William Keith was born in Scotland and emigrated to the United States as a child, eventually settling in San Francisco. After studying watercolor techniques, he began painting with oils, and by 1870, he was working as a full-time fine artist.
Keith is known for his dramatic California landscapes, particularly his depictions of Yosemite National Park and other locations in the Sierra Nevada mountains. His work combines realism with romanticism, capturing the detailed topography of California intimately and monumentally.
Sold: $113,400 – 5th highest auction record for the artist
Keith’s artistic prowess shines through in his captivating depiction of the Yosemite Valley, featuring majestic horses that add an extra touch of dynamism and wonder to the scene. With meticulous brushstrokes and a keen eye for detail, Keith transports us into the heart of Yosemite’s natural splendor.
Through his artwork, Keith not only immortalizes the raw beauty of Yosemite but also invites us to appreciate the symbiotic relationship between nature and the human spirit. Keith’s paintings played a significant role in shaping public perception of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the serene beauty of Yosemite. Along with those of other artists, his paintings helped inspire the conservation movement and ultimately contributed to the establishment of Yosemite as a national park in 1890.
