Q. How did your journey as an artist begin?
I drew in class growing up but then had an illness for two years. During that time, I found comfort in drawing as a distraction from painful times. I then studied under the renowned Sean Keating of the National College of Art, and was the youngest ever exhibitor at the Royal Hibernian Academy.

Q. Can you share how your early training shaped your Impressionist inspired style?
My early training began at the College of Art in Dublin in 1959 and was greatly enriched by studying in Paris at the Grande Chaumière under Yves Brayer. This Parisian experience immersed me in a tradition that directly influenced my affinity for the Impressionists, particularly their use of light and color.

Philip Corley, Worth Avenue 1925
Oil on Canvas
36 x 24 inches

Q. What life experiences influenced your choice of subjects and color palette?
Ireland was not supportive in the early 60s, so I traveled extensively through Europe before settling in the U.S., which deeply influenced my artistic themes and palette. My love of light and vibrant color was shaped by time spent in the Bahamas and exposure to French Impressionism. These travels inspired my subject matter—scenes of life, people, and surroundings full of warmth and light.

Philip Corley, Tropical Orchid
Oil on Canvas
48 x 60 inches

Q. Many works show scenes from Florida beaches, Havana, and European towns—how did you capture the distinctive spirit of each location?
I captured the spirit of different locations by painting en plein air and focusing on people in their everyday environments. This direct, observational approach allowed me to portray the rhythm and emotion of each place with immediacy and authenticity.

Q. Are there recurring subjects, and why do they appear often in your paintings?
Yes, people and their surroundings are recurring subjects in my work. I’m drawn to everyday life, finding inspiration in ordinary moments that reflect broader cultural and emotional truths.

Philip Corley
Black Out New York City 2003
Oil on Canvas
60 x 48 inches

Q. For someone new to your work, which piece would you recommend they start with and why?
Tropical Orchid reveals my softer side. Worth Avenue 1925 stands out for its ability to transport viewers to another time. Or, Madonna and Child by the late Jack Barry who was a good friend of mine.

Q. What defines your painting technique? Do you work in plein air, use sketchbooks, or rely on photographic references?
I paint en plein air (outdoors), capturing scenes as they unfold naturally. This hands-on approach defines much of my technique. My medium has been oil for the past sixty odd years.

Q. How does your brushwork and color palette help evoke mood and place in your cityscapes, beaches, and everyday scenes?
I use a big palette. Unafraid of colors and depth, especially in my winter scenes, you can feel the depth of how blistering cold it is in my pieces. My use of pure color and love of light—both rooted in French Impressionist influence—help convey mood and place. These elements bring energy and atmosphere to my work, whether painting beaches, cities, or people.

Jack Barry, Madonna and Child
Oil on Canvas
58 x 48 inches

Philip Corley Fine Arts
1133 W Atlantic Ave
Delray Beach, FL 33444
561.270.3992 | 561.932.5888
stephencorley1667@gmail.com
philipcorleyfineart.com