“In Their Own Words” is the latest series by Artist Phil Vance. Known as word portraits or word paintings, the technique is similar to cross hatching or pointillism. Quotes are written or painted over one another to create depth through density or optical mixing. Phil is currently exploring more color portraits using acrylic and oil paints and will be evolving his “In Their Own Words” series in exciting new directions.
“I don’t wanna get over you…”
Waylon Jennings in his own Lyrics (2024)
Ink on Acrylic Paper 18x24in
“Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose…”
Kris Kristofferson in his own Lyrics (2024)
Ink on Acrylic Paper 18x24in
“and I, will always love you...”
Dolly Parton in her own Lyrics (2024)
Ink on Acrylic Paper 18x24in
“You’re my, my, my, my lover”
Taylor Swift in her own Lyrics (2024)
Acrylic Paint on Acrylic paper, 18x21in
“I’m going off to work in tall buildings…”
John Hartford in his own Lyrics (2024)
Ink on Acrylic Paper 24x18in
“Falling away from me…”
Jonathan Davis in his own Lyrics (2024)
Ink on Watercolor Paper 24x36in
“Buy the ticket, take the ride”
Hunter S. Thompson in his own words (2021)
Acrylic Paint on Canvas, 40x60in
“Kneeled on a man’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds”
Dave Chappelle in his own words (2021)
Acrylic Paint on Canvas 40x60in
“I might not be too good at most things I do, but I am the very best at missing you.”
Willy Tea Taylor in his Own Lyrics
Acrylic Paint on Canvas 24x30in
“Be fearful when others are greedy. Be greedy when others are fearful.” - Warren Buffet
Bears Versus Bulls
Acrylic on Oil Paper
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen…”
The Joker in His Own Words (2018)
Acrylic Paint on Watercolor paper, 22x30in
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!”
Audrey Hepburn in Her Own Words (2017)
Pen on Watercolor Paper, 22x30 in
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Winston Churchill in His Own Words (2018)
Acrylic Paint on Oil Paper, 32x38in
“Inspiration does exist but it must find you working.”
Pablo Picasso in His Own Words (2017)
Ink on Watercolor Paper, 22x30in
“I don’t paint to live, I live to paint.”
Willem de Kooning in His Own Words (2017)
Ink on Watercolor Paper, 22x30in
“Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn’t.”
Mark Twain in His Own Words (2015)
Ink on Watercolor Paper, ~3x5ft
“We adore chaos because we love to produce order.”
MC Escher in His Own Words (2017)
Ink on Watercolor Paper, 22x30in
“Sooner or later God’ll cut you down.”
Johnny Cash in His Own Words (2017)
Ink on Watercolor Paper, 22x30in
“The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way.”
Charlie Chaplin in His Own Words (2017)
Ink on Watercolor Paper, 22x30in
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
Albert Einstein in His Own Words (2014)
Ink on Watercolor Paper 34x42in
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Galleries
In their own Words
“In their own words is a series of portraits created by writing quotes by that particular person thousands of times. While each portrait has the same theme, they are rendered in unique ways to show off the style itself as well as the personality of each individual.”
Self#me
“Self#me is a series of oil paintings exploring life in an age of instant pleasure, self promotion, narcissism and isolation. Big brother is always watching and in an age without privacy, we create the narrative of ourselves; no matter how false it may be.”
Abstractions
of the City
“Abstractions of the City is a long running series of abstract paintings done in various mediums. Originally a response to previous work exploring order through chaos, this series instead strives to produce chaos from ordered systems. It explores abstract concepts of color relationships, depth, pattern and rhythm.”
Illustrations
“Illustrations done in pen, ink, watercolor, acrylic and digital media. ”
Portraits
“Digital portraits created using a Wacom tablet and Corel Painter. Exploration of styles and colors meant to bring each person to life in a unique manner.”
Landscapes
“Semi abstract landscape paintings done with a Wacom Tablet and Corel Painter. Exploring patterns, colors and rhythms to give a twist on the traditional landscape painting.”