Philip Frey’s new work for his upcoming solo exhibition, A Quiet Eye, is inspired by the landscape, interior spaces, and the figure. In his daily experience, Frey pay close attention to the ephemeral qualities of light, color, and pattern that often go unnoticed. His process involves the use of brushes, palette knives, and squeegees to develop a rich paint surface and abstractions that evoke a sense of momentariness and appreciation for, as Wordsworth wrote, “the life of things.”

Philip Frey (b.1967) is best known for his bold paintings of Maine’s coastline, landscape, and working waterfronts. His primary focus is color and light, and the inherent forms found in nature, interiors, and figures. He paints from direct perception, preferring the dynamic quality, richness, and challenges of working from life. In 2016, the University of Maine Zillman Art Museum mounted a solo exhibition of Frey’s work. His work has been highlighted in numerous publications and several books, including Philip Frey: Here and Now (Marshall Wilkes 2018) by Daniel Kany and Carl Little; and Art of Acadia, and Paintings of Portland both by Carl Little and David Little. Frey studied at Columbus College of Art and Design and earned his BFA in Painting from Syracuse University in 1990. He was awarded the Heliker-LaHotan Foundation Residency in 2012. Frey’s work can be found in numerous private and corporate collections, including the Zillman Art Museum, The Jackson Laboratory, Harlan Coben, Dick Wolf Films. Frey lives in Sullivan, Maine, where he maintains a year-round studio.

“A Quiet Eye is a testament to Frey’s ever-evolving dedication to revealing the dynamic life of the natural world and interior structures we inhabit. He combines discerning execution with an inspired eye for momentary flashes of pattern, color, and wonderment.” — Katherine Wilkes, Catalog 2024

“Frey’s art occupies the nexus between contemporary painting and brushy traditionalism. If there is a focus to this new direction in Maine painting, his art is it.” — Daniel Kany