Joel Phillips (California, b. 1960), "The Autumn Trail", oil on canvas

sight: 24 x 18 in., frame: 31.5 x 25.5 in.

Provenance: Property from a home in San Antonio, Texas

Joel Phillips, born in Midland, Texas, grew up immersed in cowboy and ranching culture, inspiring his early focus on painting horses and cattle. After his family moved to California, he expanded his artistic themes to include Western icons like Spanish missions and vaqueros, often using secular imagery to express spiritual ideas. Phillips earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pepperdine University in 1982 and balanced ranch work with painting, eventually establishing a successful career with gallery representation in both Texas and California. Known for his Western-themed art, he has exhibited in prominent museums including the Museum of Abilene, the Gilcrease Museum, and the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, and has been featured in Art of the West magazine.