Above: Oyster Gatherers of Canacle by John Singer Sargent

Those who watched Sargent painting in his studio were reminded of his habit of stepping backwards after almost every stroke of the brush on the canvas, and the tracks of his paces so worn on the carpet that it suggested a sheep-run through the heather. He, too, when in difficulties, had a sort of battle cry of “Demons, demons,” with which he would dash at his canvas.

On Craig Mullins‘ website — worth a look in itself — the artist has provided an excellent pdf document comprising various notes on Sargent’s methods and mannerisms. Altogether a vivid and endearing portrait is made.