Painting Children

Most people like paintings of children, but children are a challenge to paint. Read about it (here).

Madame X

The painter Sargent had no idea his portrait of Madame Pierre Gautreau, known for her artful appearance, would become the talk of Paris at the Salon of 1884. Sargent hoped to enhance his reputation by painting her portrait, but instead of praise critics dished out nothing but ridicule.Read about it (here).

 

Four Corners and a Void

Expatriate American painter John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) is best known for his flattering portraits of aristocrats, heiresses and well-heeled businessmen. He is famous for virtuoso brushwork and his ability to capture a moment or gesture. Yet his name doesn’t spring to mind when one thinks of portraits that dig beneath the surface to reveal the complexities of human nature. He answered his critics with one painting. Check it out (here).