Today we’d like to introduce you to Phyllis Anderson.
Hi Phyllis, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Everyone has a story, and mine is the journey of an artist. I have been painting for nearly three decades, exploring process and outcome, meaning and metaphor. My work is in corporate and private collections in the US, Canada, and Great Britain. This is my story.
I received a BFA from the U. of Texas, then moved to New York after college with my musician husband. There I concentrated on developing my own vision while working various jobs. Things changed once we had children, and I stopped practicing art for nearly 15 years. Living outside Philadelphia, I eventually was able to paint full-time and was part of a vibrant arts community. When my snowboarder daughter moved to Colorado in 2008, we visited regularly and in 2014, we bought a little vacation place in Winter Park. My artistic focus changed – the mountains inspired me, and naturally found their way into my studio practice. I began to show and sell this new body of work, not only in Philadelphia, but in exhibits in Golden, Boulder, and Denver, as well Winter Park and Fraser. Once grandchildren came into the picture, we moved to Colorado permanently in 2022, finding a peaceful home on a reservoir in Lakewood. Last year, I joined the Core Art Space collective in the 40 West Arts District. There I have found a supportive, stimulating community of artists. There is no doubt, this is where I belong, living my best life!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When artists begin their chosen path, it’s never easy. Money, time, and space are always the biggest issues, and they are the reasons I didn’t even make art for so many years. My artist friends were dismayed during those years, but I knew that someday, I would paint again. There are many inspiring stories of well-known artists who managed this difficult journey – painting on the kitchen table, finding that one gallery owner who believed in them, or overcoming self-doubt. So I doggedly kept at it, kept finding a place to work, evolving and challenging myself. It is all worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a painter. Since about 2015, my work evolved from abstract to landscape subjects. I use acrylic paints on canvas or wood, adding drawing media such as pencil, pastel or charcoal. Sizes range from smaller 12″ x 12″ to 36″ x 48″. I also accept commissions, for landscapes, portraits, and abstractions.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My recent work depicts a romantic, visionary landscape, using vivid, unexpected colors and expressive marks. I use many painterly techniques associated with abstraction. I am inspired by great American landscape artists such as Charles Burchfield, Marsden Hartley and Wolf Kahn to free myself from easy conventions. Through my work, I celebrate a mythic idea of wilderness, and the enduring mysteries of the high country.
Pricing:
- $100 to $1500 depending on size
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.phyllisandersonart.com
- Instagram: @phyllisandersonart
- Facebook: Phyllis Anderson Art
