John R. Phelps

The paintings and sculpture of John R. Phelps reflect the rich historical spirit of the great state of Wyoming . His works are a chronicle of it’s past and present, brushed onto canvas and cast in bronze.

John has served as a guide for elk and big horn sheep hunters in the Fitzpatrick and Glacier Wilderness areas. A lifetime of cowboying, horse packing, hunting and fishing lend credence to his subject matter.

In 1999, his painting for the Arts for the Parks competition was accepted in the top 100 and went on to win the Grand Teton Natural History Association Award of Merit, given each year for the painting “which best captures the essence of Grand Teton National Park”.

His work has been commissioned for both the Jackson Hole Old West Days and the Wyoming Centennial. He has been an invited artist to the CM Russell Auction, in Great Falls Montana , for over 15 years. His paintings and sculpture have twice received the Award of Excellence at the NatureWorks show in Tulsa , Oklahoma .

In the year 2000, his oil painting of a Wyoming cowgirl, “Marrette”, was selected from over 400 entries for the Peoples Choice Award at the Wind River Valley Artists’ Guild 51st National Art Show in Dubois , Wyoming . At this same show in 2001, with over 450 entries, the Peoples Choice Award again went to John for his painting, “Jackson Hole Saturday Night”. In this show he also received the Grumbacher Award, Portrait Award, Still Life Painting Award, Professional Oil Painting Award and the Purchase Award.

Robert Koenke, of Wildlife Art Magazine, says, “John paints with the excitement and realism of an artist who really knows the subject. The fact that he knows the history, that he’s been there, gives his work a strong authenticity.

John was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming, attended the University of Wyoming, served with the Navy in Viet Nam and now lives, with his wife Christine, in Dubois, Wyoming.