John Singer Sargent - American

Low Tide at Cancale Harbour









The Derelict

Sargent has found an interesting viewpoint for the top painting. The arrow shape of the harbour wall is unusually dynamic, threatening to lead the eye out of the composition, but the other objects draw it back in.

In The Derelict, the placement of the ship on the right of the image intuitively feels right. The eye of the viewer tends to read a painting from left to right. Objects on the right give a sense of the passing of time and tranquility (which suits the subject - a derelict boat) whereas a single object on the left can evoke a more abrupt or violent mood.

Sargent and the Sea

The Corcoran Gallery of Art, in Washington DC, is currently showing an exhibition of seascapes and marine themed paintings by the famous American expatriate painter John Singer Sargent.

"The exhibition will place the sea on center­stage and highlight the impact it had on Sargent’s career, the development of his style, and his artistic preferences."

"While Sargent is best known for his society portraits, Sargent and the Sea will focus on his personal passion for the sea and his knowledge of seafaring."

En Route pour la peche (Setting out for Fishing)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seascape

Midday Light

Neapolitan Children Bathing, 1879, 267 x 413 cm

Very dark, short shadows give the feeling of bright midday sun.

I had incorrectly attributed this work to the Spanish impressionist Sorolla, but it is actually by the American impressionist John Singer Sargent.

John Singer Sargent - American (born Italy)

Seascape, 11 x 8 inches



Coast of Algiers, 1879-1880

Note the importance of white contrasted to black in the beach scene,
and in the images in recent previous posts.