“Rebuilding the Broken, 16 x 20, acrylic on canvas, depicting Nehemiah rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, an illustration by artist Matt Philleo for a book by Russell Stendal, published by Aneko Press, Copyright Matt Philleo 2018. This is a painting I did as an illustration for one of Russell Stendal’s books (published by Aneko Press) on the ancient Jewish governor, Nehemiah. He writes about how Nehemiah rebuilt the wall, and how as Christians, we too can rebuild areas in our lives that have been broken down. In fact, that’s something that God specializes in. Jesus came to save, not destroy people’s lives. He comforts the brokenhearted. In the painting, you can see Nehemiah holding a scroll as he surveys the work being done on the project. But he is there, with the people, not lording it over them like a lot of governors did (and still do.) God has a blueprint, a master plan for our lives. And He came down as a man, as Jesus Christ, to become one of us, and so he knows how we feel when we are hurting. But he is able to restore us again!

2. “Come as Children”

“Come as Children,” 16 x 20, acrylic on canvas portrait, Copyright 2017 by Matt Philleo, artist.

This is another cover illustration I did for Aneko Press on a compilation of Charles Spurgeons’ sermons on children. In the book, he shows that children are important, and we need to come to God like a little child, and treat the little children well. We need to take care of them and teach them. I decided to do a painting of my children when they were a little younger, based on a photo when we were walking in the woods. You can see their innocence and eagerness to travel down the path. I think that’s what God wants for us!

3. Commissioned 8″ x 10″ Portrait of a Young Woman

Commissioned portrait painted from a photo for Roger E., 8″ x 10″, acrylic on canvas, copyright 2018 by Matt Philleo, Eau Claire, WI

This is a commissioned portrait I did for a man in who lives near me, a painting of his wife. I used a series of glazes to slowly build up richness and depth on her face, hair, and sweater. I really like how this one turned out. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process.

How to paint a realistic acrylic portrait of a young woman step by step using the glazing technique. 8 x10 acrylic portrait, copyright 2018 by Matt Philleo, Eau Claire artist

4. “Breakfast with the King”

“Breakfast with the King,” 11 x 14, acrylic on canvas copyright 2017 by Matt Philleo

Another illustration for a Russell Stendal book (Aneko Press) this is a painting that shows the scene in John 21: 1-14 where Jesus meets up with the disciples after His resurrection. He cooks a breakfast for them with a fire of coals, and then Jesus has that conversation with Peter where He restores him after his denial. I really wanted to emphasize the fire, showing that Jesus will build up the fire in our hearts, a passion for Him and His kingdom, if we’ll let Him.

5. “Strength to Rise”

“Strength to Rise”, 16 x 20, acrylic on canvas by artist Matt Philleo, copyright 2017

I’ve been doing a lot of Bible scenes lately. This was yet another book cover illustration for Russell Stendal. By the way, the publisher gets to use the image for their book, but I keep the original paintings. So, if you are interested in any of these, just ask! In this painting, I illustrated the New Testament scene where Peter is on his way to the temple. There’s a crippled beggar by the entrance asking for a handout. Peter gives him a hand-up instead. “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6) The Bible says that instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong, and He got up, praising God. I think I would be too! 

6. “Etched in Experience”

“Etched in Experience” 16″ x 20″, acrylic on canvas by Eau Claire portrait artist Matt Philleo, copyright 2018

In 2016, encouraged by some other artists, I started teaching portrait classes out of my studio at Artisan Forge Studios in Eau Claire. Then I had people online asking me if I would teach a class.

Finally, in 2017, I decided to teach portrait painting classes. My first student was an elderly woman in her mid 80’s. She was so excited, she mailed me a check for the tuition!  Since that time, I’ve taught over 100 students how to paint realistic portraits in acrylic, and it’s been a great experience for me and for them.

This portrait was an example for my class specifically on painting realistic wrinkles in acrylic. One of the students sent me a photo of a distant relative. Actually, I asked my students to submit photos, and they voted on this one here. So I demonstrated how to paint wrinkles, using the glazing technique, building up value, color and detail step-by-step. I call this “Etched in Experience” because all the things this man has gone through in his life has, in part, created a story on his face, with every wrinkle.

7. “Accepted by the King”

“Accepted by the King,” an acrylic painting illustration of Queen Esther standing before the King, by artist Matt Philleo, 16 x 20, acrylic on canvas. Copyright 2018, Matt Philleo

What would you do if you had one chance to save yourself and your family from death? That’s the opportunity that Esther had, along with all the pressure. In fact, if she failed in her mission, she would die. This is an illustration (yes, another book cover illustration for Russell Stendal published by Aneko Press) showing the ancient Jewish Queen of Persia as she stood before the king, having entered into his palace uninvited. If he was happy with her, she lived. If not, she would die. But in that fateful moment, amazed by her beauty and courage, he held out his scepter, and granted her request.

I think that’s how God will treat us. When we come into His throne room, dressed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, He will also give us mercy and favor. We can ask him anything!

8. “48” x 72″ Commissioned Portrait, in Progress”

Commissioned portrait of couple hiking in New Zealand, in progress, 48″ x 72″ acrylic on canvas, painting, copyright 2018 by Matt Philleo

Lastly, I want to show you this painting, a work in progress. You can read more about the beginnings of it here. This is my second largest painting I’ve ever done. It fills up almost half my studio! It’s a commission from a man in Brunei, who wanted a portrait done of he and his wife climbing beautiful mountains in New Zealand. I’d say it’s about 25%  done right now. I thank God for all of His blessings, including this commission.

When it is finished, it will have to be packaged in a wooden crate to protect it in its long journey across the world. My goal is to have it finished by the end of October.

So, that a snapshot of a few of the paintings I’ve been working on this past year. I look forward to sharing them with you at the Falling Leaves Art Studio Tour!