William Keith

William Keith. Artist and close friend of John Muir.

Public Domain

Landscape Artist

John Muir, the pioneering naturalist and conservationist, forged profound friendships with a remarkable array of individuals—educators, scientists, writers, philosophers, artists, mountaineers, and trusted confidants. Among these relationships, the friendship between Muir and the esteemed landscape artist William Keith stands out, offering a unique blend of mutual respect, shared adventures, and artistic collaboration.

A Fateful Encounter in Yosemite

The paths of John Muir and William Keith first crossed in October 1872, amid the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite Valley. Keith arrived with a letter of introduction from Jeanne Carr, a mutual acquaintance who recognized the potential synergy between the artist and the naturalist. Guided by Floy Hutchings and accompanied by two fellow painters, Keith found Muir at his rustic cabin below the Royal Arches. Keith’s inquiry about picturesque views sparked Muir's enthusiasm, leading to a spontaneous expedition. Within two days, Muir led a group of five—including Keith, Irwin Benoni, Thomas Ross, and Merrill Moores—into the upper Tuolumne River area.

The connection between "Willie" and "Johnnie," as they affectionately called each other, was immediate and deepened over time. Both men, born in Scotland in the same year, discovered in each other a kindred spirit and a lifelong friend. Their bond endured for forty years, until Keith's death in 1911.

The Majesty of Mount Lyell

Their initial adventure together left an indelible mark on both men. Keith’s journal entry captured the awe of the moment:

"When we got to Mount Lyell, it was the grandest thing I ever saw. It was late in October, and at an elevation of 10,000 feet. The frost had changed the grasses and a kind of willow to the most brilliant yellows and reds; these contrasting with the two-leafed pine and Williamson spruce, the cold gray rocks, the colder snow, made a glorious sight."

Muir, however, remembered Keith’s exuberance differently:

"When we rounded a corner and Mt. Lyell came into view, Keith dashed forward, shouting and gesticulating and waving his arms like a madman."

Their personalities were complementary—Keith, with his appreciation for fine food and comforts, contrasted with Muir’s asceticism. Keith’s playful grumbling about Muir’s simple meals of bread, dried meat, and sugarless coffee added a touch of humor to their adventures.

A Journey of Exploration

The friendship between Muir and Keith was punctuated by numerous shared excursions into nature’s splendor. Among their notable journeys were:

• The Tuolumne Canyon (with Mrs. Carr and Albert Kellogg, 1873)
• A trek through Yosemite Creek, Lake Tenaya, past Mt. Hoffman, Tuolumne Meadows, Soda Springs, Mts. Dana and Gibbs, and down Bloody Canyon to Mono Lake (with John Swett and J.B. McChesney, 1875)
• An ascent of Mt. Shasta (1888)
• A visit to Muir Woods (1908)

Diverging Artistic Visions

Despite their close bond, Muir and Keith often found themselves on opposite sides of artistic debates. Keith’s early works were detailed and precise, reflecting John Ruskin’s principle to "copy nature." Muir admired this meticulous approach. However, as Keith’s style evolved into a more impressionistic form, Muir urged him to return to his detailed techniques. Keith, on the other hand, encouraged Muir to simplify his elaborate prose.

A Gesture of Support

In 1876, Muir faced his first public lecture in Sacramento with considerable anxiety. Sensing his friend’s nerves, Keith loaned him a painting titled The Headwaters of the Merced and advised:

"Just look at the painting, Johnny. You'll think you're back in the mountains. You'll relax and be fine."

Muir took the painting to the Congregational Church and placed it before the audience arrived. The painting had the desired effect, calming Muir’s nerves and transforming his lecture. Muir praised the artwork, stating:

"as topographically correct as it is beautiful and artistic."

Keith’s Enduring Legacy

William Keith’s artistry left a lasting impression on Muir and his surroundings. Several of Keith’s paintings adorned the Muir ranch house, including works such as Yosemite, Tuolumne Meadows, Mt. Shasta, Sierra Scene, Yosemite (on a cigar box lid), Mt. Rainier, a sketch of Wanda, The Berkeley Oaks, and portraits of Dr. Strentzel and Mrs. Strentzel. Today, the Strentzel portraits are housed in the County Museum in Martinez. The ranch displays photographic reproductions of several pieces, with the originals kept by descendants.

The Hearst Art Gallery at St. Mary's College in Moraga boasts a collection of 150 Keith paintings. A permanent exhibition in the Keith room allows visitors to appreciate a selection of these works. Notably, Keith’s Mt. Lyell, inspired by sketches from his 1872 expedition with Muir, is part of the St. Mary's collection.