Unlocking the Secrets of John Singer Sargent's Technique

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  • čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
  • In this portrait painting tutorial, realist painter Alex Tzavaras paints a female portrait from life using John Singer Sargent's Alla Prima oil painting technique.
    John Singer Sargent was one of the leading portrait painters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In an age when there were so many outstanding realist painters, Sargent was particulary renowned for his virtuosity and skill. For this reason, he is one of the most influential artists on realist painters today.
    Sargent used an Alla Prima oil painting technique, where paint is applied wet on wet with out letting earlier layers dry. The process being followed in this portrait painting demonstration is based on eyewitness accounts of the Sargent's working methods, taken from a biography written in 1927 by The Hon. Evan Charteris. Charteris' book is now longer in print, but fortunately for us we can still read about these accounts thanks to a fantastic ebook titled "Advice on Painting from John Singer Sargent" written by the Artist Thomas Jefferson Kitts. Kitts has very generously made available an extremely valuable resource, which anyone interested in John Singer Sargent's oil painting techniques should definitely read.
    To download "Advice on Painting from John Singer Sargent" for free! Visit Thomas Jefferson Kitts' website:
    www.thomaskitts.com
    To see the full length version of this portrait painting demonstration, vist Alex' Patreon Channel:
    / simplifydrawingandpain...
    Alex Tzavaras is a contemporary realist artist offering portrait painting and alla prima oil painting tutorials. Alex teaches the traditional painting techniques artists used to draw and paint from life up until the start of the 20th century.
    To connect with Alex:
    / alex_tzavaras
    / simplifydrawingandpain...
    / alextzavaras
    alextzavaras.com

Komentáře • 450

  • @VickiChristy
    @VickiChristy Před rokem +34

    Today, I really appreciate I found you on CZcams. I am 79.5 years old. When I was in my twenty’s I painted from photos for people. I sold all my work and have nothing to show for that work now. So by the time I was around 37 or sooner I could no long do any artwork, not even pencil sketches. In my 50's I went to 2 colleges and 2 community colleges while I worked in 2 distinguishably different careers with the last one photography and graphic design. I took life drawing and painting classes at the university. The last community college I was in I took as many life drawing classes and painting classes I could along with the photography and graphic design. In all of the art classes I took at a university and the community classes (these were all in SLC UT) no instructor could show how to paint well enough to know how to do it. Just watching some of your youtube videos for about 1.5 hours today I learned how to paint better than I have ever viewed on CZcams or all those years of college classes. Thank you for these amazing how-to-paint instructions. I use to paint in oils. I want a faster medium so I will soon be painting in acrylic, mostly slow drying acrylics. I have been putting it off because I am scared to try it as it was always difficult for me to paint in the past without it getting stiff and ridged. I have studied other painters from CZcams tutorials but yours is absolutely the most informative and understandable I have ever experienced. I can now tackle a painting with acrylics thanks to your tutorials. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

    • @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting
      @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting  Před rokem +3

      Thank you so much Vicki. I'm glad you've found my channel helpful. Good luck with your painting!

    • @k.robintaylor8272
      @k.robintaylor8272 Před 4 měsíci +2

      How did you lose the ability to paint between your twenties and late thirties?

    • @georgepointer1127
      @georgepointer1127 Před 3 měsíci

      Don't do nudes then it won't get stiff and rigid.😅

  • @JacobDuane
    @JacobDuane Před rokem +14

    I just love how a portrait looks at the mid of the modeling stage. So mysterious and vague. Almost a look into the many faces we hide inside ourselves.

  • @ManuelSanchez-tk7tr
    @ManuelSanchez-tk7tr Před měsícem +3

    Good Job. Painting Sargent style is not easy. He Mastered his skills when he went to Spain and studied the Great Velazquez. A true genius. Thank you for the video.

  • @monika.71
    @monika.71 Před rokem +43

    Her likeness came through immediately! Absolutely stunning is this portrait. Thank you so much for not only showing but talking through the process. ❤

  • @steviegillen82
    @steviegillen82 Před rokem +27

    Something so difficult made to look (and sound) extremely easy. Your tutorials and techniques are an inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge!!

  • @suzanneaitken5939
    @suzanneaitken5939 Před rokem +51

    Wow, you are so good at this and make it look effortless. Blows me away every time I watch your videos

  • @andresauthor
    @andresauthor Před rokem +25

    Not only are you a genius painter, your commentary is actually the most useful, insightful and helpful I've heard to date. Please keep up the excellent work you are doing with this channel.

  • @firefly2671
    @firefly2671 Před rokem +31

    You are an absolute master at your craft. It is a real pleasure to be able not only to see your process, but hear your thoughts and reasoning behind every choice made. Not if, but when I have the means, I will be signing up for your online course.
    This painting of Tatiana is exquisite. Beyond gorgeous. Thank you so much for this. I've already watched several times ♡

  • @doddagopi4933
    @doddagopi4933 Před 10 měsíci +2

    I do not how Sargent painted. You are Alex & what you painted looks fantastic & masterly. I doubt whether any one can paint so fast & so we'll. Real Alla Prima technique & thanks a lot. I do portrait paintings in oils regularly & I can say you scored 10/10. Above all - you are modest & humble - a great quality of a great person. Keep it up & God bless you.

  • @rushworld4654
    @rushworld4654 Před rokem

    A wonderfully instructional video. Thank you for sharing with us!

  • @gumpster8913
    @gumpster8913 Před rokem +10

    One of the things that I find really impressive is how portrait artists like Alex can achieve such a good likeness without it becoming caricature.

  • @pickyperson9318
    @pickyperson9318 Před rokem +5

    Thoroughly enjoyed this demo. Loads of great tips and wonderful demonstration. Now to try them out myself!

  • @armarat7419
    @armarat7419 Před rokem +1

    What a fantastic demonstration! Breathtaking work! Thank you!

  • @mischareinthal4024
    @mischareinthal4024 Před rokem +10

    Thanks so much for the fantastic videos! Your painting skills are so enjoyable to watch and your way of explaining things is really clear and easy to understand.

  • @jimharrison748
    @jimharrison748 Před rokem +34

    Thank you so much for this, I've gained more knowledge in 24.19 minutes than two years in "art college". I agree Sargent was a master who I can only look at his work and be mesmerised but your demonstration is faultless and amazing!

  • @jcarolblair5614
    @jcarolblair5614 Před 13 dny

    Beautiful portrait and much helpful instruction. Thank you!!

  • @paulkefalas663
    @paulkefalas663 Před rokem +3

    Always hanging out for you to post another super articulate and concise instructional video. Really good teacher

  • @abigailh4109
    @abigailh4109 Před rokem +3

    Absolutely Beautiful! What a Beautiful Portrait of the Lovely Lady. I do always love to learn about the Masters’s Techniques. Thanks for a great Video!!!!!

  • @artmother5
    @artmother5 Před rokem +1

    One of the few demo videos of any artist that I've watched to the end...Thank you ~

  • @joannschoenleber813
    @joannschoenleber813 Před rokem +12

    Incredible!!! One of the best portrait painting videos I’ve ever seen…. You rock!! You’re also reminding me of the great Richard Schmid. Thanks sooo much for this maestro 🙏🙏🙏

  • @arielceleda4897
    @arielceleda4897 Před rokem +14

    With your channel i discovered the block in techniques (i work with acrylics), they blew my mind and made me improve a lot as a begginer. Thanks for this beautiful and educational demo Alex, you are a great teacher and a really humble person! A big hug to you! Always waiting for your videos! 💪🏼

  • @marypartridge5154
    @marypartridge5154 Před rokem +1

    Fantastic I love how you just have the courage to get it done without too much fuss. Thanx so much.

  • @Ruby2sDay0
    @Ruby2sDay0 Před rokem +5

    Fantastic demo. Learned so much from this. Thank you for such detailed, inspiring explanations of your interpretation of Sargent's method. And also showing how you achieved this portrait within the time/expedience constraints you had.

  • @fullmetalquinnp7047
    @fullmetalquinnp7047 Před rokem

    Finding this channel has been such a blessing! I had learned oil a few years ago but wasn’t able to paint for a long time. Coming back to art has been tricky. These videos have really helped me gain back more confident!

  • @cutiepetssss
    @cutiepetssss Před rokem +6

    No words... Such beautiful.. I can watch this for hours.. I love the skin tone. Thanks for making this demo video.

  • @fionafeng3099
    @fionafeng3099 Před rokem +1

    Fantastic demo, thank you Alex!

  • @lluhu
    @lluhu Před rokem

    Fantastic as always!

  • @mspattycakes1954
    @mspattycakes1954 Před rokem

    Ditto to all the praise. So inspiring and daunting at the same time. You Sir, are a master of your craft. Thank you!

  • @leslieball9208
    @leslieball9208 Před rokem

    thank you for making it so simple and straight forward nothing complicated thank you .

  • @abigailhumes6646
    @abigailhumes6646 Před rokem

    I appreciate the way you explain each movement and application as you go. This is very helpful.

  • @gholmes182
    @gholmes182 Před rokem

    Fascinating demonstration of discipline, skill, talent and years of practice. Thanks.

  • @triconcert
    @triconcert Před 6 měsíci +2

    I thoroughly enjoyed your rendition of this portrait and your narrative. Bravo! Thanks a million!

  • @paeturis
    @paeturis Před rokem +4

    This is indeed one of your best videos, once again i remember why i admire Sargent so much. I dropped oil painting a while ago and went for digital, but this really motivates me to get back to it! Thank you!

  • @robharrison5520
    @robharrison5520 Před rokem +3

    Great demonstration. I very realistic effect was achieved with minimal blending. It was a great description of the process and I really appreciate the time you must have spent researching his technique and condensing it into this concise demonstration, many thanks!

  • @afafyounaki608
    @afafyounaki608 Před 8 měsíci

    A big thanks for you,, I enjoyed your way of teaching painting. 💐🌹

  • @emanuelecolella9817
    @emanuelecolella9817 Před rokem +1

    Gorgeous!Bravo!Thank you very much for this

  • @jkteam452
    @jkteam452 Před 8 měsíci

    Thanks for the great presentation !

  • @ARoseRisen
    @ARoseRisen Před 5 měsíci +1

    This is incredible!! Your work is stunning and your teaching is very helpful. Thank you

  • @svenfigenschou7345
    @svenfigenschou7345 Před 6 měsíci

    good demonstration :) Refreshing seeing it again :)

  • @pafig333
    @pafig333 Před rokem

    Excellent! Thank you for sharing your observations on Sergeants technique and for your great demonstration and result.

  • @carlswanson8041
    @carlswanson8041 Před rokem

    superb!
    I thoroughly enjoyed both your commentary as well as watching your demo. The pretty gal blinking didn't hurt either.

  • @eleftheriageorgiadouart7156

    Thank you so much!You are a great artist!

  • @paulgaunt9481
    @paulgaunt9481 Před rokem

    Nicely done! Thank you!

  • @craftychild2242
    @craftychild2242 Před rokem

    Thank you. You are a fantastic painter and teacher.

  • @tzuyuhuang785
    @tzuyuhuang785 Před měsícem

    Can't believe how many times I've watched this vedio, and always learning something new

  • @karlwissmuller5631
    @karlwissmuller5631 Před rokem

    This was such a great and helpful video.. Thank u

  • @lilyrose5806
    @lilyrose5806 Před rokem

    Thank you for sharing. Beautifully done!

  • @christophedevos3760
    @christophedevos3760 Před rokem +1

    Incredible, stunning likeness. Thank you for sharing.

  • @richurich6388
    @richurich6388 Před 7 měsíci

    Amazing painting 👌👌💕💐

  • @sanandiekonte3038
    @sanandiekonte3038 Před rokem

    Exquisite! Thanks so much!

  • @anthonyskellern5970
    @anthonyskellern5970 Před rokem

    Mesmerising demonstration, and an excellent final result. Wonderful video!

  • @user-ip2ef6yn4g
    @user-ip2ef6yn4g Před 5 měsíci

    Amazing! Very clever and skilled. Thank you.

  • @eyeshowyou
    @eyeshowyou Před rokem +1

    Respect you. You are a very pure artist who love to teach others

  • @photographyguru2135
    @photographyguru2135 Před rokem

    This is so amazing!!!
    Great job,

  • @CharlesRoger893
    @CharlesRoger893 Před 8 měsíci

    I’m a digital artist but I’m really impressed with your breakdown of Sargent’s process. I’ll definitely try to recreate this digitally.

  • @linderdono
    @linderdono Před 7 měsíci +1

    Thank you for your insight into Sargent's technique and willingness to explain it so clearly to us, while also producing a fine representation of your model in Sargent's style. You are exceptionally talented and inspirational.

  • @pragmatika5397
    @pragmatika5397 Před 4 měsíci

    that's one hell of a painting. And the story beautifully told. Thanks so much.

  • @nataliedanelski8979
    @nataliedanelski8979 Před 11 měsíci

    Absolutely incredible....

  • @laidman2007
    @laidman2007 Před rokem +1

    You really know your stuff. Everytime...and I mean everytime, I thought a shape or value still needed attention, you gave it that attention. It was a joy to watch. Meanwhile, I learned a lot. Thanks!

  • @abrinaphillips4722
    @abrinaphillips4722 Před 9 měsíci

    This is absolutely stunning work. Thanks for sharing

  • @claudbinns
    @claudbinns Před rokem

    Top Class as always - but I agree this is a brilliant demo that works really well with the commentary. Well done and thank you Alex!

  • @heckensteiner4713
    @heckensteiner4713 Před rokem

    Love it!

  • @lindaboisson3617
    @lindaboisson3617 Před rokem

    Love the help!

  • @peters3885
    @peters3885 Před 10 měsíci

    You are fantastic. Thank you for giving us your interpretation of a master, with your masterful approach.

  • @anita-qq9iw
    @anita-qq9iw Před 9 měsíci

    Wow, you are indeed a brilliant artist and I was enthralled watching how you worked. Thanks so much for the insight.

  • @TheJoan48
    @TheJoan48 Před 9 měsíci

    Wonderful job! Thank you so much. I learned a lot.

  • @youyoutwotwo
    @youyoutwotwo Před 3 měsíci

    Great advice and insight...a beautiful painting in the end!

  • @mariaelisagrion1183
    @mariaelisagrion1183 Před rokem

    you are so clear and great painter, please continue with your videos

  • @mariaholvoegouras936
    @mariaholvoegouras936 Před 7 měsíci

    wonderful, generous, useful!

  • @Raeburnsart
    @Raeburnsart Před rokem +4

    Such an extraordinary set of skills you have shown in this demo! It is indeed brilliant and well explained with Sargents quotes. my fave method has been Alla prima since I began oil painting a few years ago. Sargent has been a big influence (didn't know him until I got into oils but I can't look back!) It is a wonder to stare at his expressive brushwork while also maintaining realism, such beauty and emotion.. It feels so unobtainable as a skill but you have done a truly incredible job here with Tatiana, don't sell yourself short - you always provide some of the greatest instructions. Thanks for another awesome vid 😌

  • @loves__art
    @loves__art Před rokem +2

    As an artist who has recently discovered Sergeant’s work, I am slowly becoming obsessed with trying to replicate his style. You did a fantastic job on the whole process of painting alla prima 👍🏼

  • @jclenhardt1172
    @jclenhardt1172 Před rokem

    Enjoyed watching this and learned a lot - thank you!

  • @edstud1
    @edstud1 Před 7 měsíci

    Very well done and instructive!

  • @annstuart8886
    @annstuart8886 Před rokem

    Wonderful demo! Thank you so much!

  • @user-bu9nb8wr6e
    @user-bu9nb8wr6e Před rokem

    Thats a lovely demo and so well explained, thank you for the lesson.

  • @waleedali3829
    @waleedali3829 Před rokem

    Thank you so much for this Amazing toturial 👍💐❤️

  • @azaryas6999
    @azaryas6999 Před rokem

    excellent work and video, I am learning a lot just by watching this!

  • @maicondriver8137
    @maicondriver8137 Před rokem

    I've been Learning alot with you videos. Thanks alot since 2020.

  • @elahehjaberi9267
    @elahehjaberi9267 Před rokem

    Great work and teaching♥️🙏🏻

  • @maureennecleirigh6002

    Fantastica thank you for sharing your skills

  • @jeffhreid
    @jeffhreid Před rokem +1

    Great job Alex, enjoyed the video and the painting

  • @motlba
    @motlba Před rokem

    Thanks for this amazing demo 👏

  • @volkerpaffenholz4157
    @volkerpaffenholz4157 Před rokem

    Thank you so much for these demo. I have to confess I know now much,much more ,than in years.
    You are a high gifted didact of painting.
    Greeting from Cologne Germany.

  • @giancarlaboccitto1312

    Thankyou again alex. I love so much you bellissimi videos

  • @rodrigoalmeida9927
    @rodrigoalmeida9927 Před rokem

    Estupendo muy bien logrado

  • @markh7523
    @markh7523 Před rokem

    Thank you again for invaluable video

  • @alphotheone
    @alphotheone Před rokem +1

    Yes, the mouth and under/around the eyes we see life's informing(clearly not included, not flattering). Not up to alla-prima yet, still trying to manage the layering process. Thank you great stuff.

  • @apofat
    @apofat Před 11 měsíci

    Thank you for this interesting demo

  • @helenwalters3740
    @helenwalters3740 Před 6 měsíci

    I really enjoyed this, thank you.

  • @cathyserafinowicz6374

    I think Sargent would be full of praise for your portrait,it’s outstanding!❤️❤️❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • @mireillebeyrouthi7385

    wonderful work, thank you🙏🙏

  • @afafyounaki608
    @afafyounaki608 Před rokem

    Thank you very much,, it's great work.. Very beautiful 👍 👍

  • @mattporter6886
    @mattporter6886 Před 5 měsíci

    So good. Generous insights brilliant work. Sincere thanks dude

  • @BruceRichardsonMusic
    @BruceRichardsonMusic Před rokem

    Wow, you're a good painter!! Very enjoyable.

  • @jsilva3386
    @jsilva3386 Před rokem

    Lovely!

  • @StefanNuetzel
    @StefanNuetzel Před rokem

    Very clear, inspiring explanation and demo. I do enjoy your videos very much. Thanks.

  • @marioradic7597
    @marioradic7597 Před 8 měsíci

    Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. This was so useful like nothing I've ever found in internet.

  • @a-complished4406
    @a-complished4406 Před 11 měsíci

    Fascinating ❤

  • @lsmft9576
    @lsmft9576 Před rokem

    Excellent work!

  • @momentarilylapse
    @momentarilylapse Před rokem +2

    Amazing demo and result! I'm so impressed by how beautifully the paint covers the canvas from 6:00 onwards when you are working without turps/medium. As someone trying to go solvent free, my paint just drags across the canvas in a patchy manner. Thanks to this demo, I'm realizing that I'm probably just not using enough paint for this technique.

    • @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting
      @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting  Před rokem +3

      Thank you! Yes definitely, if you want your paint to move more, first ask yourself if you're using enough paint before you use any medium. Also what surface are you painting on? If you use a slicker less absorbent surface like oil primed linen (which is what I used for this demo) the paint will move more without needing solvent or medium. Here are some videos I made on different painting surfaces which might be of interest?
      czcams.com/video/RVU7GKa33a4/video.html
      czcams.com/video/2bgKUTmnvG4/video.html

    • @momentarilylapse
      @momentarilylapse Před rokem

      @@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting Wow! Thank you so much, these videos were extremely helpful! I'll try out oil-primed surfaces once I use up my current stock of acrylic prime. Appreciate the help :)