Phil was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the 2nd oldest son in a family of eight. At the age of three years he contracted infantile paralysis (polio) which paralyzed his right side. After a hospital stay of six months he was able to return home. A number of operations were required thru the years and the last one being a total hip replacement. At the present time he is able to get around with the help of a cane.

A self-taught artist with an early awareness of nature and the beauty of Michigan's out-of-doors is reflected in many of his drawings and paintings today. Phil did not start working on fulfilling his dream of being a wildlife artist until after he was thirty years of age. He worked in the field of architectural drawing and then went on to be a graphic artist, which he continues with to the present time. The media, he uses most are Pencil, Pen & Ink, Pastel and Acrylic paint. His subject matter ranges from Michigan's old barns, light houses, scenic landscape, to the lovable birds and animals that we see every day, with a real interest and concern for the endangered wildlife of our world. As a graphic artist for a number of years, pen & ink drawings became a natural way for him to express his love for animal's and the things around him. Phil has issued a number of Pen & Ink Limited Edition Prints. The Black and White pictures are first done as Pen & Ink drawings. From this art work, a film negative is made and then lithographs are printed from a metal plate. These copies are called limited edition prints, because only a controlled number is printed and the plate is then destroyed. Prints are then signed and numbered. Afterwards, the hand coloring of pastel color is applied and they become the hand colored limited edition print.

Phil's talent as an artist is a God given gift. His work is gaining recognition throughout the United States and has received several awards on his paintings. Through his artwork, Phil expresses his feelings and his love for God's wonderful creations.