Nordic Countries - Art galleries in Norway

Planning a trip to Norway this summer, and we always like to bring home something representative of the countries we visit to remember them by.

Most likely places being Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger - I would appreciate some local knowledge on galleries to visit in search of either good quality landscape paintings, or if other forms of art are more representative of your culture, what those would be and where to find them.

Please excuse the post being ignorant of local art forms - but ignorance is usually cured by asking knowledgable people.

Thanks in advance

Quite a few artists have workshops in the old town of Stavanger. As a tourist you will probably visit the old town anyways.

You might find the Stavanger Art Museum interesting. The display especially includes many paintings of the local painter Lars Hertervig (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lars_Hertervig). These paintings are in the national romantic style which was popular during the struggle for independence in the 1800s. National romantic art usually picture Norwegian nature, since that was regarded as unique and quintessential to Norway, as opposed to for example the viking heritage which is shared with the other Nordic countries (and therefore unfit for the independence movement). It may be the kind of "representative art" you are looking for. I think they sell replicas in the museum lobby of the paintings on display. The Art Museum is a bit outside the downtown area, but hardly more than 5-10 minutes by car/bus. Buses run frequently.

I can't help you with Bergen or Oslo. Sorry :(

just have to share with you the most amazing photos i have ever seen of norway...
www.visitnorway.com/360/geiranger/
hope you like...

Just an update from experience, there is a very nice gallery in Stavanger, located between the Rica Park Hotel and the Bussterminalen. Good selection of paintings, and some sculpture. Also several in Bergen near the floibanen terminal. Unfortunately did not find what I was looking for, but still quite a nice selection