Clouds [verso] 1870 - 1872

This drawing was made by John Singer Sargent, who lived from 1856 to 1925. Graphite on paper is the medium here. Although simple, these materials are capable of great subtlety. The artist has made marks that capture the fleeting quality of clouds and atmosphere. See how the graphite has been applied in short, energetic strokes to create texture and depth, almost like the process of weaving. The tooth of the paper helps too, catching the graphite to create a grainy effect. The repetitive mark-making mimics the repetitive, additive processes of many kinds of labor. What makes this drawing so compelling is the directness and simplicity of its making. Sargent used modest means to produce a powerful evocation of nature’s grandeur. In doing so, he challenges the traditional hierarchy between drawing and painting, between the sketch and the finished artwork. It's a reminder that true artistry lies not in the complexity of materials or techniques, but in the vision and skill of the artist.