Since taking up fine art painting only a few years ago, Alfred Phillips has received more art prizes and accolades than most accrue over a lifetime. The artist won ten awards in one year alone, including a People Choice award in the annual "United & Proud" juried exhibit for which he is particularly pleased. Phillips also snagged first place in the annual Broward Starving Artists Exhibit in 2004. In the Broward Art Guild's 58 years of existence, no artist had won both first place and second place prizes in the same show until he took honors in landscape and still life categories last year.
His formal introduction to design began with a full scholarship to the Art Center School in his native Louisville. There with his partner Rick Moore, he later began a successful and award-winning graphic design studio. Today, that background in graphic design influences his strong use of geometric shapes and styles as well as a strong attention to scale and proportion.
Phillips moved to Florida in October of 2003 and fulfilled his time his life-long dream of having his own studio and spending all day exploring and mastering various styles. Although new to fine art painting, the artist has been nurturing his talent for as long as he can remember. "Ever since I was small, people have said I was artistic," Phillips recollects. "So I always thought of myself as an artist and I've always had something creative going". His friends have been tremendously helpful to his artistic development says Phillips. Jim Watson, a well-established artist critiques his work on a regular basis.
Alfred's subjects range from vibrant landscapes to a series of Carnival Mask paintings but his and energetic landscapes and beautiful still-lifes are resonating most with collectors. His Renaissance-style studies in light and shadows like the haunting still-life titled "Eggplant Fruit" testify to his mastery of that genre.
Phillips prefers painting with acrylics and watercolors to oils, which are too slow for his liking. According to Phillips, a work begins by quickly sketching images on paper relying on imagination, personal observation and memory, studio setups or photos taken for reference purposes. Many layers of mixed paint are used until the desired color is achieved on canvas. Then multiple layers in thick coats with a variety of brushes and strokes are applied to a create texture that compliments the form.
"I would draw and paint regardless of the response to my work, because I have to," he says. "It's part of me and what I have always done. It is very gratifying to win awards, however."
Currently in the press for recent Broward Art Guild entry and honerable mentioned in the "Controversy" show.
Click image to enlarge
Still Life
Reflecting
White Sand
Sea Grape
eggplant fruit
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