Charles Beach – WWI American Sailor 1918

J.C. Leyendecker painted this portrait of Charles Beach, a WWI American Sailor, with oils, and what strikes me first is how fresh and immediate it feels, like a quick sketch rather than a formal portrait. There’s an almost palpable sense of movement in the brushstrokes, especially in the way Leyendecker builds up the form of the sailor’s face with these confident, visible marks. Look at the way he uses touches of pink and red to give life to the skin, it’s a super lively way to work. The thick, creamy paint practically dances across the surface, creating this wonderful texture. It’s as though he’s capturing not just a likeness, but a fleeting impression, a moment in time. Leyendecker's style reminds me of John Singer Sargent; both artists had this incredible ability to capture the essence of their sitters with such energy and flair. For me, this portrait is less about accuracy and more about the artist's process, that’s where its beauty lies.