Fred Wagner An American Painter 1860 – 1940 @ The Philadelphia Sketch Club.

Fred Wagner An American Painter is curated by the artist’s great-grand nieces Cyndy Drue and Susan Brendlinger-Smith, who also co-authored a biography of the Philadelphia artist (available for sale at the Philadelphia Sketch Club), filling both the main gallery and the pool room with exquisite paintings of Philadelphia scenes, portraits, equine compositions and water scenes.  The Philadelphia Sketch Club looks beautiful with the incredible collection of historic paintings gathered together in a space where the artist actually worked with his friends.  An artist can only wish that their work will be preserved but Fred Wagner is cherished by his family, collectors and the art community of Philadelphia.

Fred Wagner, The River Harbor, watercolor study, 8 x 9 ” collection of Cyndy Drue Smith @ The Philadelphia Sketch Club.

Fred Wagner, Downtown Toms River, oil on canvas.

Visit the galleries at The Philadelphia Sketch Club on the Avenue of the Artists and take a step back in time to when Thomas Eakins and Thomas Anshutz encouraged artists to get out and paint, some of the original easels are still there.  This year is the club’s 150th anniversary, the oldest art club in America, the Fred Wagner show wasn’t there long but the upcoming Legacy Show offers an opportunity for collectors to buy art by Philadelphia’s current and future masters.

Photos by DoN.