We are thrilled to be hosting a solo exhibition from Rick Phillips, one of Delaware’s most prolific artists. “Lasting Impressions” features 40 brand-new impressionist paintings, on display from October 1-23.  

 

    Rick’s work is reminiscent of 19th-century painters who used the richness of light and color to create an atmosphere that could almost be touched. The works in “Lasting Impressions” vary in subjects: from quaint country homes to floral still lives and elegantly staged pottery, Rick’s pieces capture the beauty in average objects. His paintings remind the viewer to appreciate the way light falls on a roof panel or the shadow cast by a teacup on a bunch of cherries.

 

    “Rick is an exquisite artist with an outstanding reputation. The works he has produced for this show are just as beautiful as ever, solidifying his place as one of this region’s finest talents” says Carol Boyd-Heron, co-owner of the Peninsula Gallery. 

 

    Hailing from the Susquehanna Valley in PA, Rick Phillips now calls Claymont, DE his home. After graduating with honors from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, he excelled as an illustrator, working for more than 25 years with public relations firms and advertising agencies in the mid-Atlantic region. His accomplishments include commissioned works for Bank of America, Campbell Soup Company, and Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals. 

 

    In the mid-90s, Phillips changed his career path from illustration to fine arts. He combines his ability to paint quickly and boldly with his interest in 19th-century impressionism. His fine art is a part of many private collections, including that of President Joe Biden. Rick teaches at Delaware College of Art and Design, The Darley Arts Center, and Tyler Arboretum.   

 

    Rick says of his work, “In the city, in the country, or working on a still life of antiques and florals, I get to the heart of my subjects with loose and bravura brushstrokes, elegant and evocative color, and a unique sense of mood. My portfolio includes images of barns, fields, and farmhouses, as well as more nostalgic subjects like the rugged bicycles I remember as a child.”​