Keith L. Reynolds

Keith L. Reynolds, 94, of Bristol, Rhode Island, passed away at his home on March 22, 2024.

Keith Reynolds started actively painting in 1961. An award-winning member of the society of Illustrators since 1964, Reynolds established his first studio in Mystic, Connecticut in 1980 and served as President of the Mystic Art Association. He moved his studio to New Hampshire in 1989 and then to the Herreshoff Museum complex in Bristol, RI in 1998. His work has been exhibited internationally and represented by galleries in New England, Annapolis, Philadelphia and Japan.

Reynold’s paintings and prints enjoy enormous popularity in the far east. For decades he has attended annual exhibitions of his work in Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe and other locations in Japan. His work has appeared editorially in publications such as “Yacht Digest” (Italy), “Boat Now” (Japan), “Sail” and “The Yacht” (USA).

Since publishing his first limited edition serigraph in 1980, Reynolds gained international recognition for his original art as well as prints and posters. The official poster for America’s Cup 25 1983, “Duel” is one of the most popular marine pieces ever issued and considered a classic. In 1987 he produced the official commemorative print for the Royal Perth Yacht Club and official posters for “The American” syndicate. A review by the Baltimore Sun wrote “Mr. Reynolds paints clean, highly detailed portraits of turn-of-the- century and modern yachts poised starkly before a blend of sea and sky. His sleek craft seem to cut through like a knife.” His affiliation with the Cup continued through 1995.

Reynolds, born in Seattle, Washington in 1929, spent the early years of his life on the waters of Puget Sound, with fishing boats, tugs and ferries plying the waters. These would be the themes of his future works.

Reynolds studied fine art at the University of Oregon and upon graduation served in the military in Korea. Following his service, he returned to school at the Art Center College of Design and graduated with a Bachelor of Professional Arts degree. Reynold’s professional career was diverse; beginning in New York as an advertising executive, then president of his own film production company. Ensuing years, he worked as a design consultant to cultural institutions such as Colonial Williamsburg, the Smithsonian and the Hayden Planetarium. Two of his works have been recently acquired for a museum collection.

Recently, his primary interest were the shores, waters and crafts of New England. Reynold’s explorations of Chesapeake, Nova Scotia, Greece, England and the Far East, culminated in well-received paintings and prints. The series on the great sailing yachts of the turn of the century are some of his most popular subjects. His body of work reflects the sea he grew up with and as a reviewer once noted “There is an obvious fascination (in Reynold’s work) with the vast planes of light and space of the sea”.

Keith is survived by his wife Sandra J. (nee Ratliff); daughters Adrienne Reynolds (Peter Smith); Felicia Reynolds; Diana Vaughn; sons Jeffry (Cheryl) Vaughn; Gregory Vaughn; ten grandchildren and seven great-grand -children.

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Keith’s memory can be sent to the Society of Illustrators scholarship in New York City.

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