Phil Capen (b. 1940)
Phil Capen was born in 1940 and grew up in northern Michigan, where he learned the basics of art from his father.
In 1970, Artist Phil Capen began his art career in Miami, painting boats and coastal scenes. He became interested in Florida birds and started to explore the Everglades National Park. It was his visit to Marsh Harbour in the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas that inspired the beginning of his well-known paintings of island life in the Abacos.
Before painting evolved into his full-time job, Capen pursued his careers in industrial chemistry and teaching. During this time, he taught Tripp Harrison and has now crossed paths from the educational to the gallery setting. Having formerly pursued his careers in industrial chemistry and teaching, Capen then devoted himself to painting as his main occupation, studying under Charles Hawes (AWS) in the West Indies
Capen and his wife, Rosemary, live part of the year in Green Turtle Cay in the Abaco Islands. He enjoys island life saying, “people are more self-reliant; life is simpler and more basic.” Phil’s love for the Abacos is evident in his realistic portrayals of island life. His work has been featured in the Arts for the Parks sponsored by the United States National Parks. He is an exhibiting member of the American Artist Professional League and the International Society of Marine Painters.
He now resides with his wife Rosemary, on the coast of Central Florida, and spends several months each year at a second home in Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, Bahamas
