James Tissot (1836 – 1902) French painter, currently on view at Legion of Honor.

Elaborate details, descriptive brushwork, but not particularly exciting and innovative artistic style.

My favorite painting from the show:

Mrs. Newton with a Parasol – James Tissot, c.1879

The influence of Japanese print is quite clear.

The show includes some of his watercolor illustrations for religious stories, very refreshing.

One side effect of learning life drawing is that whenever I see a realistic figure painting, I can’t help thinking if the proportion makes sense, or if the anatomy is right … Sometimes, it ruins the viewing experience. 😦