Hi!  My name is David Philips and I am a fine art portrait painter living in Dallas, TX.  I grew up in Memphis, TN and from an early age had a deep passion for drawing and painting in various styles, including realism, abstract, and illustration.

However, it was during a high school field trip to the Brooks Museum that my passion for portraiture truly flourished, thanks to Edward Bell's captivating masterpiece, "Lady in Grey." The honesty and sensitivity conveyed in that life-sized painting ignited a deep desire within me to embrace the classical style and its ability to create and narrate people’s stories through portraits. 

After graduating from the University of Memphis in 1992, I took an active role in my artistic development by joining various art groups in the city. This allowed me to learn from a diverse array of artists and gain insights into their unique approaches to painting. Sharing a studio with a high school buddy in a condemned snack cake factory for over a year not only provided me with a unique space but also gave me the opportunity to participate in several group shows, showcasing my work to a wider audience. Throughout this time, however, I yearned for new experiences and decided to move to Seattle, WA. 

In Seattle, I ventured into the realm of video games and joined a software development company as the sole artist for the Super Nintendo game called "Wild Snakes." This was an achievement I was undoubtedly proud of, but deep down, I couldn't shake the longing to return to my true passion—the act of painting itself. Life took me and my wife on various journeys via her medical career, eventually leading us to New Orleans. While there, I dedicated myself to oil painting and immersing myself in sketching. However, circumstances changed as Hurricane Katrina struck, and we found ourselves seeking solace in Dallas, Texas.

My artistic growth as a portrait painter has been shaped by my vast experiences, thirst for knowledge and sharing of techniques with every creative person I meet. In 2016, I joined the Portrait Society of America and connected with another arts community, which has been immensely beneficial in my education. Dallas is my home where I can expand my artistic career while continuing to grow as a portrait artist. The city's support for the arts and its abundant opportunities aligns perfectly with my goals and aspirations and I am excited to embark on this new chapter of my artistic career.

davidrphilips@yahoo.com
(214) 498-6273