Who painted Palm Trees, Red?

Palm Trees, Red was painted by Winslow Homer in 1890.

Where can I see Palm Trees, Red?

Palm Trees, Red is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Palm Trees, Red?

Palm Trees, Red is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Palm Trees, Red

Winslow Homer , 1890

Palm Trees, Red is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Winslow Homer’s 1890 work, Palm Trees, Red, is a watercolor drawing executed on wove paper. The composition presents a row of slender palm trunks rising against a light sky, set before a muted, muddy foreground that hints at water and sparse vegetation. A distinct reddish-brown area near the bottom adds a subtle accent to the overall restrained palette.

Subject & Meaning

The piece depicts a tropical landscape, focusing on the verticality of the palms and the flat, wet ground that suggests a shoreline or marshy setting. The sparse vegetation and calm atmosphere convey a quiet, observational moment rather than a narrative scene, inviting contemplation of light, air, and the subtle interplay of land and water.

Technique & Style

Homer employed watercolor over an initial graphite sketch, using rapid, loose brushstrokes to suggest the play of light and shadow on the trunks and foliage. Thin washes build the sky and ground, while the paper’s worn texture contributes to a softened, aged appearance. The limited color range, punctuated by the reddish-brown patch, emphasizes tonal harmony over vivid coloration.

History & Provenance

Created in 1890, Palm Trees, Red belongs to the later period of Homer’s career when he turned increasingly to watercolor for studies of coastal and tropical scenes. The work has remained in private collections before entering a museum holding focused on American 19th‑century art, where it is displayed as part of the artist’s exploration of water‑based media.

Context

During the 1880s and 1890s Homer traveled extensively in the Caribbean and the southern United States, producing numerous sketches of palms and shoreline vistas. This drawing reflects his interest in capturing the atmospheric effects of heat and humidity, aligning with contemporary American interest in exotic locales and the expanding possibilities of watercolor as a finished medium.