Art With Viv

Master Study Monday | Painting John Singer Sargent's The Blue Boat | Learning Reflected Light in Watercolor (Patreon)

Published:

2026-07-28 16:33:04

Imported:

2026-10

Content

Happy Master Study Tuesday! 😂

You may have noticed that Master Study Monday has mysteriously wandered into Tuesday this week... and I owe you an explanation!

I was so focused on studying John Singer Sargent's The Blue Boat and all that beautiful reflected light that I completely forgot one tiny detail...

🎥 Turning on the camera.

Not once...

But TWICE. 🤦‍♀️

That's right. I painted this study two full times before realizing I had created absolutely no video evidence that it had ever happened. Third time was the charm, and I finally remembered to hit the record button!

The good news? I got LOTS of extra practice. The even better news? You get a tutorial that has been thoroughly field-tested. 😂

Thank you for your patience and for always being such an understanding community. I hope you enjoy this week's Master Study—even if it arrived fashionably late!

💙 Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go put a giant sticky note on my camera that says: "PRESS RECORD, VIV!" 😄

Bonus Goodies for paid members will be posted later this evening.

Files

Master Study Monday | Painting John Singer Sargent's The Blue Boat | Learning Reflected Light

In this week's Master Study Monday, we're studying John Singer Sargent's The Blue Boat to explore one of the most beautiful and often overlooked elements of painting—reflected light. Rather than creating an exact copy, I'm using this master study to better understand how Sargent used subtle color shifts, soft edges, and reflected light to give the boat volume and make it feel naturally lit. Master studies are one of the best ways to sharpen your observational skills and discover techniques you can use in your own paintings. If you enjoyed this study, don't forget to like, subscribe, and let me know in the comments which master painting you'd like to explore next!