(1826–1904)
Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, James Fairman immigrated to the United States with his family when he was six years of age. He began his art studies at the National Academy of Design in 1842. After serving as colonel in the Civil War for two years, Fairman set up a studio in New York City where he remained until 1871. At this time he traveled to Europe where he remained for the next ten years exploring England, France, Italy, and Germany. Upon his return to the United States in the 1880s, he became a prominent lecturer and art critic, and taught at Olivet College. He painted landscapes throughout New York and New England.
Fairman exhibited his works at the National Academy of Design from 1863 to 1881, Brooklyn Art Association from 1865 to 1872, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 1869, 1881 to 1882, and 1889. His paintings are housed in prestigious private and public collections including the Hudson River Museum, Yonkers, New York.