RSW's Diary Comments

RSW and Williams posing by
the Heath Pasture House & Studio.

Editor's Note:

Woodward did not keep records of his pastel paintings he called chalk drawings. In this case, we would know less than nothing about the chalk drawing if not for the letter to Woodward's friend, F. Earl Williams who apparently once had this artwork in his possession. For how long, we do not know so we cited the year with circa 1942, meaning within five years of that date. See below ⮟

The following quote is from a letter RSW wrote to F. Earl Williams regarding Wide Spreading Elm:

"The day after my return I received a check of $75 ($100 less 25% commission) for the sale of The Wide Spreading Elm---the chalk which you originally had, but exchanged for the "winter farm in the hills." So, that is now "out of the family too (it was at the Grand Central Art Galleries.) Before long I expect the Pettis family to come to take away two more chalk drawings."

To help you with the scope of the width of
the elm tree to the house we made this graphic.

This chalk drawing was purchased by a Massachusetts collector for $1,850 plus shipping charges or for an increase of 1850% its original price far outpacing inflation. The dealer listed it initially for $2,200 indicating the estimated value without knowing its original sale price. As a matter of fact, the pastel paintings are much more appreciated today than in his time.

What is not known to us is why it originally sold for such a low price for one of his largest chalk drawings, in 1942 on less, when his average price at that time was $150. We have never seen a chalk priced under $125 dollars and the highest was a $175. The artist cared very much about his pastel drawings because it kept him close to his origins as an illustrator / draftsman. But even more, he continued to make them throughout his career as a way of providing quality art at affordable prices. This is not to say $100 is cheap in 1940, but rather, it is attainable to those who save and work as a teacher or secretary... a small business owner or farmer.

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A closer look at the woman in front of
the house with her dog on the side porch.

A closer look at the laundry
hanging on the line in the backyard.