Born in 1968, Philbeck grew up in rural Cleveland County, North Carolina. He now resides just across the line in the foothills in Rutherford County. There hasn't been a time in his 37 years when he didn't paint. The surroundings in which he grew up are frequent subjects for his paintings. Among his favorites are landscapes with farms, streams, ponds, coastal scenes or anything with which he feels an emotional attachment. Sometimes he'll indulge himself with a still-life. Though he's known for the skill with which he carries out all aspects of his work, he particularly noted for the profusion of details throughout and his skies. "The sky sets the basic tone for my landscapes", he adds. A skill which separates him from most artists is his attention to specific details and staying away from a generic look. He favors differentiating between types of shape and texture of objects in his paintings such as different species of trees or cloud formations. "The texture of oak leaves is different from a persimmon at a distance. Also in winter, the bare limbs have a character all their own. Springtime is also wonderful to contrast the differing buds such as the differing character between the muted greenish brown of the pin oak and the pale cool green of the white oak. I also like the textures of snow, from fresh new fallen snow to snow that has been trampled down a bit from people and animals going through it."

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