Early Fine Art Dealers specializes in valuing and purchasing important paintings from the 17th century through the early 20th century. Our buyers are in constant search for fine works of art and paintings, spanning the globe for original well-known Old Master, European, American, and early California art. Each year we preview and participate in hundreds of private sales, art shows, gallery showings, exhibitions and auctions. We are in constant search for fine works to purchase. Please contact us today to discuss the sale of one of your paintings. Please note that our gallery only deals with original paintings. No Prints Please.
WE ARE DEALERS OF ORIGINAL PAINTINGS: To contact one of our gallery fine art experts about selling your painting or buying paintings for your collection, complete the form below. Please note that our gallery only deals with original paintings. NO PRINTS PLEASE.
Charles Arthur Fries (1854 - 1940)
An American painter who made his reputation in San Diego, Charles Arthur Fries was a highly-regarded California landscapist who was often referred to as "The Dean of San Diego Painters".
He pursued his arts education at the Cincinnati Art Academy, being a native of Hillsboro, Ohio. His birthplace was good fortune as the Cincinnati Academy was considered among the best in the nation at the time.
He established a studio in New York City in the late 1880's where he worked as a portraitist and an illustrator. By 1896, Charles Arthur Fries had decided to go west and he, and his family, went to Southern California.
Their initial accommodations were in the ruins of San Juan Capistrano, an old Spanish mission that was, at the time, not restored. Eventually, Fries opened his studio in San Diego and created a great many highly-regarded landscapes. His work is considered to be the product of great skill and his abilities with lighting are particularly highly-regarded.
Fries was, perhaps, the quintessential image of the early 20th Century artist. He had a Van Dyke beard, was partial to long bow ties and got around town on a bicycle; baskets overflowing with his various painting equipment.