Sargent Wasn’t Spontaneous
There’s a common misconception that Sargent would make his paintings in only one session.
He did frequently paint in an alla prima style, but most people don’t realize his bold and expressive marks came from meticulous reworking.
He would frequently repaint the same head 12 or more times.
He also heavily prioritized the most foundational structure over the details. He believed if that structure was lacking in any way, then the painting was doomed. A big part of the reason he would so often repaint a whole face numerous times.
So if you want to paint like Sargent, don’t try to do it all at once.
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From my own experience experimenting with portrait painting, I found that trying to capture a perfect likeness in just one sitting can be overwhelming and often unsatisfying. What really helped me improve was embracing the idea of multiple layers and reworking areas repeatedly, much like John Singer Sargent did. Sargent’s technique of repainting the same head 12 or more times really opened my eyes. At first glance, his brushstrokes look fresh and spontaneous, but knowing that they are the final result of many thoughtful adjustments changes how you approach your own work. By prioritizing the foundational structure of the portrait before refining details, Sargent ensured that the overall composition held strong even before the painting looked finished. This method taught me patience, and I learned to stop fearing mistakes or attempting to perfect every stroke as soon as it’s applied. Instead, I started to see each session as a step towards a more refined portrait. Scraping back paint and repainting wasn’t a sign of failure but part of the creative process. It helped me capture more lifelike expressions and confident marks that bring a portrait to life. If you’re aiming to paint more like Sargent, my advice would be to think in layers, build your work thoughtfully over multiple sessions, and don’t rush to finish in one go. This approach not only improves the technical quality but also lets you engage more deeply with the painting process. Trust the journey of reworking and refining—it leads to stronger, more expressive portraits that appear both bold and effortless.