Stan Phillips (1923–2012) Oil on Panel Still Life — Apples, Mug & Knife

Original oil on panel still life by Stan Phillips (American, 1923–2012), signed lower left. The composition features a grouping of four luminous red apples, a reflective pewter-style mug, and a knife resting across a tabletop, all set against a warm textured backdrop. Phillips’ precise handling of light and shadow heightens the realism, while the rich palette brings a timeless depth to the scene.

Stan Phillips, born in Brooklyn and later based in North Egremont, Massachusetts, was recognized for his contemplative still lifes and naturalistic realism. His works have appeared at major auctions including Invaluable and Thomaston Place, with comparable fruit-themed oils achieving strong results, often in the low-to-mid thousands. Professionally framed without glass in a metallic-toned frame with a gold inner liner, this painting is presented ready to display and collect.

Artist Biography: Stan Phillips (1923–2012)

Stan Phillips was an American painter best known for his richly detailed still lifes and naturalistic compositions. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1923/24, Phillips developed an early appreciation for art and later pursued it as his life’s vocation. After relocating to North Egremont, Massachusetts, he dedicated himself full-time to painting, creating works that reflect a strong sensitivity to light, form, and texture.

Phillips’ still lifes—often featuring fruit, tableware, and other domestic objects—demonstrate his careful observation of the natural world and his affinity for traditional realism. His canvases balance clarity with warmth, capturing both the material and atmospheric qualities of his subjects.

Beyond his artistic practice, Phillips was deeply engaged with music, gardening, and woodworking, pursuits that informed the sense of craftsmanship and harmony in his art. His works have appeared at auction houses including Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, Invaluable, and LiveAuctioneers, where they continue to attract collectors. Auction records for his oils range from several hundred dollars to more than $7,000, underscoring his position within the contemporary American realist tradition.

Stan Phillips passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of contemplative still lifes that remain appreciated for their timeless beauty and technical refinement.

Condition

Good overall condition. The painted surface remains intact with strong color and only light handling wear. Backing paper has surface staining, as pictured, which does not affect presentation.

Dimensions

• Overall (framed): 17 × 22 inches
• Visible (sight): 11 × 16 inches