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19TH CENTURY FINE ART LEGACY
The land upon which the Barclay house is built was part of a larger land grant given to Colonel Hugh Barclay by William Penn. Hugh Barclay, who served during the Revolutionary War, was Bedford’s first Post Master and patriarch of the Barclay family. The Barclay family rose to prominence in Bedford in...
THE PERFECT 19TH CENTURY PAINTINGS FOR YOUR HOME
Rare. Beautiful. Enchanting. Create a nexus within your home--stunning 19th-century artwork that can complement the color, pattern, texture and design of your home for the next level of self-expression. Modern and vintage homes will capture a bit of the wonderful nostalgia of the past by incorporating...
GEOLOGY AND LANDSCAPE ART IN 19TH CENTURY AMERICA
America was perceived as a somewhat cultural wasteland in the 18th and 19th centuries; however, a number of expeditions that began with Lewis and Clark (1804) pierced the interior of the vast "New World" changed all that. These forays revealed awe-inspiring geological phenomena, such as the course of...
FEATURED ARTIST - HARRY HERMAN ROSELAND
Harry Roseland (American, ca. 1866 – 1950) I never promised you a rose garden! These words were uttered by 19th Century Brooklyn, NY painter Harry Roseland when a patron, who had commissioned a painting from him, was apparently disappointed that the finished landscape was devoid of flowers. The painting...
LOCATION. LOCATION. LOCATION.
For approximately 250 years, Bedford has been a welcome stopping place for travelers. Presidents and soldiers, Indian traders and the first colonists of the west, all paused here. Today, thousands of tourists enjoy its health-giving climate, its many points of great scenic beauty; pause at the shrines...
FEATURED ARTIST - BARTON STONE HAYS
Barton Stone Hays (American 1826 – 1914) Barton Stone Hays was born in Greenville, Ohio on April 5 1826. He was self-taught and was known, first for his portrait paintings, and later for his landscape and still life paintings. In the early 1850s Hays migrated to Northern Indiana, where he began painting...
DESTINATION
The Bedford Fine Art Gallery is "The Destination" not just an attraction along the way. The artworks presented in the Gallery are period originals, not copies, prints or other modes of imitation that exemplify the skill of the original artist, not that of the machine, which is a mere mechanical copyist....
FEATURED ARTISTS: JAMES REID LAMBDIN AND GEORGE COCHRAN LAMBDIN
James Reid Lambdin was born May 10, 1807 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to James Lambdin, a carpenter from Kent County, Maryland and Prudence Harrison, a relative of William Henry Harrison (ninth President of the United States). At 15, Lambdin embarked on his art career, traveling to Philadelphia where...
WHAT’S ON YOUR WALL?
A number of questions are asked in this article. It started with the title, "what’s on your wall". It is not just a hokey takeoff of a popular credit card commercial, but a serious question. Your house is probably the biggest single purchase you will ever make. Once it is purchased it is no longer simply...
FEATURED ARTIST - JOHN ROSS KEY
Key was born in Hagerstown, Maryland in 1832 to Philip Barton Key, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, and Ellen Swan Key. In 1859, when he was 21 years old, his father was killed in cold blood by Daniel Sickles, then a U.S. House of Representatives from the State of New York and later a Union...
19TH CENTURY FRAMES - THE PERFECT COMPLIMENT
A picture is worth a thousand words, so the saying goes. What about the frame? Why do we surround our paintings with frames? Simply put, to provide a silent, but very present, accolade to the painting. What better compliment than to surround it with a stunning, but not overpowering accessory. The important...
AN INTRODUCTION TO ART MOVEMENTS OF THE 19TH CENTURY
The art of painting is very old and dates to the earliest civilizations. Although each civilization developed its own art, art as we know it today has as its inception with the fifteenth-century Italian Renaissance artists. The evolution of art to the various aesthetics that developed throughout the...
HOW TO CONSERVE, RESTORE, AND MAINTAIN 19TH CENTURY PAINTINGS
The first thing to remember is DO NOT TRY TO MAKE EVEN THE SMALLEST REPAIRS OR FIXES ON YOUR OWN! I see that I've gotten your attention. I cannot emphasize this enough—making repairs on your own will likely result in greater damage, perhaps even irreparable damage. This article provides you with some...
FEATURED ARTIST – ALBERT FRANCIS KING (AMERICAN 1854 – 1945)
King was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was recognized as Pittsburgh's primary still-life painter during the 19th century. His still-life compositions included, fruit (especially watermelons), vegetables and fish depicting meal preparation, similar to those by Jean-Bapiste-Simeon Chardin, the great...
FEATURED ARTIST – JOHN HENTRY DOLPH (AMERICAN 1835 – 1903)
He was born in Fort Ann, New York; but, his father moved the family to Ashtabula County, Ohio, after the death of his mother in 1841. As a youth, he generated income by doing decorative painting on coaches and carriages. He eventually made his way to Cleveland where he studied with Allen Smith, a prominent...
HOW OWNING 19TH CENTURY PAINTINGS CAN MAKE YOU HAPPY
It just does. Well yes, but there is a bit more to it than that. You are in charge of your own happiness and if you have art on your walls it's there for a reason. You liked it, you bought, and you were happy that you did. Your "collection" may consist of a single piece or many. It may be a mix of the...
ART TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW, PART 1
When visiting a museum or a retail art gallery, it pays to know the terms that describe what you see and why, perhaps, why you like and don’t like a particular painting. I have summarized and condensed, where appropriate, some important terms here, from Art Terms & Techniques (Mayer, 1991). Fine art. Art...
GEORGE HETZEL AND THE 19TH CENTURY SCALP LEVEL SCHOOL
What drew Pittsburgh artist, George Hetzel (1826 – 1899) to Scalp Level, a small village at the confluence of the Little Paint Creek with Paint Creek in 1866? The artist accepted an invitation from fellow Pittsburgh artist Charles Linford and Pittsburgh lawyer John Hampton to do some mountain fishing...
COLOR AND HUE
There is more to the term "color" than meets the eye. This article will serve as a brief introduction to the topic of paint color. You really need only three colors—red, yellow and blue, known as the "primary" colors to create any hue. Just mix any two primary colors together, in equal amounts, and...
VICTORIAN HOMES AND FINE ART
Each person is unique and stands apart from others; there will never be another "you"…at least for a long, long time. For the time being, you are one of a kind. Everything from the coffee you drink, the shoes you wear, the colors you wear, to the car you drive, communicates something about you, however...
BEDFORD FINE ART GALLERY’S ARCHITECTURAL VENUE
The Barclay Mansion was built in 1889, during the late Victorian period. Although the house is Victorian in age, it is reminiscent of the Renaissance Classical tradition with Italianate style details. The low central tower, with its curved and stilted segmented arch work above the triple and double window,...
LONG ON COLOR
In 1871, Samuel P. Long penned "Essay VII, Color" in his book Art: Its Laws and the Reason for Them, Collected, Considered, and Arranged for General and Educational Purposes. Granted, it is a very long title, but an important book on art for the general public that time. Interestingly, Mr. Long, who...
THOSE SMART VICTORIANS
I read an absolutely fascinating article on the "Victorians"--those people whom everybody thinks they know, but really don’t. First, a short discussion on The Victorian Era. It is associated with the reign of Britain’s Queen Victorian in (reign: from 1837 to 1901). Realistically, it seems more appropriate...
A PLACE TO PAINT
Nineteenth century artists typically had to rent quarters which were often usually very spare of furnishing and amenities, such as heat, for example. And since many lacked an excess of funds with which to pay for rent and food, let alone brushes, canvases and paints—a requirement of their accommodations...
THE LANDSCAPE THROUGH A GEOLOGIST’S EYE
Art is a personal experience. You love what you love. I love representational art and I absolutely love landscapes. Why? Perhaps, because as a geologist, I spent most of my career tagging along behind a drill rig over "unimproved" areas of Pennsylvania and adjacent states. Often, when I went home at...
ART TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW, PART 2
When visiting a museum or a retail art gallery, it pays to know the terms that describe what you see. I have summarized and condensed, where appropriate, some important terms here, from Art Terms & Techniques (Mayer, 1991). Support. The structure on which the ground (see below) or paint layer is laid....
"BLUE CHIP" VERSUS "CHOCOLATE CHIP"
"Blue chip" stocks are those of well-known industry leaders, which typically sell at a high price and have a record of steady earnings. "Blue chip" in the art world has a similar meaning. Typically considered "investment-grade art" it includes historical art and art of the highest aesthetic quality—those...
DIRTY ART AND THE UNVARNISHED TRUTH
Let us ask you some questions, do you prefer: abstract expressionism, representationalism, impressionism, realism, Hudson River School, Scalp Level School, "truth to nature" or other styles? landscapes, still-lifes, genre, animal, sporting art, portraits, historical art? light, bright colors, or dark,...
ART: ITS LAWS, AND THE REASONS FOR THEM
In addition to being an integral part of the fine art market for over 30 years, we also have acquired an impressive library of hundreds of books on art. The purpose of this article, and future articles, is to share with you some of the insight we learned from many art experts from the 19th century. This...
A MANUEL OF OIL PAINTING
This article contains excerpts from the Honorable John Collier’s 1889 book titled "A Manuel of Oil Painting." 1889 is the same year our home (where we have Bedford Fine Art Gallery) was built! The book spends a great deal of time covering the "practice" of oil painting; however, Collier also dives into...
TREES
Joan and I believe you truly know "good art" when you see it. You intuitively know, for example, if a tree looks realistic in a landscape painting. Your instincts, of what makes a tree look "real" in a painting, partially comes from your years of observing the natural beauty of your surroundings. Every...
COLOR IN ART
As we pointed out in past articles, we are fortunate to have gained insight from some very knowledgeable 19th century artists, through great books they wrote. It is fantastic to learn what these artists educate us on, in their own words. In his 1923 book, titled "The Enjoyment and Use of Color", Walter...
COMPOSITION
We have talked before about how 19th century artists handled creating the composition for their paintings. One such artist was Charles Augustus (Shorty) Lasar. In his 1917 book "Practical Hints for Art Students", he gives valuable lessons for his approach regarding composition. This article gives a similar...
CLEANING PAINTINGS – REMOVAL OF OLD VARNISH
In past articles, Joan pointed out that cleaning paintings is something that is NOT DO IT YOURSELF. Removing the old varnish on a painting, that is over 100 years old, may sound simple, but it should be performed by an expert. In Ralph Mayer’s 1940 book titled "The Artist’s Handbook of Materials and...
VALUES – LIGHT AND SHADE IN GREAT PAINTINGS
We believe you can tell a great painting when you see it. There are certain qualities that are universal in both the 19th century and contemporary paintings available at Bedford Fine Art Gallery. We strive to get the best-of-the-best in all acquisitions. One of the qualities of these great works of art...
LISA GEIGER - THE ART OF THE IMPRESSIONISTIC LANDSCAPE
To execute an impressionist landscape, it is important, at least to me, to have been there in person to witness the scene to see how the light impacted each part of the landscape and to get an overall feel for the composition. That is why I prefer to work from my own experience and photos. It is crucial...
GLAZING AND SCUMBLING
Our previous article about dead-coloring was from the 1938 book titled "Painting in Oils" by Bertram Nicholls. This article picks up where the last article ended and Nicholls talks about the process of glazing and scumbling. Nicholls states: "The dead-coloring being thoroughly dry, a warm transparent...
THE LAY-IN OR DEAD COLOURING
The time-honored traditional way of oil painting is all but lost, except for a few modern-day artists that still adhere to the old master’s process. A very important part of the old-school process is the laying-in of dead colors. In his 1938 book, titled "Painting in Oils", author Bertram Nicholls describes...
ANOTHER POINT-OF-VIEW ON COMPOSITION
Another really great book, dated 1903, was written by Daniel Burleigh Parkhurst and is titled "The Painter in Oil" (A Complete Treatise on The Principles and Technique necessary to The Painting of Pictures in Oil Colors). When talking about composition, Parkhurst begins with: "Importance – Composition...
MARINE EFFECT
Bedford Fine Art Gallery has great examples of seascape paintings that are well executed by very talented artists. People often marvel at how the artist created such realistic works. In his 1924 book titled "The Teacher of Landscape Painting", artist D.M. Campana provides insight into classical methods...
SELECTION IN A LANDSCAPE PAINTING
Did you ever wonder what draws you to a particular landscape painting? For over 30 years, we have evaluated what we think makes up a good painting. In past articles, we talk about color, composition, technique, etc. This article covers thoughts on the artists selecting a subject for a landscape painting. "The...
CURATOR’S STATEMENT ON ARTIST MICHAEL M. STRUEBER
Joan and I volunteer and support the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (which began its service to our communities in 1976). A past curator of the museum had some keen observations regarding the art of Michael M. Strueber. We are fortunate to offer some of Michael M. Strueber’s work and below is what...
MIXING
“In mixing colors you should be careful not to over mix. Don’t stir your paint. Too much mixing takes the life out of the color. Particles of the pure color not too much broken up by mixing are valuable to your work, giving vibration and brilliancy to it. The reverse is muddiness, which is sure to come...
Art Lovers' Niche - Jan 16, 2023
What would they say, if animals could talk? Great paintings stir emotions from deep within us. Buy paintings that make you happy! It's a quality-of-life issue.
Art Lovers' Niche - Dec 20, 2022
We probably all know of an ultra-exclusive country club that provides top-tier services exceeding all others in the world. Our customers are the best. We really did not think about the gallery in the context of being like such an exclusive club.
Art Lovers' Niche - Dec 1, 2022
You have worked hard and want to treat yourself, as your reward for all your efforts. Your home is probably your biggest investment and you dream of surrounding yourself in beauty and luxury in every special room that you, family, and friends frequent.
Art Lovers' Niche - Nov 7, 2022
Grand View Research published a report on Home Decor Market Size, Share, & Trends Analysis. They state that the global home decor market size was valued at 663.1 billion dollars in 2018.
Art Lovers' Niche - Oct 13, 2022
We respect the like-minded "Art Lovers' Niche" group that shares our passion for fine art. Whether it is exploring our website or making that special trip to visit Bedford Fine Art Gallery, you are the best!
Art Lovers' Niche - Oct 1, 2022
We love 19th century fine art, but quality exists regardless of who did the painting or in what century it was painted.
Art Lovers' Niche - Sep 8, 2022
We would like to thank the thousands of fellow art-lovers who explore our website, join us for email updates via Art Lovers’ Niche, follow us on Instagram, and stop to see us at the gallery.
Art Lovers' Niche - Aug 22, 2022
The time to be happy is now. Treat yourself to a beautiful work of art that pleases now and for many years to come.
Art Lovers' Niche - Jun 20, 2022
You have heard it before, but a picture really is worth a thousand words. Fine art is powerful. There are thousands of words that can be used to express how you feel about fine art you fall in love with.
Art Lovers' Niche - May 31, 2022
"All real works of art look as though they were done in joy."
Art Lovers' Niche - Apr 21, 2022
"Treat a work of art like a prince: let it speak to you first."
Art Lovers' Niche - Mar 15, 2022
The power of art is amazing. If you are a person who enjoys fine art, then buying paintings for your home or office makes you happier.
Art Lovers' Niche - Mar 2, 2022
William-Adolphe Bouguereau stated: "For me a work of art must be an elevated interpretation of nature" and "One shouldn't believe in all those so-called innovations.
Art Lovers' Niche - Feb 8, 2022
The below short video gives an overview of a fun talk, given by Dr. Terri Nicole Sawyer recently at Bedford Fine Art Gallery. Using the skills of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Dr. Sawyer guided some local art-lovers through the emotional mind, the reasonable mind, and the wise mind as you view art.
Art Lovers' Niche - Feb 2, 2022
We are sure you will agree that we can’t be the ones to convince yourself now is the time to purchase fine art from Bedford Fine Art Gallery. Only you can find yourself doing so because it naturally and easily makes sense and feels right for you.
Art Lovers' Niche - Jan 3, 2022
Before you purchase the painting of your dreams from Bedford Fine Art Gallery, we just want to say that you might be surprised at how naturally and easily you can see a great decision being made. We think that's part of the process when you recognize it's fun and safe to move ahead.
Art Lovers' Niche - Dec 6, 2021
We have recently expanded the gallery experience with 4 new spaces. The gallery showcases over 200 pieces of fine art.
Art Lovers' Niche - Oct 15, 2021
Here is a sneak-peek of upcoming new paintings that will be posted on the website. These are not yet posted on the website and are for your eyes only!
Art Lovers' Niche - Sep 7, 2021
In his 1924 book titled "The Enjoyment and Use of Color", author Walter Sargent examines a "scientifically arranged palette."
Art Lovers' Niche - Aug 9, 2021
In his 1871 book titled "Art it’s laws and reason for them", author Samuel P. Long states: "Now there can be no doubt whatever that the pleasure with which one contemplates any object esteemed beautiful is enhanced by the association awakened in the mind of the beholder...
Art Lovers' Niche - Jul 16, 2021
One of the many testimonials on our website from satisfied customers...
Art Lovers' Niche - Jun 29, 2021
Every picture shows a spot with which the artist has fallen in love.
Art Lovers' Niche - May 24, 2021
Art viewing can stir emotion. Sometimes those emotions come from deep inside and sometimes they come from unrecognizable places that we have pushed away.
Art Lovers' Niche - Feb 22, 2021
We have pointed this our previously, but feel it is worth repeating. The dirty little secret is that all auction houses and almost all galleries do not get their paintings professionally conserved or restored prior to selling them.
Art Lovers' Niche - Feb 1, 2021
Smaller Gems - The perfect complement for your beautiful home.
Art Lovers' Niche - Dec 30, 2020
This year we clearly saw how important it is to build strong relationships through serving many customers as their guide to finding fine art they love.
Art Lovers' Niche - Dec 7, 2020
There are many personal reasons for why you fall in love with a particular painting. It is a subjective process and only you know what pleases you the most...
Art Lovers' Niche - Oct 30, 2020
Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known...
Art Lovers' Niche - Sep 28, 2020
Charles Ethan Porter is being rediscovered today as a major 19th century painter.
Art Lovers' Niche - Sep 14, 2020
We recently sold paintings by Roseland, Turney, Zuckerman, Lasar, Hubacek, Lambdin, Boss, Parker, Linford, and Leavitt.
Art Lovers' Niche - Aug 31, 2020
In the 1860’s, fellow Pittsburgh artist Charles Linford and prominent Pittsburgh attorney John Hampton took George Hetzel on a fishing trip to the mountainous streams of Scalp Level, Pennsylvania.
Art Lovers' Niche - Aug 17, 2020
We sold quite a few paintings recently, so as usual, we have also added some new paintings for your consideration.
Art Lovers' Niche - Jun 29, 2020
The dirty little secret is that all auction houses and almost all galleries do not get their paintings professionally conserved or restored prior to selling them.
Art Lovers' Niche - Jun 15, 2020
Albert Francis King was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was recognized as Pittsburgh's primary still-life painter during the 19th century.
Art Lovers' Niche - May 27, 2020
Once you fall in love with a painting, you can now view the painting on YOUR wall, with the all new custom virtual reality tool on our website.
Art Lovers' Niche - May 12, 2020
There are many personal reasons people collect fine art. It can be as simple as enjoying the beauty of a unique painting, as it becomes the focal point within your special room.
Art Lovers' Niche - May 1, 2020
Mid 19th century artists, for the first time, could now take their oil paints with them in tin tubes to paint the unique beauty and power of nature.
Art Lovers' Niche - Apr 24, 2020
When you buy a 19th century painting, you are preserving a small piece of history – that can make you happy.
Art Lovers' Niche - Apr 14, 2020
You’ve dedicated yourself to achieving your goals and worked hard throughout your career. You recognize and deserve the very best. Viewing fine art in your home or office, decreases stress levels, increases empathy, raises critical thinking skills, and helps provide relief from mental exhaustion.
Art Lovers' Niche - Apr 8, 2020
As we all work together right now, we recognize our strong love of family, passion for our hobbies, and the need to persevere in achieving our dreams. "Art Lovers' Niche" serves as your personal concierge to assist you in your journey.
230 South Juliana St.
Bedford PA 15522
Phone: 724-459-0612
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