When it comes to realistic art, traditional media like oil paints and pencils often come to mind. But in Galahad, David MacPhee introduces a unique medium: layered, cut colored paper. Created with watercolor inks and Berol sticks, this commissioned portrait of a white cat resting in a sunlit window exemplifies MacPhee’s distinctive technique—using paper as paint.
With approximately 30 hours dedicated solely to cutting and layering, Galahad stands as a testament to patience, precision, and craftsmanship. Each carefully placed paper layer creates a rich depth and texture that invites viewers to engage not just visually but almost tactilely, experiencing a softness and vibrancy that few other media can capture.
A Rare Commission from an Engineer-Turned-Artist
David MacPhee’s career spans two demanding worlds: professional engineering and fine art. For over 40 years, he worked as an engineer—most notably at Arkansas Nuclear One—while quietly developing his parallel passion for paper layering art. Full-size commissions like Galahad were rare during his working years due to time constraints, which makes this particular piece all the more special.
The commission came from one of his design engineering managers who requested a portrait of his cat. MacPhee, known for his preference to stay “a working design guy” rather than move into management roles, embraced this project as an enjoyable challenge. His hands-on engineering experience, including supervising noise control solutions on heavy machinery at Reynolds Mining Company, equipped him with the problem-solving skills that translate beautifully into the meticulous demands of paper art.
Why “Galahad”? Exploring Complexity and Charm
The name Galahad evokes nobility and purity—an apt title for a white cat portrayed with great care. Yet, the choice of subject wasn’t only symbolic; white cats are notoriously difficult to depict realistically due to the subtle tonal shifts in their fur. The intricately woven basket that cradles the cat added another layer of complexity, pushing MacPhee’s skills to their limits.
The “kitty in a window” motif is a recurring theme in his work, celebrated for its serene domesticity and narrative potential. Through this composition, MacPhee invites viewers to pause, contemplate the quiet world within the window’s frame, and wonder about the cat’s thoughts and surroundings.
An Engineer’s Discipline Meets Artistic Vision
Born in Ontario and educated at the University of Virginia, MacPhee’s engineering career spanned more than four decades, yet art remained a constant passion. Beginning in 1983, he developed and refined his paper layering process—a technique that transforms simple colored paper into vibrant, painterly compositions.
This dual life as engineer and artist illustrates a rare harmony between technical precision and creative expression. His analytical approach lends itself to the exacting demands of cutting and layering paper, while his artistic sensibility brings warmth and life to each piece.
A New Chapter: Full-Time Focus on Art
Retiring in 2020 marked a turning point for MacPhee, allowing him to fully dedicate himself to his artistic endeavors. Since then, he has launched an online store, PapergraphicsPaperPaintings.com, expanded his body of work, and gained recognition through exhibitions and his membership with the Arkansas Craft Guild.
His presence at the Arkansas Craft Gallery in Mountain View, Arkansas, offers art lovers the opportunity to experience his works firsthand. This new chapter has seen a surge of creativity, with MacPhee exploring fresh subjects while maintaining his signature vibrant color palettes and layered textures.
The Philosophy Behind the Medium
What sets MacPhee’s Papergraphics Paper Paintings apart is the devotion to craft and the belief that art should bring happiness. Each piece is built meticulously, layer upon layer, with no shortcuts. The bright colors of his chosen paper breathe life into every composition, creating an immediacy and intimacy that paint alone may not achieve.
MacPhee’s simple hope—that his work “makes you happy”—resonates deeply. His art captures quiet moments of joy and invites viewers to share in that feeling through a medium that is both innovative and heartfelt.
Conclusion: Crafting Stories Through Paper
Galahad is more than a cat portrait; it is a celebration of craftsmanship, patience, and narrative. Through David MacPhee’s skilled hands, a simple domestic scene transforms into a textured story of light, color, and quiet presence.
This work is a testament to the artist’s lifelong commitment to blending precision with creativity, engineering with art. For those who encounter Galahad—whether online, at a gallery, or in private collections—it offers a moment of calm and beauty, skillfully rendered in layers of colored paper.
