Although I don’t really do portraiture or work in charcoal, the artwork in this book is amazing. There are artists who are good, and then there are artists who are really good. John Singer Sargent is definitely an artist above all others. Looking at all his portraits, you get an idea of the character the person he drew had. He effortlessly captures “the essence” of a character. Some of the drawings rely mostly on lines, and some rely on shade and tones to define the face. Sometimes the lines are very precise, and sometimes the lines have a more impressionistic quality. Even if you don’t have an interest in doing portraiture, this is a good book to get…If only to remind you to work harder to try and reach Sargent’s level of expertise!