David Neal McPhee is an independent artist whose work reflects a lifelong connection to the sea, shaped by personal history, service, and place. After serving two U.S. Army tours in Iraq and spending seven years in Afghanistan working on U.S. Agency for International Development projects, David began painting in 2007 as a way to process experience and reconnect with the quiet, grounding rhythms of nature. What began as a personal practice has grown into a sustained body of work collected by those drawn to authenticity and narrative depth.
 

Raised on the Maine coast and deeply influenced by years spent lobstering, David’s
paintings honor the working waterfront—its boats, harbors, landscapes, and wildlife, as well as the people and communities that have lived and worked along the shore for generations. His work captures not just the visual beauty of these places, but their character, resilience, and sense of continuity. This coastal influence continues today through his connection to the Florida waterfront, where changing light, expansive skies, and maritime life further inform his work.
 

David approaches each painting as a moment preserved in time. Working outdoors
whenever possible, he develops color, atmosphere, and composition directly from
observation, using pigments that remain true to the scene. His style favors interpretive realism, allowing memory, emotion, and experience to shape the final work without sacrificing authenticity.
 

Each piece is created with the intention of lasting—both materially and emotionally.
Whether working in watercolor, acrylic, or oil, David seeks to offer collectors a work that invites daily reflection and a quiet sense of place. His paintings are not representations alone, but experiences—meant to be lived with and returned to over time.  In keeping with his values, David donates 10% of all gross revenue to organizations supporting veterans, with a focus on addressing veteran homelessness and improving access to care. Collecting his work also supports these ongoing efforts.