Matt Philleo is an award-winning professional fine artist, working primarily in acrylics. Since 1991, he began doing commissioned portraits in pencil as a youth. During high school, he began to experiment with acrylics, and struggled with them, until he learned the classical glazing technique, taught by artist and university instructor Norbert Kox. This opened up a whole world of vibrancy, depth and realism. Philleo pursued technical excellence with this medium with further instruction at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and through hours of practice.
In 2009, he began his career as a fine artist. Since then, he has painted and drawn hundreds of portraits and inspirational fine art for collectors worldwide, winning awards and acclaim for his work as a portrait artist. In 2017, he began teaching art classes both in person and online through the school he founded, Realistic Acrylic Portrait School. Over 1,000 students have taken his classes, and with his guidance, many have painted a realistic portrait on their very first attempt!
Currently, he lives with his wife and three children in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. In his spare time, he enjoys praying, singing, reading, taking walks with his dog Max, grilling out, and camping with family.
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
1993: Acrylic Glazing Technique Intensive, Norbert Kox, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
1996: Foundations, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
2000: Intro to Painting, Scott Robertson, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
EXHIBITIONS
2000: Student Art Show, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
2001: ArtsWest Exhibit, Eau Claire, Wisc.
2004: CommonPlace of Origin Group Exhibition, Heyde Center for the Arts, Chippewa Falls, Wisc.
2005: Group Exhibition, Higher Grounds Art Gallery, Chippewa Falls, Wisc.
2009: Solo Art Show, Banbury Place, Eau Claire, Wisc.
2011: Falling Leaves Art Tour
2015: Volume One Prints & Cards Art Show
2016: Artisan Forge Studios Art Market Show
2017: Artisan Forge Studios Art Market Show
2019: Real Life Art Show, Solo Exhibition, Heyde Center for the Arts, Chippewa Falls, Wisc.
2022: Falling Leaves Art Tour
2023: Falling Leaves Art Tour