“The sketcher sees wild things in surprising intimacy when he is quietly wrapped up in his painting and almost motionless. Constable once found a field-mouse in his pocket.
W.J. Phillips, “Pictures on the Wall,” unpublished, undated manuscript
Walter Joseph Phillips (October 25, 1884 – July 5, 1963) was an English-born Canadian artist, printmaker, and educator known for his mastery of watercolour and woodcut print mediums. His artistic life began in Lincolnshire, England, where he showed an early inclination for drawing despite his father's aspirations for him to become a Wesleyan Methodist minister.
Walter J. Phillips; Leaf of Gold
Trained at the esteemed Birmingham School of Art, Phillips gained recognition for his captivating watercolour works in his homeland. In 1913, he and his wife, Gladys, immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, marking a turning point that led to international acclaim. Phillips thrived as an educator and dedicated watercolourist, capturing the urban and natural landscapes of Winnipeg.
Walter Joseph Phillips; Morning
While watercolours remained a major focus, Phillips's exploration of woodblock printing became a defining aspect of his artistry. This innovative approach expanded his horizons, resulting in some of his most cherished pieces. Notably, his depictions of family retreats at Lake of the Woods from the early 1900s to 1925 struck a chord with audiences.
W.J. Phillips; Tree Shadows on Snow
In 1940, Phillips was invited to join the faculty of the Banff Summer School of Fine Arts, where he played an important role in the development of their visual arts program. Inspired by the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies, he returned west to the mountains as often as possible, leading to a new artistic direction that defined his work for the next decade and a half.
WJ Phillips; Vista Lake
Despite facing vision challenges later in life, Phillips continued producing remarkable watercolours, culminating in his move to Banff. His legacy lives on through prestigious Canadian galleries like The National Gallery of Canada and The Winnipeg Art Gallery, as well as collections in London, Washington D.C., Japan, and beyond. The most extensive private collection of his work was gifted to the city of Winnipeg, where it is permanently housed in the Pavilion Gallery Museum in Assiniboine Park.
Walter Joseph Phillips; April in the Cotswolds
Walter J. Phillips' artistic output stands as a testament to his boundless creativity, mastery of watercolours and woodblock prints, and profound connection with the landscapes that shaped his work. His art continues to captivate audiences worldwide, inviting all to explore nature's essence through his brushstrokes and woodblock impressions.