Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip Ramsey.
Hi Philip, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
So many ask me how I started my art journey and my reply is always “when my mother gave me crayons at age three”. I have been self taught except for several years apprenticeship under John DeLa Vega, an internationally renowned portrait artist from Argentina. I began my professional career as a muralist then gravitated towards easel art. Today I am an impressionist oil painter and continue to paint oil painted portrait commissions. I particularly drawn to painting en plein air when I have the opportunity. Social media has been my best tool in promotion and marketing my work and I am represented by three galleries from the mountains of Virginia to the coast of North Carolina. I eventually established my website philipramsey.com.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My education has been from the “school of hard knocks” so yes many struggles have occurred. I have been painting professionally for thirty six years. Sales of art seem to ride up and down with the economy. However, I never lose the joy of painting. When I paint I feel God’s pleasure. Recently I have studied the history and techniques of the French impressionists and they – initially- never had a smooth road. I feel if they endured and did not lose heart then I should never give up and should never stop learning. The adventure and hardships give me strength and hope.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have recently immersed myself with the plein air works of Claude Monet. I recall visiting an exhibit of Monet and was amazed at the thick impasto application of paint and the color palette. I have determined to be a “reincarnation” of Monet. When I travel to plein air sites and to painting demos I carry a portrait I painted with that is from an image of Claude when he was a young man. My pallete has changed somewhat as a result. He even talked of his struggle with color.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
My adherence to Impressionism as a difficult expression of the subject – to understand communication of memory and emotion. Impressionists rebelled against the strict discipline of painting as was demanded by the Paris Salon. They painted everyday life, loose interpretations- more of an abstract application that can not be understood by the casual observer. My aim is to emulate the very same.
Pricing:
- Find the sweet spot
- Be aware of the economy of a region
- Start low and gradually increase
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Philipramsey.com
- Instagram: Philip Ramsey on instagram
- Facebook: Phil ramsey
