Artist Bio: Richard Phelps

Richard Phelps’ artistic process is patient, allowing impressions and ideas to incubate—often for years. He is stirred by the delicacies of the mood and environment around him, by the flux of nature, the power of subtle light changes, the repose or tranquility of a setting. He says, “The form an image takes on canvas is dependent upon the palette I mix, the music around me, and the first few unconscious strokes I make. The flow of the paint makes suggestions and I find myself both acting and reacting to what appears.” His work evolves as an abstraction of the forces that move him. Many of his pieces are serene work, a captured moment of light that is about to fade or move.

Born in Montpelier, Idaho, Richard Phelps expressed an early interest in art, and, except for the years he spent in the military, has continuously painted and been active in galleries and competitions. After receiving an MA in art from San Francisco State University he promptly took a position as an art instructor at Ventura Community College. He considers his twenty-eight years of teaching art a cherished period of time, calling it a “selfish job” because he always drew such inspiration from the students.

Now retired, Richard Phelps lives in Tennessee with a view of the Smoky Mountains and a barn for a studio.