William Bradford (1823 - 1892) American Watercolor on Paper Measure 11 1/4"in H x 8 3/4"in W and 18 1/2"in H x 15"in W with frame Known for: Marine-ship, Arctic sea-landscape painting William Bradford was born to strict Quaker parents, who disapproved of his interest in art. Self-taught early in life, Bradford began his career by selling portraits of ships in the Fairhaven harbor near his home. He eventually opened a studio which caught the attention of the Dutch painter, Albert Van Beest. Van Beest was Bradford's teacher and collaborator on marine and whaling theme paintings until his untimely death in 1860. Bradford continued on in his chosen genre, earning high praise for the heroic drama he portrayed on the sea. Travelling extensively, Bradford would paint his scenes with the help of photographs, and this is reflected in the realist style his works possess.