Richard Blossom Farley
Richard Blossom Farley (1875–1954) was an American artist best known for his captivating seascapes and refined portraits. Born in Poultney, Vermont, Farley honed his artistic skills at the New Jersey State Model School and later at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) in Philadelphia. At PAFA, he studied under acclaimed artists such as James McNeill Whistler, William Merritt Chase, and Cecilia Beaux, who significantly shaped his style and technique. Initially focused on portraiture, Farley began exploring seascapes around 1912, creating works marked by their heavily textured surfaces and a decorative approach that set him apart. He often incorporated a blossom symbol alongside his signature as a reference to his middle name.
Farley exhibited widely during his career, participating in shows at prominent venues such as the Philadelphia Art Club and the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. He was actively involved with art organizations, including the Philadelphia Sketch Club, the Art Alliance in Philadelphia, and the Salmagundi Club in New York. His works, which continue to captivate audiences with their distinctive style, are held in esteemed collections like the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Farley's legacy endures as a celebrated contributor to American seascape and portrait painting.
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Full Name: Richard Blossom Farley
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Birth and Death: 1875–1954
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Profession: Artist
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Influences: James McNeill Whistler, William Merritt Chase, Cecilia Beaux
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Legacy: Known for seascapes and portraits; works held in institutions like the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Corcoran Gallery of Art
