Phil was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the 2nd oldest son in a family of eight. At the age of three years he contracted infantile paralysis (polio) which paralyzed his right side. After a hospital stay of six months he was able to return home. A number of operations were required thru the years and the last one being a total hip replacement. At the present time he is able to get around with the help of a cane.

A self-taught artist with an early awareness of nature and the beauty of Michigan's out-of-doors is reflected in many of his drawings and paintings today. Phil did not start working on fulfilling his dream of being a wildlife artist until after he was thirty years of age. He worked in the field of architectural drawing and then went on to be a graphic artist, which he continues with to the present time. The media, he uses most are Pencil, Pen & Ink, Pastel and Acrylic paint. His subject matter ranges from Michigan's old barns, light houses, scenic landscape, to the lovable birds and animals that we see every day, with a real interest and concern for the endangered wildlife of our world.