Phil Greenwood RE

Phil’s focus on precision and detail lends itself just as much to depicting every facet of a wide mountain vista or huge sky as it does to capturing an autumnal woodland or spring meadow, with every fallen leaf or wildflower shown in perfect detail. His vivid, colourful etchings come in all shapes and sizes, but perhaps most recognisable are the expansive landscapes which are among the biggest works we have in the gallery.

He was born in Dollgellau, North Wales, and now lives in Kent. Having studied at both Harrow and Hornsey Schools of Art, he had a brief spell as a teacher and lecturer in printmaking before becoming a full-time artist and printmaker in 1971, and going on to attract attention all over the world.

Working largely on copper plates, his method is extremely economical in that he only uses two plates and two or three colours. By varying the depth of the etch, and by overprinting and fusing different shades, he manages to achieve a wide range of tone and colour. The atmosphere and feel of a place serves as his main inspiration, so the mood that his work evokes is a key motivation. Some of his pictures depict real places, while many originate as a blend of ideas and feelings from his memory.

In 1972 Phil was invited to become an associate of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers, and he was elected a fellow in 1982. His work has been shown in countries around the globe, including France, Belgium, Greece, Canada, and New Zealand, as well as featuring in major exhibitions in Japan and America. Over the years he has also featured in numerous books, calendars, greetings cards and even album covers.