Hello!…and thank you for your interest in visiting my site! I am Phyllis Howard and live with my husband in the beautiful and scenic Skagit Valley in Washington State. I’m blessed to be living with such breathtaking views that delight and ignite my artistic passion.

I’ve been involved in art since I was too young to remember, winning my first competition in kindergarten with a rendition of our house in Japan, complete with a bamboo fence and creek. Currently I enjoy working in acrylic, graphite, and color pencil generally in a realistic style. Much of my work is large scale since I’m also a muralist specializing in commissioned pieces painted on location or on transportable supports.

My work is shown locally, in the Vancouver (Washington) area, and in North Texas. I have been a muralist during the month long Skagit Valley Tulip Festival "Art in a Pickle Barn" show presented annually by the Skagit Art Association. Please enjoy viewing my new works and feel free to contact me with questions, comments or an interest in a special work.

Commissions from photographs or collaborations accepted.

I look to nature for inspiration for my artwork. I value life and our Creator and am therefore awed as I research a subject, particularly a breathing creature. I often wonder what is being reflected into their eyes.

In my “Wild Things Collection”, the eyes of these large creatures are the compelling factor. Each has a personality and the expression sensed in the stance of their bodies or their stares. In most of them gentleness and restraint are evident, even when wary or in warning. Sometimes I see playfulness and sometimes it’s hard to have any idea. But I always wonder.

An original takes from 10 – 40 hours to create with care given to minute details, the cast of shadows, the dip of an ear and frequently the glint reflected from the eyes. It’s my desire that you also feel admiration and respect for these magnificent creatures as you view them from my perspective.