The Monday evening composition  classes held by Pyle impressed Chase deeply, and he wrote in 1912 of Pyle's ability to stimulate his students, "truly,  he, searched the corners of our mentalities." He added,  in 1947, "He opened my vision to a philosophy of living  that has inspired my whole life. Even if I never painted another  picture this remains true."

Also a writer, Chase often provided  magazine illustrations for his own tales and anecdotes. He especially  loved to portray the area around Maine - crusty old salts and  ocean scenes. Around 1915 painting, rather than illustration,  became Chase's main interest. In his later years he became interested  in watercolor. Gregory H. Laing of the Haverhill Public Library,  which has a number of his works as well as extensive files on  his life, describes the late watercolors as "quite abstract."  Mr. Laing adds that the artist requested that his remaining works  be destroyed after his death, and for the most part this was  done.

Chase exhibited his works at  the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and was often shown  at Doll and Richards Gallery in Boston.

References: Fielding; Lykes;  Wyeth letters; Chase, Sidney M. "How Artist Talked in the  Composition Class is Related." Christian Science Monitor,  Nov. 13, 1912; DAM files; Lykes correspondence; PAFA archives.

Pyle Students