Master Portrait Artist Christopher Phelps - Oil Portraits for the 21st Century

THE LATEST OIL PORTRAIT PAINTING BY ARTIST CHRISTOPHER PHELPS

"Moonlight Beethoven" Violin
oil and acrylic ink on wood


DESCRIPTION:This violin was painted for the Denver Young Artists Orchestra (DYAO) - Painted Violin Artist, 2010-2011 program.

"In my youth I was an avid oboe player. I even had several solos at Carnegie Hall when my high school orchestra performed on Easter Sunday in 1994. So when I was approached by DYAO, of course I was very excited to participate in the Painted Violin project.

When I received my retired violin for painting, I knew that I wanted to enhance the natural beauty of the instrument, not cover the whole thing with paint. A violin is an amazing piece of art in and of itself, not just piece of canvas. My first step was to strip, sand and refinish the violin. The violin originally had a dark ochre stain. I decided to refinish it with several clear coats to enhance the natural elegance of the wood.

The subject matter of the artwork was obvious to me. My favorite classical piece of music is Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. I was able to honor both the musician and the music by creating a stand that lets the violin rotate 360 degrees. The front of the violin is a powerful portrait of the tormented genius, Beethoven. The back of the violin is an homage to the haunting yet alluring Piano Sonata #14. “The name "Moonlight" Sonata derives from an 1832 description of the first movement by music critic Ludwig Rellstab, who compared it to moonlight shining upon Lake Lucerne.” (wikipedia).

I often begin my painting sessions by listening to the Moonlight Sonata at full volume. It is an amazing way to begin the introspective process of creating fine art."

- Christopher Phelps


NEWS

- May 22-25, 2010
Christopher Phelps was juried into the 12th Annual Downtown Denver Arts Festival, Denver, Colorado. The Downtown Denver Arts Festival is dedicated to supporting and showcasing Colorado artists each Memorial Day Weekend at the Denver Pavilions. The fine art and fine craft exhibition features more than 125 of Colorado’s best artists with over 150,000 people expected to attend.

- May 13, 2010
Christopher's commission for Kirk Montgomery was shown on TV!

- Christopher Phelps is now a member of Gallery Cuvee (in the 910 Arts Complex, 910 Santa Fe Drive)

- Christopher Phelps was invited to participate in the prestigious Denver Young Artists Orchestra (DYAO) - Painted Violin Artist, 2010-2011 program. Stay tuned for painting progress updates of Christopher's violin.
- Sept. - Nov, 2009
Artwork by Christopher Phelps decorated the lobby of the 1755 Blake Street Project, Denver, Colorado.

OIL PAINTING PORTRAIT COMMISSION SERVICES -
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A commissioned oil portrait painting is the most distinguished way to honor exceptional individuals and treasured memorable occasions.

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Master Portrait Artist Christopher Phelps’ captivating artistry and
unique talent will make your portrait literally come to life on the canvas. You must see his portrait paintings in person to realize their richness, unbelievable realism and unprecedented attention detail.

Christopher Phelps respects your time and privacy, and is always straight forward, flexible and comfortable to work with. You can choose a private sitting/photo shoot at the location of your choice or the option to work from your personal photographs.

After gathering the necessary imagery, Christopher Phelps will create a mock-up of the final painting for your approval or adjustments. Then you will be amazed as your portrait painting comes to life in as few as 2 weeks. During the painting process you will receive multiple rounds of emailed proofs of your portrait painting for approval.

Christopher Phelps always tries to work within a client’s specific time frame. He backs each of his works with a lifetime craftsmanship guaranteeing it will remain as bright and vibrant as the day it was received. To learn more about commissioning an exclusive Christopher Phelps portrait painting visit the frequently asked questions page.

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If you have any questions, please call Christopher Phelps directly at: 303.718.7575

 

Christopher Phelps . 6731 S. Clayton Way . Centennial, CO 80122 . phone 303.718.7575

Copyright 2010 Artist (Christopher Phelps) owns the copyright of all artworks displayed.
Use of artwork is prohibited without written permission from the artist.