RSW's Diary Comments

• Woodward did not keep records of the pastels he called "chalk drawings."

Editor's Note:

Just a couple things to note here for context... Woodward officially retired in 1952 meaning this is one of his last pastels. We were unaware of this painting until it came up for auction in 2012. However, there is a record of it because we have the 1952, Southern Vermont Art Association's (SVAA) brochure (see below). Finally, while Woodward was retired, that did not mean he didn't make any money from selling paintings in his personal collection. We suspect it was his intent to hold on to certain pieces for that very purpose.

A capture from page 4 of the SVAA brochure.
Click on image to see the full page.

• We no longer list hammer price sales from auctions but for context as to just how much more appreciated the artist's pastels have become. In 2012 they routinely sold for as much as 200% above inflation. You take the value of the dollar in the year the painting was made and multiple it by the list price in that year and that gives you the "adjusted value" of the pastel today. This particular painting sold for more the 200% in 2012. In 2025, pastels are approaching prices 400% above inflation.

• Woodward typically painted distinctly Vermont scenes for the SVAA. They simply sold better indicating just how "regional" regionalism could get. But this painting is quite unique. We cannot think of another comparable subject— a farm high up, with such a large pasture. There are also, no distinguishable features indicating its location.