Painting by Joseph Crilley

by Dr. Lori Verderame

A native of Philadelphia, PA, Joseph Crilley (American, born 1920) attended the Philadelphia School of Industrial Arts, now the University of the Arts and Temple University.

After serving in Europe as a paratrooper during World War II, Crilley moved to Bucks County in 1948. He taught art at New Hope Solebury High School and became well known as a photographer and painter.

Influences and Subject Matter

The subjects of Crilley’s paintings are often reminiscent of scenes near New Hope, PA, Lambertville, NJ, and the Delaware River and the Canal. Crilley’s paintings show his interest in the tradition of the American Scene painters of the early decades of this century spearheaded by artists such as Edward Hopper and Thomas Hart-Benton.
Crilley looked to the local people and places within Bucks County and the Delaware River area for inspiration. He painted historic landmarks of the area such as the site of fellow painter Joseph Pickett’s studio, the Canal bridges, the Logan Inn, and the New Hope/Ivyland Railroad. Crilley is best known for his bold palette and genre scenes capturing the events of everyday life.

In the painting called Ferry Street in New Hope from 1999, Crilley captures a small group of people strolling down picturesque along the Delaware River. Crilley and his paintings are both mainstays of the Bucks County’s art community. An avid sportsman, Crilley’s illustrations have been published in various sporting magazines.

Request an online appraisal of your Joseph Crilley work of art from Dr. Lori.