Coles Phillips Paintings

Clarence Coles Phillips was an American artist and illustrator best known for his innovative advertisements and magazine cover art which embodied the early 20th-century style. He was born on October 3, 1880, in Springfield, Ohio, and began his artistic career with no formal training in art. His natural talent, however, quickly became apparent.

Phillips moved to New York City to pursue his career in art and managed to secure a position at The Life Publishing Company. His distinctive style, which often featured elegant women and an inventive use of negative space, became his trademark and brought him widespread recognition. One of his most celebrated contributions to graphic design is the 'fadeaway girl' motif, in which the subject's clothing would blend seamlessly into the background, leaving only her face and limbs visible.

His work was highly sought after, and he soon became a regular contributor to the Saturday Evening Post, one of the era's most prestigious publications. Phillips' illustrations captivated the American public and his fame was further cemented by commercial work for companies like Luxite Hosiery and Oneida Community Par Plate cutlery. Despite his success, Phillips' life and career were cut short when he died on June 13, 1927, in New Rochelle, New York, due to kidney disease.

Coles Phillips was a pioneer in the field of advertising and his innovative techniques in graphic design influenced the development of advertising and illustration throughout the 20th century. His legacy is still felt today, and his works are considered classic examples of American art and design.