Jerusalem

A Life of Diverse Pursuits

James Fairman was a Scottish-born American landscape painter, art teacher, art critic, and military officer. Born in Glasgow, United Kingdom, he immigrated to the United States with his mother after the early death of his father, Laurenz Fehrman. After showing an aptitude for drawing, he attended evening classes at the National Academy of Design and later worked as an apprentice at Harper & Brothers publishing in Manhattan.

His life was marked by significant involvement in various public spheres. He was active in the Abolitionist movement and was elected to a school board committee in New York. During the Civil War, he served as a military officer, holding the rank of Colonel in the 96th New York Volunteer Infantry before resigning in September 1862.

Artistic Travels and Later Years

Fairman's artistic journey took him across the globe. After participating in exhibits at the National Academy and the American Watercolor Society, he traveled through Europe, spending time in Palestine, Düsseldorf, Paris, and London. He also spent time in Chicago and taught in Olivet, Michigan, before returning to New York.

His body of work includes: