Jonathan McPhillips

Recent accomplishments include The Boldbrush Award, and juried acceptance into American Impressionist Society National shows. His work was included in national juried shows in Scottsdale, AZ, San Antonio, TX, and Jackson Hole, WY. He was honored with a first place award at the Salmagundi Club, NY for his entry in the "Noble Nocturn" exhibition. Jonathan was also honored to have been invited by the U.S. Department of State to participate in the “Art in Embassies” program which sent his work to U.S. embassies around the globe.

Jonathan periodically arranges workshops and courses in oil painting. His artistic journey can easily be followed through social media and e-newsletters, as well as his blog and website. Video samples of selected works in progress are also available, and have been especially popular among his collectors and fans.

Artist’s Statement

“Creating art has been a constant in my life. After collegiate studies in modern techniques with traditional influences, I have found my focus in “contemporary impressionism”, a form of realism and painterly expression. For me, each painting is a problem to solve, or a puzzle to piece together...a playful, yet serious endeavor, and a celebration of our environment. There is no greater reward than knowing that a painting has somehow captivated a friend or a stranger. Whether the emotion I evoke leads to a purchase, a new workshop participant, or just an extended pause on a gallery browse, it is truly inspiring to know that my interpretations on canvas can be a positive force for others. Maybe that is why I paint. In a world of global connectivity and digital clarity, painting retains a sense of mystery for us all...a bit of magic...unspoken and unwritten threads connecting our hearts and minds. Through my paintings and instruction, I intend to connect as many threads as I can, for as long as I can.” Jonathan McPhillips

Recent awards and accomplishments:

2018 134th Annual Members Exhibition, Gene Magazine Award for a Traditional Oil, Salmagundi Club, NY

2018 American Impressionist Society Signature Member

2017 American Impressionist Society 18th National Juried Exhibition, Park City, UT

2017 Maritime Gallery 38th Juried International Marine Art Exhibition, Mystic, CT

2017 Modern Marine Masters Exhibition, Mystic, CT

2017 One Man Show, Addison Art Gallery, Cape Cod, MA

2017 Laguna Plein Air Painters "August Nights" Juried Exhibition

2017 Laguna Plein Air Painters " Best of Plein Air" Juried Exhibition

2017  Art League of Rhode Island "Boats, Surf, Beaches" Juried Exhibition with Award of Merit, Providence, RI

2017 "All Hands on Deck" Group Invitational Exhibition, Newport, RI

2015 The Museum Purchase Award, The maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport, International Exhibition

2015 "Best Sense of Mystery" Award, Olmsted Plein Air Invitational, Atlanta, GA

2015 The Boldbrush Award, Fine Art Studios Online competition, September,

Jonathan received acceptance into The American Impressionist Society National shows in 2013, 2014 and 2017, which garnered him Signature Member Status. He is also honored to have been invited by the U.S. Department of State to participate in the “Art in Embassies” program, which expanded his work to an international audience in several U.S. embassies around the globe.

Education 1989 - 1993 Connecticut College New London, Connecticut

BFA Cum Laude with Distinction in Studio Art

Teaching and Demonstration Affiliations:

Palmetto Bluff/Montage Resorts, Bluffton, SC (workshop, 2017)

The Ocean House, Westerly, RI (artist in residence)

Rockport Art Association, Rockport, MA (workshops)

Cape Cod Art Association, Barnstable, MA (workshops)

Falmouth Artist Guild, Falmouth, MA (workshops)

The Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme, CT (workshops)

West Hartford Art League, West Hartford, CT (workshops)

The Wianno Club, Osterville, MA (private workshops)

The Coleman Center for Creative Studies, Newport, RI (course instruction)

The Maritime Gallery, Mystic, CT (demonstrations)

Addison Art Gallery, Orleans, MA (demonstrations)

Franklin Art Association, Franklin, MA (demonstrations)

The Plum Beach Club, Saunderstown, RI (private demonstrations)