RSW's Diary Comments

Small Green Bottle

Tall Yellow Dish

"Painted in 1940. One of my studio south windows. Sold from the Grand Central Art Galleries to a Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Berger, 74 Kingsboro Avenue, Gloversville, NY

Editor's Note:

Woodward is mistaken regarding the year this paintings was made. It exhibited throughout 1939 even going as far as Los Angeles, CA right at the beginning of the year making the most likely year 1938.

To the right are images of two studio items from the painting still in theWoodward Estate. The small green bottles appears in more paintings than any other item with eleven paintings. Overall, Geraniums appear in in nearly 50 paintings but it is numerous plants over two decades.

American Artist, October 1946
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Notable Quotes from the Article starting with his Window Picture Paintings:

"Some of his best-liked pictures are painted in his studio looking out through windows made gay with flowers, pottery, and antique glass, accessories which offer a foil for the distant landscape. How often has he painted his world seen through these panes! Always seeming to discover a fresh approach to give individual distinction to each."

His Studio as a Reflection of the Artist:

"Every studio has its individuality that mirrors the character of its owner. Here, one is immediately impressed by a meticulous orderliness which bespeaks the artist's genius for organization. All is thoughtfully designed for maximum efficiency-cabinets, shelves, tables, desk and all needful appurtenances. It is not a cold efficiency; everything is arranged with what I was going to call good taste."

Woodward's commitment to authenticity reflected in the replacement of broken panes of glass:

"Woodward was urged to supply the deficiencies with new glass. 'No,' he replied, 'We must be patient and we shall eventually find old glass.' This detail is worth mentioning only because it represents a philosophy of perfectionism that evidently controls every action of the man's life. I cannot refrain from telling here of an experience which goes far to epitomize that aspect of Woodward's character which in part must account for his success."