Rajiv Surendra Visits the Metropolitan Museum of Art - John Singer Sargent Painting

[@martifinan998]

I love how your voice broke as you thanked Stephanie - she represents museums sharing the artistic artifacts and you represent human beings connecting emotions and talents across time. You are so beautiful, Rajiv.

[@rajivsurendra]

Stephanie is a gem of a curator, she is the epitome of grace. I love being with her and it always feels like such an honor.

[@FreeAsABird53]

“You represent humans beings connecting emotions and talents across time”. Perfect summation of him 💛

[@LisaSonora]

I also thought Stephanie choked up a bit when you asked her about her connection with the work she does and passing it forward. Incredible conversation, Rajiv - I want to see more videos about your painting process, please!

[@vitalityseeker6193]

Dearest Rajiv, you are a Renaissance man who has great capacity to seek out all the nuances of elegance and excellence. You then set out to master and inhabit that which you have sought, and with each accomplishment you become a steward of the beauty you practice to create. I cannot think of a more perfect description of an exceptional human being. You always inspire refinement in all you do. ❤

[@lenoraGrayce]

Rajiv makes me want to be a better person!! I remember walking through the Met as a 19 year old exchange student. I put my headphones on and walked alone through the Met with my personal soundtrack. It was magical!!

[@karenreiter533]

Rajiv, the Nassau County Museum of Fine Art located in Roslyn , New York, often has art exhibits featuring incredible works of art that are in private hands. Love your videos. 💕💕

[@indie8189]

Rajiv’s videos have high integrity: knowledge, information, beauty, style, truth, comfort, love, kindness, sweetness… I’ve got so much out of them. Thanks 🙏 ❤

[@robertneubauer8075]

I try to visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum a couple times each year. Standing in front of Sargent's monumental El Jaleo never fails to leave me awestruck regardless of how many times I've viewed it. The man was a genius. Absolutely loved this visit to the Met with Stephanie and Rajiv.

[@ryanmiske2178]

I saw Sargent for the first time at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and was in awe. I started laughing because it was so incredible the way he captured the people in the portraits. I felt I knew them.

[@karenjcosme]

I've been there twice and, with my second trip being a group tour of limited time, I kept going back to view JSS's works. Can you blame me? Thank you, Rajiv.

[@swabrren]

Yes! Same I also first saw his work at the MFA in Boston, the people feel alive in a wonderful way

[@SpecialgiftsLA]

​@@karenjcosmehi Karen, how did you find the tour ? Was it focused on art, What did you do the rest of the time and was the guide with you most of the time.? Thank you, Lia

[@lollyreg97]

Thank you, thank you. I cannot say this enough. I would never have learned all that you brought to us in this video. People don't realize what they can learn from artists, until they do. And this is something we have to pursue and faithfully teach to others, never really knowing of the eventual results.

[@ysa7823]

There’s no one quite like you. Your appreciation of art and the old way of life. You are a rare bird, Rajiv ❤

[@DLRTraynorCoberly]

Your emotion in this piece was palpable! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and love of this great artist!

[@DS-mo5ih]

Thank you Rajiv

[@nadab4750]

Rajiv, You've just been added to my list of "men looking smart in polka dot shirts" 👱‍♀️❤!

[@MJ-in-Canada]

And my list of "men looking smart in wellies."

[@rowhellyo]

You never stop impressing us with your class, heart and dedication to the things you love!

[@lunaeaweatherstone7906]

What a treat to visit the museum with you, Rajiv. Sargent has been one my favorite painters for fifty years, and I loved seeing his work though your eyes (and Stephanie's). Someone else may have already commented with this quote of Sargent, but I can't resist, just in case: "Every time I paint a portrait I lose a friend." Keep sticking to your guns and painting your truth!

[@janeyjanedee2493]

Sargent is my all time favorite, my inspiration. I have taught art over 30 years and painted for that length of time as well. However, I have just recently started painting portraits…talk about a challenge! Thank you for introducing us to your friend.

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

As always, thoughtful and sensitive commentary from Rajiv. Thank you, Rajiv! Your quote about painting “painting is easy…” reminds me of Debussy when he was asked how he composed: “ I simply take all the notes that exist, and I use the ones I want and leave the rest out” 😅

[@mitchellgearheart14]

As an art student, fan, instructor, and enthusiast, I was literally brought to tears by your enthusiasm and emotion especially in the final moments of this video.

[@vv9452]

Thank you to the participants and producers of this video. It was very nice to get a vignette into the Met while being so far away.

[@marionandrews176]

I love Sargent and go to the Met often to view the galleries. I will definitely pickup Stephanie’s book next time I’m there. Rajiv, your paintings are beautiful! I hope one day someone will be standing in front of your work admiring your talent.

[@jenniewilliams1668]

I love Sargent and visited his home in Venice Italy once. Stephanie's shoes are the best shoes I've ever seen. Warmest regards Jennie

[@lacrosse.captain]

Rajiv is the perfect example of the modern Renaissance man.

[@quentinwright4495]

I love this so much. As I write this the sun is shining for the first in days. I've stood in front of Sargent paintings studying the bright flash of light on a cheek with tears in my eyes. Rajiv is proof that beauty is within all of us and the more we share it is gain for the world 🤘👍🤘👍

[@helenakurhee407]

As a long-time fan of JSS, it was such a treat to listen to Rajiv & Stephanie geek out about this master of light, colors and movement. Thank you for these videos, Rajiv! They restore my faith in humanity and our capacity for hope, beauty & kindness.

[@SourabhaRao]

Dear Rajiv, What sets you apart from the crowd that’s into telling similar stories is that you so beautifully let the story be the hero and you gracefully disappear into the backdrop or be in the shadows, so to speak. Your searing sincerity is moving and inspiring. Thank you for being you, and for creating and sharing so many things of beauty and joy with us. May immense beauty, peace, love and joy happen to you, always. 🥹🙏🏼Love from India. 💗

[@kathyesargent9088]

My husband is related to John Singer Sargent how fun to have his prints in our home.

[@antoniafoster8264]

Sad to say I had never heard of this artist, but because of you, I’m happy to say I do now and won’t forget. So fascinating how when up close, the strokes look haphazard and gloopy, but as soon as the camera scales back, so incredibly clear. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. I’m becoming more knowledgeable with each video. Thank you, Rajiv for taking us along. The ending made me emotional as well.

[@nancysueleske7819]

I grew up at the Art Institute of Chicago. Yes, love the master Sargent!! So get it!❤

[@andersdottir1111]

The Met needs an enthusiastic employee like you Rajiv. Real paintings are incredible- I’ll always remember turning a corner in The National Gallery and seeing Constable’s Haywain - it made the hairs stand up on my arms. It is stunning in real life.

[@supriyashirwalkar6157]

My father was amateur painter had learnt to paint all by himself he had god gifted talent .All that you spoke and share your thoughts about painting , in this post are absolutely true , I love all you post and early wait for new ones. Thankyou.

[@joycewirth3022]

It's amazing as you pointed out there was not a camera in sight, nor a picture to study, to use as a reference to the composition he was creating. It was done instantly as he saw it at that moment. Just amazing such genius. Years of daily practice, paid off. Magnificent works, timely and enduring. Thank you, Rajiv and much success in your budding works. Who knows maybe some day we will be privileged to see something created under your blessed hands. Jersey Ann from NJ

[@bhanani5480]

Awww Rajiv, I was tearing up listening to you thanking Stephanie, it was like your testimony and thanking someone that changed/saved your life. I have never heard of this painter but after your discussion I'm in awe of him and I appreciate his work. I can't thank you enough Rajiv for having your own YT channel, they are so refreshing and educating and dare I say you make nerdy things cool 😎 😉

[@sandrinedurand3203]

"Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose" for me when speaking to the light. You will be successful because you put in the work. And Thom Browne too.

[@reallyaprilstarr]

Thank you for this, Rajiv! ❤ I also discovered Sargent in 2015 and instantly fell in love. I have two prints of his work in my home, one a numbered museum print. I found him at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. She was a major supporter of him. Your paintings are beautiful, my friend.

[@coneil72]

What a treat to listen in on this conversation! And lovely to hear you both speaking so knowledgeably AND unpretentiously. Great vid.

[@heidiraia9902]

Imagine my surprise to see your video pop up as I as am getting dressed to spend the afternoon at the MET! I will certainly go pay my respects to John Sargent. Thank you for your beautiful and thoughtful videos. They truly color my world. - Heidi from Long Island

[@rajivsurendra]

Have fun, Heidi!

[@chrismyers46]

Rajiv you are a true renaissance man for modern times. Thank you for the wonderful videos.

[@catzenhouse]

As a child I always read our encyclopedia's "P" volume on "painting" and was turned off by Sargent's Madame Gautreau (Madame X) - a small reproduction on the page that I thought looked horrible. Years later I was an art student and saw my first Sargent at an American Art retrospective - Madame X. I was bowled away by the strength of the painting, its' presence, the lovely reflection of her hand on the table. Exquisite! (Also in that section on painting in the encyclopedia was a reproduction of Jacob Lawrence's "Tombstones" - little did I know he would become one of my art professors in college. A dear man - so supportive and giving of his time and talent.)

[@ceritat]

What a beautiful meeting! I don't Sargent at all, so I learnt something today. Having had similar teary moments looking at works in-person of my favourite painters, I totally understand the feeling. A beautiful moment in the end of your video, just lovely!

[@susannjarvis5587]

Ah, Rajiv, I am so grateful for you sharing this visit to the museum and the Sargent collection. Sargent is one of my favorite artists and the one artist I would love to own an original of.

[@sharonadams3728]

I love how fully you live your life! This world needs more people like you with so much passion!!!!

[@BrendanDean99]

Just when I think you couldn't be lovelier, you get emotional in your expression of gratitude....Thank you for cheering me up on a gloomy Sunday. Its all heart music in the end!

[@randysandford4033]

Love the Met. I used to get so excited when I went that I would run up the stairs leading to the entrance. Would drool over the Sargents all day long. My favorite artist. Awesome is the only word I can use to describe.

[@roxannedaly279]

As a painter I have, as you, studied JS Sargent for years...I only keep trying for his perfection but still cherish the process!! ❤ Roxie from MN/FL

[@annemiekvandorp4457]

Just a simple hug from The Netherlands, for you, Rajiv. Thank you.

[@seruwagiehpraim3408]

Watching Rajiv is therapy.

[@elizabethann9152]

Oh, Rajiv. Thank you! What a gift! I adore John Singer Sargent, and I first fell in love with him at the Met. I love you forever for this.

[@standassuredconsultinggrou523]

Thank you Rajiv for this video and all your work noticing all beautiful things around us. This inspired me to go see Sargent in Spain exhibit at De Young museum in SF. Certainly worth extra admission fee!

[@elkewheeler]

Thank you for sharing your experience of your world. The care and interest you show washing a sweater, making a bed, cleaning the floor, and trips to the Met. I really get joy from seeing your celebration of life.

[@Rositasparks]

Thank you for bringing this content our way today. This was insightful and touched my heart ❤

[@alaindezii4445]

One of the best conversations about art and Sargent, I've heard in a long time. I love going to the MET.

[@elainethepain9418]

I love looking at the world through your eyes!

[@J_paints]

For me painting is so hard to do. Thank heaven for museums where the struggles of other artists are displayed, where you can see, close to, their ways of dealing with successes and unsolvable problems, where we are freed to keep on trying, no matter what. And thank you, curators and docents and all the staff and technicians for caring for these works so people like me may enjoy them and benefit from them.

[@rafael2993]

One of my absolute favorite places I would visit often when I lived in nyc. Always with sketch book in had or a camera. One of the things I missed the most about nyc,all the museums.

[@deadpoet50]

Rajiv, your video is as usual beautifully put together but I would call this one a work of art. The casual introduction and the singing stepped into a study of lights and shadows and a truly educational class. And then the music. It couldn’t have been more appropriate for this video. Perfect pairing of arts. Thanks Rajiv 🙏🏼💕

[@4and21strings]

Another stellar episode Rajiv! Sets the tone for the day, thanks!

[@laurenl5843]

Thank you for introducing me to John Singer Sargent! Love from Toronto 🇨🇦💜😊

[@leocarney2605]

This is lovely, Rajiv! Dr. Pozzi displayed in the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles was the first time I was physically moved by a painting. Love Sargent!

[@lesliemacdonald7976]

I looked out my rainy window today and felt very little inspiration. Then I tuned into this video and voila, like a turn of an inner kaleidescope, my perspective changes, and I can see the beauty in the everyday. Seeing you singing outside in the rain -- okay -- I can do that too! It's time to visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston or the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, another gem. Museums change us -- and evidently so does this channel! Lots of love to you Rajiv!

[@kenrickhadley4499]

Deeply felt Rajiv, i am also addicted to Sargent. It is not very often that we get close enough to a Sargent work to see how loose his application of paint was, almost blurring the edges between the subject and the space within. Thank you for keeping the flames of passion alive.

[@amy83079]

OMG, I learned so much about light in the this episode! Now, I too will look at the world differently. Thank you Rajiv!

[@zoharbahir9010]

Sargent has ben my favourite for decades. So many thanks for this wonderfully enchanting video.

[@flaxholmelis5996]

Wonderful, Rajiv, what beautiful paintings! I can hear the emotion in your voice. As a musician I understand how you feel and also the feeling that the more one learns, the more there is to learn. That can sometimes be daunting, but also rather thrilling 😁xx

[@laobrien4982]

Thank you Rajiv and Stephanie for sharing this conversation with us.

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

Your voice is wonderful, AND YOUR 😃 PENMANSHIP is BEAUTIFUL - like absolutely perfect and BEAUTIFUL!!! 💐🤗

[@christinecavanaugh5286]

Thank you so much for this video. I am in such awe of Sargent and share your deep passion for this man. He is more alive for me than any other painter I have studied and loved. Its a mystery for me why JSS is so compelling as a person AND a painter. I would love to meet Stephanie and give her a big hug for all she does. YOU brought her humanity out with yours.

[@kathrynmcfarlane1243]

We are a family of artists related to John Singer Sargent. Numerous relatives are named after him. So happy to see your devotion to painting

[@moni4peace]

One thing I have learned is just how much courage it takes to be creative. I am intrigued by you and I wish I was more like you. I appreciate your study of art and the process of creativity. It inspires me. I am now going to learn more about John Singer Sargent. I am very grateful for your videos. Thank You and best wishes from Vienna, Austria.

[@symptomoftheuniverse4149]

That was very touching, never be hesitant to express your creativity or love for others art.❤

[@Mmothership68]

Found this video after dinner, just after we found out that the house we're renting has been sold. We have three months to vacate the property. Hearing you sing at the beginning was just the balm my soul needed. Thank you ❤

[@marianamsn]

Rajiv, you give us more than knowledge, you give us a lesson on how to live our lives with intention.

[@lauracruz5965]

Hola Rajiv! Puedes leer español? Estoy viendo tus vídeos. Tienes una preciosa sensibilidad. Disfruto de las pequeñas cosas de la vida por lo que tu trabajo en este canal es muy valioso para mí. Espero tu respuesta para saber si puedo seguir comentando tus vídeos en mi lengua materna. Saludos desde Uruguay.

[@janeturnquist2942]

Rajiv, pressing the like button is not enough, for you sharing this video with us. I need to comment on the detail which was shared and discussed about John Singer Sargent’s life’s work, his studies, and his finished masterpieces. I have been an artist for decades. I too have been to the museum’s to study the works of all the great master painters. I’m amazed by the depth of colors, light & shadow captured 100’s of years ago. Beauty is all around us, it just needs to be captured in the moment. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your day at the MET with us. It meant the world to so many of us. You Sir, touch the heart of those who watch your videos, you always touch mine. I find your videos the most interesting to watch because you’re always teaching us about something new and old, of things that really matter deep down in our hearts, of things we’ve forgotten about but remember hold a special place somewhere in the backs of our minds and hearts. You bring them to the surface again…. Thank you, Sir.

[@rajivsurendra]

Hi Jane, thank you for your lovely comment and words of support. Means a lot to me...encourages me to keep going and make more videos for this channel!

[@munchie1ist]

More please , from Australia ❤

[@luslab]

My favorite way to spend my time to unwind and relax is to go to an art museum and just sit and stare at paintings. You get to see the world from someone else's perspective, and that world is beautiful.

[@antoniafoster8264]

Oh man! You had me hooked with the song & introduction. So handsome. Ok, on with the video! ♥️

[@SusanGeyer-l4k]

I'm glad you were caught in the rain......another world.

[@fairface6892]

Absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing this. I find this kind of deep dive into techniques by the masters fascinating. As an amateur watercolour artist (who has also dabbled in portraits) I feel the pain of not overworking something! Luckily he could scape it off if he was dissatisfied. I agree, his use of light and composition is truly great and such a pleasure to see.

[@rajivsurendra]

I am taking watercolor classes, it's very hard!!!

[@celeste-236]

@@rajivsurendra can you draw well? Drawing is very important with all art, but especially with water color. A life drawing class is a great way to learn drawing. The nude figure is very challenging but when you get it, especially the foreshortening & the light & shadow on the human form… it’s so beautiful. Try it with red chalk.

[@LedgerAndLace]

Love the Top Hat reference! I really appreciate being able to see the texture of the paint as well as the scope and size of this art work. It really great hearing about different creative processes, too. That dog needs to be a postcard!

[@auntiemame7076]

You are a treasure. Seeing you surrounded by other treasures is so fun.

[@angelitac.7743]

Rajiv you are amazing in everything you do, you are the son every mom wishes to have. GB😊

[@exmohobobonobo]

I have to get ready for an appointment, but I couldn’t pull myself away from his singing at the beginning. But now I have to dash away and watch this later!

[@willyummiest]

Terrific video! "The Wyndham Sisters" is one of my favorite paintings. You can judge a portraitist by his facility painting hands, and no one does it better than Sargent. Note the delicacy with which he renders those of the ladies. Also note the subtle way in which he echoes their poses in the magnolia blossoms at the bottom right of the painting.'

[@riccardodemedici7116]

Thank you for this video! Quite lovely in so many ways! Sargent is a remarkable artist in many ways. I love the lusciousness of his color in his oils. His watercolors are also remarkable for the certainty of his strokes. The most wonderful exhibit I have ever viewed was a show of his Venetian watercolors in Venice at Museo Correr. The small paintings were shown in small galleries with open windows that revealed the special light and reflections of the water on the ceilings and walls - giving me the magical experience that I could have never had anywhere else on the planet…. Yes, his work is special. To me, it I just wonderful that you recognize it. It takes a special person to really see it and enjoy it. I totally enjoyed your special video! Thank you!

[@tiffanycash5218]

I can see how much you appreciate the beautiful and talented people that gave us the art we love! Thank you for introducing me to Sargent!

[@tubeyou89119]

His paintings caught my eyes by accident in the AGO and I kept finding his paintings in different galleries and museums. His paintings are so beautiful and photo like. Love love.

[@susanmaltase720]

Thank you for this very informative video on Sargent. My husband and I recently visited London for the first time and went to the Victoria &Albert museum. We’re culture starved Americans who walked through this astonishing museum with our mouths agape 😮the whole time. There they have Sargent’s CARNATION LILY LILY ROSE depicting young girls lighting lanterns at twilight. The story of how much time he took to complete this piece is classic Sargent. In order to capture that moment in time with the lighting just so so magical is priceless. Love your videos.

[@jefflawrentz1624]

It’s difficult for me to pick a favorite Sargent portrait. His “ Lady Agnew” is a favorite of mine. I’d love to see you vlog a visit to the Biltmore in Ashville, NC and compare the Sargents with the Boldini’s. Thanks again for another fun vlog!

[@rajivsurendra]

I love his unfinished studies the most, but my favorite finished portrait is the one in this video, The Wyndham Sisters.

[@vickis.9363]

I would love to see that as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqmrmIaubKqBb9k

[@johannechampagne7332]

You encompass all the best things, Rajiv. Please keep sharing and enlightening.

[@yvonneroche3897]

You are absolutely right. Donate to Museums. That way it will live on and touch the Hearts of future generations.

[@lauram4806]

My favorite curator and my favorite You Tube presenter in my favorite museum talking about one of my favorite artists. Sigh. Made my day!

[@corinnapetry65]

Art meets us at the soul level. When I walked into the first of many rooms at Musee D'Orsay in Paris to see all those Van Goghs, I cried with joy.

[@madelinedelvalle3666]

Rajiv you are truly a box of surprises. Never knew you painted, I'm glad I know now. I haven't been to the Metropolitan in many years. I should go visit since I too live in NYC.

[@jmcmurrah]

This video made me pause and think and appreciate the art I have experienced live, and I need to start doing that again, which I really haven’t done since the pandemic. Thank you so much Rajiv.

[@jasontrott4158]

Awesome video!! I recommend you check out Casper David freiderich. I saw his paintings in Berlin a few years ago. It was a magical experience. My favorite piece is monk by the sea.

[@mc1304]

So, so glad I found your channel. Pulled in by Sargent, staying for Rajiv Surendra.

[@thecreativebohemian4927]

Sargent is my favorite portraitist. He’s unparalleled. Thank you for sharing this trip to the Met.

[@operaguy1]

Rajiv, appreciative of your authenticity and the fresh common sense you exhibit.

[@Julie-bq6iz]

I feel the same regarding art museums and the works they hold. Thank you, Rajiv! I enjoyed your work very much! You are such a Renaissance person.

[@JK22MUHAMMAD]

I just Love you son ❤

[@borge2014]

These videos are such a gift beauty, inspiration, connection, thank you so much Rajiv.

[@marquamfurniture]

You three are a beautiful fit together. Rajiv, Stephanie, and Sargent.

[@Bluewaterpinessantarosabeach]

Thank you kindly for inviting us into the museum to share meeting your friend Stephanie. Such a lovely visit exploring the artist and his works , a touch of historic relevance and true emotional depth that another artist can express. It is a moving experience this feeling into the piece , to study what he was bringing forward. You are going in the perfect direction with total emersion. The drive to live for the creation of your art is the art in truest form. Looking forward to viewing a piece when you are thus inclined for showing. Always a pleasure kind sir.