The BRG Weekly Artist Compendious

Lake at Otter Lodge, by Delmus G. Phelps 14" X 22"
Beautiful fall foliage at a favorite Virginia landmark.

Every week we profile a different artist, some contemporary and some from the past. We will not limit ourselves to any single art form but look at artist from many different disciplines.

This week’s featured artist is wildlife artist, Delmus Phelps of Lynchburg, Virginia.

Using traditional techniques of the Old Masters, rich oil colors, strong composition, and skillful brushwork, Delmus Phelps produces paintings of universal appeal.

Being influenced by his family, Delmus has studied art since high school. In the early 70's he won the Virginia Wildlife Conservation Poster Contest, and also had his work selected for his school's senior yearbook cover. Delmus continued his training under the tutelage of the late Howard Coleman, studying at the studios of the Lynchburg Art Club on Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg, Va. While serving in the United States Air Force he continued his art studies through the University of Maryland. However, this career put his painting on hold until returning to Lynchburg.
Self study has included a particular interest in sharp-focus realism (photorealism) of Ken Davies. Since returning to the canvas, Delmus has won the W. D. Campbell award at the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center juried show in 1990. His first still life made it to the Judges Fence at The Lynchburg Art Festival during Kaleidoscope Weekend 1992.

"Art has always been a focus within my life. It has been a great passion that never seems to fade. Because of this, I continually pursue, explore and create my paintings." Delmus explains further, "in the words of this country's greatest sculptor, Frederick Hart;

“ ...art has a moral responsibility, that it must pursue something higher than itself. Art must be a part of life. It must exist in the domain of the common man. It must be an enriching, enabling and vital partner in the public pursuit of civilization. It should be a majestic presence in everyday life just as it was in the past."

Being comfortable with the landscape and the still life enables Delmus a great amount of freedom in selecting subject matter. Within his landscapes there is a softness, warmth and glow that exude a peace and serenity much needed in our hectic lifestyles of today. His still life's are simply a relaxing pleasure of balance and beauty…A melody of shades, colors, and design. Upon closer inspection there are plenty of details, shadow play and dramatic lighting effects to keep the viewer's interest. Delmus uses a 17th Century Flemish Master Technique as taught by Alexei Antonov, a Classical Russian Master. It is this optical mixture of seven layers that gives Delmus's paintings a particular freshness. As you can see in the museums, this technique has passed the test of time, which will allow the patron to enjoy the paintings for generations to come.

Delmus G. Phelps,
E-mail
Website