Tribute by Alfred Memelink for Phil Dickson

Its with a saddened heart that I share that one of our favourite artists, Phil Dickson passed away recently.

Phil has exhibited his beautiful oils, sketches and watercolours with our gallery since we opened.

Our creative friendship goes a lot further back though, as well as being an amazing and gifted artist, Phil was a wonderful creative friend and we spent many enjoyable years on various different art groups committees where you could not only count on his valued input but also his wacky and witty sense of humour. If you were lucky, at the end of a committee meeting, you could be treated to a superb cartoon that he had quickly sketched up about a topical and hotly discussed meeting item which would have you in fits of laughter and thus finish the meeting on a high note.

Phil and his wonderful wife Jenny were also an amazing dynamic hardworking team who could always be counted on to help set up the annual Watercolour New Zealand Splash exhibitions and always with a smile. Our sincere condolences to Jenny and family.

RIP Phil, we'll miss your art, good humored company and a smile.

Alfred Memelink

---

"I met Phil on a monthly painting group with Watercolour NZ. He was very friendly, helpful and a wonderful watercolourist. (Later I discovered he was just as talented in oils). He suggested I might like to join the Wgtn Art Club where he eventually encouraged me to stand for President, saying he couldnt stand himself because of the anxiety he suffered with.

I felt I could always rely on Phil for support and encouragement, he was consistent and I thank him for that. He also possessed a quirky sense of humour and a kindness which I, and others, really appreciated.
I thank you for your friendship and advice Phil. Im really missing you.

Judy Langham

---

"So incredibly sad to hear about Phil. Really great guy, fantastic sense of humour and such a talented artist. I loved his paintings and always had fascinating chats with him at the outdoor painting days around Wellington and at Splash. Will miss you Phil, RIP."

Rob James

---

"I didn't know him, yet it's always sad to lose those we admire, love and respect. Condolences to all."

Elise De Silva

---

"Sad to hear of Phils passing, to all. I will never forget the safari at Flock Hill, when Phil gave us a demo of all the train sounds, so clever, close your eyes and it felt like you were by the train tracks. So talented and I always loved seeing his amazing cartoons and colourful paintings and humour. RIP Phil. "

Ann Bassberry:

---

"Gosh thats sad, I only met Phil at the Methven paintaway but just jelled with him. Such a good sort."

Susie Millichamp:

---

"A great loss, condolences to the family. I always admired Phils remarkable skill and deep understanding of nz landscapes."

Janey Lovell-Smith:




Back to news