Philadelphia is the cultural and artistic center of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and it is home to some of the country’s most renowned artists. From traditional painters to modern sculptors, Philadelphia has plenty of talented artists. This post will highlight the best of the best from the “City of Brotherly Love” and their works.
1. Edward Willis Redfield
Edward Willis Redfield is a renowned Philadelphia artist and impressionist. He was born in December of 1869 in rural Pennsylvania and began his artistic training at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in the late 1880s. Redfield is best known for his landscapes, which he found inspiration for in nature and his travels around the world. He also painted some of the most iconic scenes of rural Pennsylvania, depicting everyday life in farms and small towns. Redfield’s works can be found in the Philadelphia Museum of Art and other galleries throughout the city.
2. Violet Oakley
Violet Oakley (1874-1961) is one of Philadelphia’s most celebrated female painters. She was born in New Jersey but moved to Philadelphia in her teens, where she attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Oakley’s works are mainly murals and stained glass windows, and she often worked with themes such as the Divine Feminine, the Bible, and mythology. Her works can be found in many churches, universities, and museums in Philadelphia and beyond.
3. Charles Sheeler
Charles Sheeler (1883-1965) was a modernist painter and photographer from Philadelphia. He was an early adopter of the Precisionist style, which emphasized the power of machines and the industrial landscape. Sheeler worked in a variety of styles, but he was most well known for his landscapes and urban scenes. He also worked in photography and film, producing some of the most iconic images of America’s industrial era.
4. Horace Pippin
Horace Pippin (1888-1946) was a self-taught African American painter from Philadelphia. He was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania and began painting in the early 1900s. Pippin was a World War I veteran and was wounded in battle, leaving him with limited mobility in his right arm. Despite his disability, he continued to paint and became one of the most prominent self-taught artists of the 20th century. His works can be found in the Philadelphia Museum of Art and other galleries in the city.
5. Violet Baxter
Violet Baxter (1891-1953) was a Philadelphia painter known for her colorful still lifes and impressionist landscapes. She was a student of Edward Willis Redfield and was deeply influenced by his works. Baxter was a prolific painter who produced many works throughout her career. Her works can be found in the Philadelphia Museum of Art and other galleries throughout the city.
Philadelphia is home to some of the most renowned artists in the United States, and its vibrant art scene is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. From traditional painters to modern sculptors, Philadelphia has an abundance of talented artists who are sure to inspire and delight. Whether you’re a fan of Edward Willis Redfield’s landscapes or Horace Pippin’s self-taught works, you’ll be sure to find something to love in Philadelphia’s vibrant art scene.