Everywhere the stroke is right and brave. The color sometimes delicate, often rich. The compositions simple and unaffected, the drawing cursory and without flaw. Sargent's surfaces give evidence of a dynamic activity where decisions are made during the struggle, and where no struggle is allowed to appear. Fresh at all costs.
Quality is alive and well and hanging on walls in Seattle.
Sargent was a workaholic. Letters from his Rocky Mountain trip mention discomfort and poor weather. Nevertheless he worked every day on the material that came to hand. Talent counts for much, but effort counts for more. If you would like to comment on this or other letters, or give your own observations or findings, please do so.