@johnhull5916]

NOT the way Sargent held his brush, .That's why yours looks nothing like Sargent.

[@legendarynoob1477]

🤦‍♂️