Trees c. 1913

John Singer Sargent made this watercolor, Trees, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. It’s so alive, the way the colors bleed and blend, the process feels totally upfront. Look at how Sargent uses these watery washes. The trunk of the tree on the right is rendered with strokes so light, it's almost like he's barely touching the paper. Then, bam! There's a blot of dark brown foliage, anchoring the whole composition. The textures are so tangible, you can almost feel the dampness of the watercolor, the rough bark of the trees, and the cool air. This piece reminds me of Cézanne, how he built form with color. Sargent's trees aren't just trees; they're studies in light, form, and the sheer joy of putting pigment to paper. It’s like he’s reminding us that art isn’t about perfection; it’s about the conversation between the artist, the medium, and the world.