Artist Statement

Although my formal education was not in art, I’ve had a lifelong interest in art, art history and through my mother who was a well-known California artist. I began my art career in 1994 after I retired from the California State University Chancellor’s Office. Since then I have taken many watercolor and acrylic classes and workshops, studying for five years with Chris Keylock Williams.

My work is frequently on display in local art shows, and ranges from abstract to impressionistic, with an emphasis on intense color, abstract shapes and the use of calligraphic line. I work in watercolor, acrylic and mixed aqueous media. I am spontaneous and intuitive in my approach and am ever open to new techniques, media and subject matter. For several years I painted a series of whimsical red birds doing a variety of human activities (e.g. bicycling, juggling, gardening, working out at the gym) which added to their humor. More recently I have enjoyed painting crows, appreciating their nerve, curiousity and intelligence. Some of this series have been avatars of human sins (“Temptation,” “Avarice,” “Gluttony.”) I hope viewers of my work find the paintings joyful and emotionally evocative.

My paintings are included in permanent corporate collections (City of Beaverton, Don Morrisette Headquarters, Daniel Smith Collection, Pacific University) as well as many private collections. I am represented at Currents Gallery in McMinnville and the Village Gallery of Arts in Portland.

I have exhibited in numerous juried, group and solo shows locally, regionally and nationally winning a number of awards. Memberships include the Watercolor Society of Oregon (1997 to present, Platinum Member), the Northwest Watercolor Society (1996 to present, Signature Member), Village Gallery of Arts (1993 to present), the Beaverton Arts Commission (1996 to present) and the National Watercolor Society (2005 to present, Signature Member). I was juried into the 141st American Watercolor Society Show in 2008, and am fortunate to have been juried into the last eight Watercolor Society of Oregon Exhibitions.

Contact Phyllis for questions or purchase information.

Current and Upcoming Events

• March 10 – April 28 — Art on Broadway (12570 SW Broadway, Beaverton) Oregon Originals (juried show).
• March 20 – April 28 — Mel's Frame Shop (1007 SW Morrison, Portland), 3 person show.
• April 14-29 — Watercolor Society of Oregon (juried show at Oregon Society of Artists, 1285 SW Park Place, Portland).
• May 1-31 — Village Gallery of Art (12505 NW Cornell, Portland) Art Challenge (miniatures, 4 by each artist on a chosen theme).