Phil Epp, born August 28, 1946, in Henderson, Nebraska, is a distinguished American artist renowned for his evocative depictions of the American Midwest and Southwest landscapes. Raised on a crop and cattle farm, Epp's early life in rural Nebraska deeply influenced his artistic vision, instilling in him a profound appreciation for the expansive skies and open terrains that would be become central themes in his work.

Epp's artistic journey began at Bethel College in Kansas, where he studied under mentors Bob Regier, Paul Fiesen, and Mike Almanza. His education was interrupted by alternative government service during the Vietnam era, but he was able to finish his degree in 1972. Post-graduation, Epp dedicated 30 years teaching art in the Newton, Kansas public schools, retiring in 2003. 

Phil Epp's work is characterized by minimalist compositions featuring low horizons, stylized cloud formations, and subtle indications of human presence: barns, fences, boxcars, horses. His paintings often employ multiple layers of acrylic paint, achieving a luminous, atmospheric quality that draws the viewers into the contemplative space. Epp's paintings also contain a profound sense of stillness, imbuing each piece, with a momentary, almost romantic quality. These quiet moments allow the viewer to pause and reflect, as if time itself is suspended within Epp's landscapes. 

Influenced by artists like Mark Rothko, Richard Serra, Maynard Dixon, and Thomas Hart Benton, Epp melds elements of Regionalism, Modernism, and Abstract Expressionism, creating a unique visual language that resonates with viewers across generations and geographies. 

While Epp's roots are in the Midwest, his artistic reach extends into the American Southwest. The stark, sun-drenched deserts of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona have inspired him to expand his visual vocabulary. The Southwestern landscape with its endless skies, adobe architecture, and mesas serve as a natural extension of his established themes, lending his work even more depth and dramatic contrast. 

Epp's reputation has drawn the attention of major collectors, including Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed filmmaker and creator of Yellowstone, 1883, Tulsa King, and Sicario. Sheridan, known for his own deep appreciation of the Western ethos, recently acquired two of Epp's paintings. This connection highlights how Epp's work captures not only the aesthetic beauty of the West, but also its emotional and narrative power.

Photo of Epp and Sheridan taken by Peter Robbins. 

The Kansas City Chiefs have also recognized Epp's artistic contributions. His triptych painting, Open Spaces, is part of the Arrowhead Art Collection at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The piece, made of three 6.5' h x 11' w panels, references a passing storm, as a reference to the adversities in life we all must overcome through resilience. These panels were so large, the owner of Leopold, Paul Dorrell, had to find a special place for Epp to paint. In the end, the downtown Kansas City airport offered Epp a spare airplane hanger. 

Epp's public and private commission include murals, sculptures, and installations across the U.S. In 2009, he was invited to represent American art abroad through the U.S. Department of State's Art in Embassies program, with exhibitions in Lativa, Kazkhstan, Africa, and Fiji.

Epp also holds an annual presence at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, where is work is regularly featured in the "Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale." This prestigious event is a cornerstone of Western art, attracting collectors and institutions from across the globe. 

In 1985 Epp recieved the Kansas Governor's Artist Awared and was inducted into the Cowboy Artists of American in 2016, an honor reserved for those who represent the highest standards of Western art. His work continues to collected by both private and corporate collections, and public institutions including: the Kauffman Foundation, the Taos Art Museum, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Coutts Museum, Spencer Museum University of Kansas, Kansas State Historical Museum, Marianna Kistler Beach Museum Kansas State University, H&R Block Headquarters, Federal Home Loan Bank, the City of Olathe, the City of Overland Park and more. 

Today, Phil Epp lives in Kansas, painting powerful homages to the land with both a view and a feeling, a breath, a moment of stillness beneath endless skies. 

Live Inspired. HC