|  “Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with”
~Mark Twain St. Petersburg, Florida artist Robert Phelps is a big fan of Mark Twain...and the Rolling Stones...and Hunter S. Thompson...and boxing....and nymphs...and John Lennon....and animals, especially dogs and cats... Naturally exuberant, he paints what gives him joy, believing this to be the highest form of artistic “statement”. “I have to force myself to focus on a singular theme for a set period of time in order to complete a show. I am fascinated by so many things and want to wander down so many paths that I have to be disciplined.” “Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.” ~Vincent Van Gogh
“When you love something you can really “see” it. Otherwise your eyes are dulled with stale ideas or crusted with preconceptions or agendas. I consider my paintings to be just intimate celebrations of what IS. I take great pleasure in simply exploring the subject and having a color party in my studio. A greater pleasure is sharing a love with someone. Other Rolling Stones fans know how much pleasure they take from their music and its fun to paint Mick Jagger so we can both enjoy together. The other knows what you mean to say. No interpretation or explanation is required”
A self taught artist, Robert began painting murals in high school. In 1996 at the age of 19, he went to work for Disney as a scenic painter during the construction of the Animal Kingdom. Since then he’s been working as a decorative painter as well as a fine artist. He specializes in vibrant, figurative works of subjects ranging from Hells Angels and professional fighters to striped kittens and teacup chihuahuas. “I love painting dogs because they have a purity that I find emboldening. They are unabashedly enthusiastic, defiantly lazy, naturally calming, and fiercely loyal. For a guy who tends to think too much they are a great reminder to Keep It Simple Stupid....or Sweetheart, whichever you prefer. They wake up your heart. Paradoxically their simplicity and consistency inspire and arouse our highest and most refined human emotions. They make us more “human” with their antics and mere presence than all the human “progress” ever devised.” Through the years Robert has participated in many group shows, charity events and private exhibitions. Often collaborating with his brother Thomas who is also a painter, the duo have displayed a wide range of artistic styles and subjects. Unfortunately he is notoriously inept at keeping track of his adventures so you will just have to see for yourself.
ARTIST ROBERT PHELPS
Have some fun with Pop Art!
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Saturday, April 21st, 2012
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Treasure Island Fun Center
BellaDOG Newsletter |
Franklin family’s dogs taken by animal officer, placed with new owners
FRANKLIN, Maine — Last fall, the Warren family had two Golden Retrievers, Bella and Jake, that were considered integral members of a household which includes four young children. Now the dogs have been placed with a new owner somewhere in New England after they took off from the Warrens’ yard in early November and failed to return.
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