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Local Woman Model for Famous Artist

Robert Reid, painter, originator of "The Red Carnation" posed by Mary T. Little.
If strolling through the National Academy of Design in the Fine Arts Building, 215 West. Fifty-seventh street, New York, one from Johnson City or these environs would no doubt have been surprised to chance upon "The Red Carnation" and find the sprightly girl of the painting none other than Mary Trollinger Little, among the wonderful exhibit of paintings on display there, March 20th to April 7th.
It was some months ago while Mr. and Mrs. Stanyarne Little were sojourning in Clifton Springs, N. Y., that Robert Reid, living at the same hotel, first observed Mary passing through the lobby," costumed in a Stunning red sports frock with harmonizing, red hat, over which she wore a handsome mink coat. Mr. Reid immediately gained introduction to this beautiful creature, and expressed his desire to make a painting of her.
Mary Is decidedly flattered and who wouldn?t be, to find oneself singled out by the world-famed celebrity, Robert Reid, and asked for a portrait sitting - finally to have the production appear in the National Academy along with one other masterpiece by this artist.
Robert Reid is a wonderful man. He is 69 years old, and two years ago, from paralysis, he lost the use of his right hand which had made him a famous painter, but since then he has overcome this handicap, by learning to use his left hand, and is adding to his fame. It is known that there is only one other painter, a Spaniard named Veirge, who has ever rivaled him by overcoming such an obstacle.
Mr. Reld's friends say that he is "re-born a modernist," and that in "The Red Carnation," painted with his left hand, there is expressed the feeling of the new age. It is known as a "portrait Impression" (an original Idea conceived by Mr. Reid). It is a life-size oil painting, almost full length, with Mrs. Little posing in the same red costume she was wearing the day she met the artist.
From the left-hand of the artist over 100 oils have been produced, Mr. Reid working only a few minutes at a time on each painting. He expresses himself as believing the two best things he has done are the picture of the girl and ono of John Alden Lichty, M. D. both he thinks, will in time be considered quite remarkable.
Something regarding the life of Robert Reid will be timely at this moment. He says that painting is a part of his makeup-he has always painted. At the age or 17 having entered the Boston Art School, where he actually began work. It was the next year, at the seventieth birthday celebration of Harriette Beecher Stowe, that he met Henry W. Longfellow and John Greenleaf Whittlery. Other friends of his were William Dean Howells and Mark Twain.
It was thirty years ago that Twachtman--in company: with Weir, Chase, Benson, Tarbell, Hassam, Dewing, Metcalfe, and De-Camp-first invited Robert Reid to cast his lot with theirs and so complete the redoubtable group that was, for twenty years to be known as the "Ten American Painters."
An exceedingly long list of accomplishments mark Mr. Reid's career. He Is a member of National Institute of Arts and Letters; National Academy of Design!" "Ten American Painters.? Instructor in Figure Painting; Broadmoor Art Academy; Painters' and Sculptors' Gallery Association; New York Clubs; The Lotus; The Lambs; The Fencers and The Players.
He has received medals too numerous to mention. His mural decorations are found in public buildings of cities throughout the United States and in Paris, France. Pictures of permanent collections are found In museums throughout the country, and his stained glass windows may be viewed in the H H Rogers Memorial Church, Massachusetts; while his portrait impressions are found in numerous cities.
Mr. Reid is a handsome man, tall and distinguished. He has large expressive brown eyes, his long white hair is carefully brushed and his white Van-dyke is most impressive. Recently visiting the Fine Arts Building and viewing this masterpiece are Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Jennings, Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Horner, Mrs. H. G, Morlson from this city. Upon their return it is expected that they will be besieged with interested queries regarding "The Red Carnation,"

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