Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Spring

Name Class Date

Robert Lewis Reid, Spring (1910). Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Robert Lewis Reid topimpressionists.com/en/artists/robert-lewis-reid/
Artist’s dates
1862 – 1929
Painted
1910

In context

Spring — Robert Lewis Reid

When was this painted?

  1. 1860
  2. 1870
  3. 1880
  4. 1890
  5. 1900
  6. 1910
  7. 1920

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 67 at death.

Painted when the artist was 48. The artist lived to 67. 13 of the 25 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Robert Lewis Reid (1862–1929) ▲ this work, 1910 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1899 Main working years: 1899–1911 Late works: from 1911

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/robert-lewis-reid-spring-8YDVRF-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Putty #cfdea2

    Catalogued palette

    • #CFDEA2
    • #B5C476
    • #71661C
    • #99A752

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Pastels The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Putty
    Intensity
    Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Serene How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Clear Color Presence How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Robert Lewis Reid over the last twelve months — 8 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 53.6%
    2. 2 Ukraine 26.8%
    3. 3 Russia 5.4%
    4. 4 United States of America 5.4%
    5. 5 Singapore 3.6%
    6. 6 Canada 1.8%
    7. 7 Germany 1.8%
    8. 8 France 1.8%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Robert Lewis Reid

    1. 1 Fleur-De-LIs, 1899 28.6%
    2. 2 In the Flower Garden, 1900 5.4%
    3. 3 Lady with a Parasol 5.4%
    4. 4 Landscape with Waterfall, 1890 3.6%
    5. 5 Spring, 1910 this painting 3.6%
    6. 6 Portrait of a Young Girl, 1919 3.6%
    7. 7 Portrait of a Boy, 1885 3.6%
    8. 8 The Bathers 3.6%
    9. 9 Two Women Reading 3.6%
    10. 10 Daphne 3.6%
    11. 11 Bathing in a Stream 3.6%
    12. 12 Study_for_-Polly- 3.6%
    13. 13 The White Parasol, 1907 1.8%
    14. 14 A Woodland Stream 1.8%
    15. 15 Reminiscing 1.8%
    16. 16 The Miniature, 1912 1.8%
    17. 17 Autumn Sunlight 1.8%
    18. 18 The Garden Seat, 1911 1.8%
    19. 19 Young Girl with Dolls 1.8%
    20. 20 Her First Born 1.8%

    Together these works take 86.2% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 70 works by this artist, of which 28 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 5 of them, with 3.6% of that attention. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    About this artwork

    Spring — Robert Lewis Reid

    The painting Spring by Robert Lewis Reid is a beautiful representation of a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Created in 1910, this oil on canvas piece showcases the artist's skillful use of color and composition. The painting features a woman sitting on a chair outside in the sunlight, enjoying her time outdoors.

    The Composition

    The woman is dressed in a beautiful dress, which adds to the overall ambiance of the scene. A bench can be seen near the left side of the image, and another chair is located on the right side. There is also a book placed on the ground close to the woman, suggesting that she might have been reading before or after her time outdoors. The use of natural light and color in the painting creates a sense of warmth and tranquility. The Museum Boston Guildhall in Boston, United States, is home to an extensive collection of artworks from various periods and styles, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist paintings. Similarly, the Pushkin State Museum in Moscow, Russia, houses a vast collection of art, including works by famous artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Some notable paintings include Girls in Black by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, White Circle by Aleksandr Rodchenko, and Mountains at Collioure by André Derain.

    Artistic Style

    Robert Lewis Reid's style is characterized by the use of oil on canvas, and his works often depict serene and peaceful scenes. The painting Spring is a beautiful example of his skillful use of color and composition. For more information on Robert Lewis Reid and other artists, visit https://AllPaintingsStore.com. You can also explore the works of other famous artists like Luis Berrueco and Franz Marc on our website.

    View more paintings by Robert Lewis Reid on https://AllPaintingsStore.com

    Learn about the Museum Boston Guildhall and its collection on /art/list/?Filter=A@D3BVDP-The-Museum-Boston-Guildhall-(Boston-United-States)

    Discover more about Pierre-Auguste Renoir and his works on /art/list/?Filter=8XXE5A-Pierre-Auguste-Renoir-Girls-in-Black

    Handmade oil painting reproductions of Spring by Robert Lewis Reid are available on https://AllPaintingsStore.com.

    The painting Spring is a beautiful representation of a serene and peaceful atmosphere, and its beauty can be appreciated in person or through a handmade oil painting reproduction.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Robert Lewis Reid

    Born in Stockbridge, United States of America

    A Pioneer of American Impressionism: The Life and Art of Robert Lewis Reid

    Robert Lewis Reid, born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, in 1862, emerged as a pivotal figure in the blossoming landscape of American Impressionism. His artistic journey was one of constant evolution, marked by a dedication to both traditional techniques and innovative approaches to color and light. From his formative studies at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston under Otto Grundmann, where he honed foundational skills in draftsmanship, Reid embarked on a path that would see him become not only a celebrated painter but also a respected instructor and muralist. His early exposure to European art during his time in France, particularly at Étaples, ignited a fascination with depicting everyday life – scenes of French peasants initially captured his attention, revealing an inclination towards realism tempered by artistic sensitivity. However, this period was merely the prelude to a more distinctly American style that would define his legacy.

    From European Influences to American Identity

    Upon returning to New York in 1889, Reid’s artistic focus underwent a significant transformation. He transitioned from genre scenes to portraiture and simultaneously began sharing his knowledge as an instructor at the Art Students League and Cooper Union. This period witnessed a marked shift in his aesthetic sensibilities; he increasingly focused on portraying young women amidst lush floral arrangements, creating compositions that were both decorative and evocative. These paintings weren’t simply portraits but rather carefully constructed visual poems, celebrating feminine beauty within idyllic settings. The influence of James McNeill Whistler's emphasis on harmonious color schemes is palpable in these works, yet Reid infused them with a uniquely American sensibility—a blend of elegance and accessibility. This stylistic development wasn’t merely aesthetic; it reflected a broader cultural shift towards valuing decorative arts and refined sensibilities during the Gilded Age. He became known for his ability to capture fleeting moments of light and atmosphere, imbuing his canvases with an ethereal quality that resonated with contemporary audiences.

    Murals, “The Ten,” and National Recognition

    Reid’s talents extended beyond easel painting; he gained considerable acclaim as a muralist, undertaking large-scale commissions for prominent institutions. His work graced the walls of significant buildings such as the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., the Appellate Court House in New York City, and the Massachusetts State House. Perhaps his most ambitious project was his contribution to the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, where he created stunning murals for the Palace of Fine Arts building. These monumental works showcased his mastery of composition, color, and narrative storytelling. Simultaneously, Reid actively participated in shaping the American art scene as a founding member of “The Ten American Painters” in 1897. This group, formed by artists who seceded from the Society of American Artists, sought to establish an independent platform for exhibiting innovative work and challenging conventional artistic norms. His inclusion within this influential collective solidified his position as a leading figure in the movement towards modern art in America. In 1906, he achieved full membership in the National Academy of Design, further cementing his reputation and influence.

    Legacy and Enduring Impact

    Robert Lewis Reid’s artistic legacy extends far beyond his own prolific output. As an educator, he profoundly impacted generations of artists, nurturing their talents and encouraging them to explore new creative avenues. Among his notable pupils was Nan Sheets, who carried forward his commitment to Impressionistic principles and figurative painting. His influence can be seen in the works of numerous other artists who studied under him or were inspired by his example. Today, Reid’s paintings are held in prestigious collections including the Library of Congress, Washington D.C., and continue to captivate viewers with their beauty, grace, and technical brilliance. He represents a crucial link between European Impressionism and the development of a distinctly American artistic voice—a voice that celebrated both tradition and innovation, elegance and accessibility. His work remains a testament to the power of art to capture the fleeting moments of life and transform them into enduring expressions of beauty. Robert Lewis Reid died in 1929, leaving behind a rich artistic heritage that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences today.

    Where to read more

    • The artist Robert Lewis Reid topimpressionists.com/en/artists/robert-lewis-reid/
    • Similar works More works to compare topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/robert-lewis-reid-spring-8YDVRF-en/

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Spring

    topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/robert-lewis-reid-spring-8YDVRF-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Reid, Robert Lewis. Spring. 1910, https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/robert-lewis-reid-spring-8YDVRF-en/
    APA
    Reid, Robert Lewis (1910). Spring [Painting]. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/robert-lewis-reid-spring-8YDVRF-en/
    Chicago
    Robert Lewis Reid. Spring. 1910. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/robert-lewis-reid-spring-8YDVRF-en/
    Harvard
    Reid, Robert Lewis (1910) Spring. Available at: https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/robert-lewis-reid-spring-8YDVRF-en/

    Look closely

    Spring — Robert Lewis Reid

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: spring. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Fleur-De-LIs (1899), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Robert Lewis Reid was about 48 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Questions & Answers

    Toward which tone does "Spring" lean?

    The dominant hue of "Spring" by Robert Lewis Reid is green to violet spectrum. The hue is the underlying tone of the palette.

    Does "Spring" by Robert Lewis Reid use strong contrasts or soft harmonies?

    The color composition of "Spring" by Robert Lewis Reid combines a serene contrast with a unified palette harmony.

    Which artist is "Spring" attributed to?

    "Spring" was created by Robert Lewis Reid. The information on this page describes Robert Lewis Reid's original work.