Gallipoli (from Sketchbook) 1904

This sketch of Gallipoli was made by Mary Newbold Sargent in 1864, using graphite and watercolor on paper. The effect is muted and atmospheric, created by the use of diluted washes of pigment. Watercolor as a medium has a long association with amateurism and the art of observation. Indeed, it lends itself to travel, due to its portability and quick drying time. Here, the artist captures a scene with deftness, while the washes create a play of light and shadow, suggesting the atmosphere of the landscape. The choice of watercolor and graphite has imbued the artwork with a sense of immediacy, reflecting Sargent's direct engagement with the scenery. The texture of the paper and the fluidity of the watercolor contribute to the work's delicate quality. Yet, let's not overlook the skill required to execute it. Sargent's study complicates any easy distinction between fine art and craft, or professional and amateur. It serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of creative practices from which all art emerges.