From:  Will Donnelley 

Sargent broke new ground in the field of watercolors. He and Homer broke away from the staid English school of pen and ink and produced explosive, loosely painted works that jarred the critics. They made watercolors fashionable and were the first to have them seriously exhibited. 

A favorite painting.... 

1) In terms of overall technique 

     -"Muddy Alligators   1917

2) In terms of aesthetic and emotional impact on me: 

-Gourds 1905-08

-White Ships 1908

-The Grand Canal, Venice 1902

-The Garden Wall 1910