J. S. Sargent Oil Painting Techniques
A class that breaks down John Singer Sargent’s approach
so you can bring clarity, brushwork, and light to your own original work.
Saturdays 1-3pm
August 15th - September 19th, 2026
Master Bold, Decisive Brushstrokes
Learn how Sargent simplified forms and used confident, economical strokes so your paintings look fresh and intentional instead of overworked.
Understand Light Like a Portrait Master
We’ll analyze how Sargent designed light and shadow, then apply those principles to your own subjects so forms feel solid, alive, and believable.
A Clear Process From Start to Finish
Move from blank canvas to finished painting with a repeatable step-by-step approach, including values, color choices, and corrections along the way.
Painting "Loose" Doesn't Have to Mean "Inaccurate"
Does everything go haywire when you try to paint loosely? It might be that you're focused on speed and lacking intentionality. If you look at the close-up images on this page, they seem very quickly done because they aren't blended and tidy. However, that couldn't be further from the truth.
Don't Fuss Over What You See Up Close
Take a look at the close-up from Sargent's La Carmencita. If this was your painting, would you want to blend or tidy up? This class will push you to reconsider fiddling with each brush mark after you lay it down. Overblending may be turning your paintings to mush and preventing you from achieving the lively brushwork you're after!
About This Class
This class is not about copying John Singer Sargent’s paintings: It’s about understanding how he approached painting to create works that were both loose and accurate.
Together, we’ll slow down his process and translate it into practical steps you can use in your own work:
- How to simplify complex subjects into clear value shapes
- How to lay in color with confidence and resist overblending
- How to suggest detail instead of painting every little thing
You’ll leave with a complete painting created from your own reference, using principles inspired by Sargent’s approach. You can work with any subject: Portrait, figure, still life, landscape, etc. You'll have access to a library of references and still life objects at the studio or you can bring your own.
This class is ideal for intermediate oil painters who want more clarity, confidence, and vitality in their work.
Class Location & Details
Studio address:
School of Realist Art
7800 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite #17
Overland Park, KS 66202
*Important: The studio entrance is on the back side of the building. Parking is also available in the back, accessible from Robinson St.
Arrive 10 minutes early to grab an easel and get situated. All materials are included with in-studio tuition, but you're welcome to bring your favorite supplies or props if you wish.
Learn to Create Solid Paintings with Fresh Brushwork
Â
