Playhouse in the Willows

Roi George Partridge

Roi Partridge loved etching the willow tree throughout his career. The thick trunks and wispy branches were a challenge he relished. This etching, also titled "Playhouse" is one of two trial proofs, outside the edition of 95 impressions. Partridge added some lines to the foreground in the published state.

The location of this composition is the Santa Barbara, California coast near Goleta. It is part of a series of etchings he created while traveling in Southern California in 1923.

Roy Partridge was interviewed in 1924 by International Studio and stated:"I have become...what should truley be termed passionately attracted to trees. I go about this beautiful California landscape continually moved with enthusiasm over what trees do for man, alternating with rage over what man does to the trees, for I witness their blind, stupid destruction on all sides."