He enjoys the whole process of tempera - from the traditional gessoing (which most tempera painters hate) to the slow, careful application of layers of paint. After twenty years, his excitement in seeing a painting gradually come into focus remains undiminished. A recurrent theme in his work has been to contrast opposites: trees versus rocks; organic versus inorganic; soft versus hard. He finds the textural effects and muted colors of tempera are perfectly suited to his subject material.

Phil has exhibited extensively in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine. His work has been shown in Symphony Hall in Boston as well as in two shows featuring egg tempera painters from around the world and a 3-man exhibition entitled Egg Tempera: Three Modern Masters at R. Michelson Galleries in Northampton, Mass. His paintings are in private collections from New York to California. He currently lives in Maine and teaches egg tempera at the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland, Maine.

Phil will be conducting a 3-day workshop on Eagle Island, Maine, September 12, 13 and 14, 2008. All aspects of egg tempera will be covered including how to gesso panels, where to buy supplies, and contemporary as well as traditional painting techniques. Eagle Island has miles of hiking trails, sand and cobble beaches and a lighthouse. Cost: $750. For more information call Phil at: (207) 359-3384 or email: schirmer@netzero.net. Beginners welcome.