Robert William Wood (1889-1979)
Bluebonnet Landscape, 1943
oil on canvas
20 x 30 inches
27.5 x 37.25 inches (frame)
signed lower right: Robert Wood 1943

Early Texas artist Robert William Wood is best known for his Texas landscape paintings of bluebonnets in bloom. In 1923, Wood relocated from England to San Antonio where he studied with renowned painter Jose Arpa and mastered capturing the majesty of the Texas Hill Country.

Bluebonnet Landscape stands out not only for its size, but its Impressionistic treatment of the Texas landscape, similar in style to works by Texas Impressionist Julian Onderdonk. Wood’s work inhabits the pre-war period of Texas art, and was influenced by Julian Onderdonk, Jose Arpa and the early Texas Impressionists. Wood was influential in training artists of the next generation, including Porfirio Salinas, who Wood trained to paint bluebonnets, which Salinas did to great success and acclaim in the post-war years.

The painting appears to be in good condition. It has been professionally restored and re-lined; two minor areas of inpainting visible under UV examination, approximately half inch each.