What can John Singer Sargent teach us?

Written By Linda Secondari

John Singer Sargent
Nonchaloir (Repose)

During this time of social distancing, I've been thinking quite a lot about John Singer Sargeant. I don't really know why? Perhaps because his paintings are imbued with a serene elegance that I find calming.

I wish I could say that during this period of hibernation, I looked as stylish as this woman in the painting above entitled "Repose (Nonchaloire)" from 1911. But to be honest, I haven't worn anything but yoga pants and tank tops since this whole thing started.

 
 
 
 

John Singer Sargent Fumée D’ambre Gris (Smoke of the Ambergris)

I wish I could also say that some Ambergris smoke can cleanse and sanitize you from the Coronavirus, but I would be lying if I said that. We all know that washing your hands for 20 seconds is the best way. Nonetheless, this painting "Fumee Ambergris (Smoke of Ambergris)" from 1911 has become a totem of purification for me.

During this crazy period, when offices everywhere have had to move to virtual operations, rest assured that Studiolo Secondari is fully operational, a benefit of having a thoroughly vetted virtual workflow already in place!

With so much changing, I wanted to offer to speak with you about troubleshooting your design workflows, dealing with isolation, or just to say "Hi".  If you are interested drop me a line at linda@studiolosecondari.com

 
 
 
 

If you are wondering, what is Studiolo Secondari up to?

We are continuing to work with our clients delivering on projects and hitting deadlines.

  • We are sewing masks for use in local hospitals to help address the mask shortages!

  • We are offering our design and communications expertise to community health providers as part of an outreach project creating information graphics and handouts for marginalized communities on how COVID19 is transmitted. 

  • Linda, in her role on the Board of the Graphic Artists Guild, is hosting a series of virtual town halls lead by professionals in accounting, law, and strategy to answer questions and offer advice to our small business owner members impacted by the current economic shift.

John Singer Sargent
Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose

 
 
 
 

All paintings by John Singer Sargent, American, 1856 - 1925

TOP: Nonchaloir (Repose), 1911; National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC

NEXT: Fumee Ambergris (Smoke of Ambergris), 1880; Clark Museum, Williamstown, MA

LAST: Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose 1885–6; Tate Museum, London

Linda Secondari

I’m Linda Secondari, founder of Studiolo Secondari and a publishing strategist with more than two decades of experience helping authors create books that resonate and find their audiences. I cut my teeth as an in-house Creative Director — most recently at Oxford University Press — where I partnered with editors, marketers, publishers, and authors to shape meaningful books and position them for real-world impact.

Those years taught me how books compete in a crowded marketplace: how they signal to readers, how they communicate value, and how they’re discovered. My work now centers on sharing that understanding with authors who want to produce books with clarity, intention, and a strong sense of where their place is.

I bring a blend of creative direction, editorial insight, and market strategy — all designed to help you approach your work with the mindset and confidence of a seasoned publishing professional.

http://linda-secondari.squarespace.com/
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