Gypsy Encampment c. 1912 - 1913

John Singer Sargent made 'Gypsy Encampment' with oil on canvas, and looking at it, I can imagine the thick paint he used. There are earthy tones and vibrant whites throughout, and the brushstrokes feel both deliberate and spontaneous. It's as if he's capturing a fleeting moment, a snapshot of life unfolding before him. I can imagine Sargent standing there, his eyes darting back and forth, trying to capture the essence of the scene before the light changes. Maybe he was thinking about Velázquez, trying to imbue the earthiness of the painting with light. See how the figures huddle together, their faces etched with stories of resilience? The brushstrokes are almost like whispers, conveying a sense of intimacy and connection. The surface feels alive and the details blur into each other, which gives the painting a kind of vibrancy. The painting feels so contemporary, as though it were made yesterday by a painter responding to the world around them. We are all in constant conversation.