Scalp Level to Westmoreland: Extraordinary Art Trail Through Western Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania is a great place to visit, both to view its vast expanse of landscape and culture, and to experience its diverse cities, towns and national parks. No matter what types of activities you are looking for during your stay, you will surely not be disappointed. For art lovers, Western Pennsylvania is a must see. Not only is the countryside beautiful now, but for the last two centuries it has inspired artworks from the painters of the Scalp Level School to those whose works are found at the Westmoreland Museum of Art and beyond.  Artists for ages have been ignited by scenery in this most impressive American historical landscape.

Historic Scalp Level School

The Scalp Level is an area in Pennsylvania located near the city of Johnstown, where Little Paint Creek and Paint Creek come together.  Founding the Scalp Level School of painting, George Hetzel was a pioneering artist who discovered the picturesque, almost European looking landscape by chance. When he visited the Scalp Level area in the 1800s, he found that the beauty of the woodlands and scenic views were breathtaking. After that visit, he convinced his colleagues from the Pittsburgh School of Design to take a trip with him to the area the following summer. He then began to regularly visit the Scalp Level area with fellow artists and students. Over time, these trips developed into a pattern of the times, and the continuity of the artists who painted there grew into the Scalp Level School.

Gilliland Fine Art Gallery

Many great artists were a part of the Scalp Level School. Today, the work of many of those painters can be found at the Gilliland Fine Art Gallery located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. The gallery focus is on buying and selling some of the best paintings from Western Pennsylvania artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the artwork from the Scalp Level artists on display include work from George Hetzel, Joseph Woodwell, Clarence Marshall Johns and Albert F. King.

Westmoreland Museum

For great works from American artists, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, Pennsylvania is a must see. Artists such as Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer and Louis Comfort Tiffany are some of those on display. Besides the great artwork to see, there are many events to take part in throughout the year at the museum. From themed art exhibits to art classes, there is something different for everyone to enjoy. For those wanting to experience the museum and all it has to offer, there are options of self-guided tours will small groups or regular guided tours with one of the very knowledgeable tour guides of the museum.

Making an art tour of the Southwestern region of historic Pennsylvania will inspire any artist interested in experiencing the development of American landscape painting. A stay in one of the nearby hotels in Washington PA will round out the adventure, as Washington offers beautiful horse farms and Appalachian mountain views for the modern day painter to enjoy.  Whether visiting this art-rich region of Pennsylvania to create your own art pieces or just see and enjoy some of the great historical gems offered at Scalp Level or the Westmoreland Museum, you will experience a piece of history to marvel at and remember.

Ann Bailey is an artist who has traveled to the region and painted the landscape there. She offers this report on behalf of hotels in Washington PA,  like the Doubletree Hilton, that provide wonderful accommodations for travelers. Whether journeying for a day or a week or longer, artists and collectors will find that the Inn offers graciously comfortable quarters and rates for individuals or groups making the tour.