Now Appearing

In March, 2024, Phil's work was displayed in an exhibition at the Southeast Texas Art Museum. Hear world champion wood carver Phil Brannan talk about the inspiration for his art on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"It took several years of pondering the difficulty of carving such a complex creature. The detailed planning, engineering and design resulted in a Best in World title in the Decorative Miniature Division at the Breakthrough World Fish Carving Championships, Springfield MO. It was carved out of Tupelo Gum and painted with acrylic washes. The base is Feather Crotch Maple and Black Walnut."--Phil Brannan

"Catching a Smallmouth Bass will leave an indelible impression on your memory. They are extremely feisty for their size, and their beautiful bronze colors made this piece fun to recreate. The fish, rocks, leaf, and root habitat are all carved from Tupelo Gum. Painted with acrylic washes."--Phil Brannan

"Every kid’s first fish is usually the Bluegill Bream. It is colorful, always willing to bite, and is a strong, aggressive fighter. Its carved habitat consists of a cypress knee which comprises its natural surroundings in swamps and bayous indigenous to this area. Carved in Tupelo Gum and painted with acrylic washes."--Phil Brannan

"Chasing the elusive Lunker Largemouth Bass is an addiction that few fishermen overcome, and the only cure is to catch another one! It took over 20 years carving off and on to complete this piece. Base is comprised of a Manzanita root, with a granite and black walnut base. Carved from Basswood (of course) and painted with acrylic washes."--Phil Brannan

"The inspiration of this piece came from mainly the frog itself, trying to free itself from its aquatic nemesis. Made of Tupelo Gum, the natural root ball and lily pads complement the composition. Painted with acrylic washes."--Phil Brannan

"I was introduced to saltwater fishing and flounder gigging by my wife, Robin. This was the scene I became accustomed to seeing on the all-night excursions. I just had to carve this flatfish waiting for its next meal. Both fish and sand textured base are carved in Basswood and painted with acrylic washes. CCA Texas (Coastal Conservation Association) commissioned reproductions of this piece in 2019 for fundraising events."--Phil Brannan

"After catching this gorgeous fish on a recent trip to Alaska, it was something I had to add to my collection. It’s acrobatic jumps and strong runs are almost impossible to capture in wood. It is carved with Tupelo Gum, mounted on a natural root system, and painted with acrylic washes."--Phil Brannan

Commemorating a fisherman's Grand Slam from a day of fishing on the jetty--a redfish, a trout, and a flounder. Carved in Tupelo Gum wood and acrylic paint. Hear Phil talk about the Grand Slam of fishing on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

Hear world champion wood carver Phil Brannan talk about what goes in to producing a winning piece, right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (photo by Andy Coughlin/Beaumont Enterprise)

Hear Phil Brannan talk about "checking for eye snags" in his pieces, as he strives for excellence--right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (photo by Andy Coughlin/Beaumont Enterprise)

Hear world wood carving champion Phil Brannan talk about what's involved in creating art in 3-D, right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (photo by Andy Coughlin/Beaumont Enterprise)

The is a picture of the base of Phil's world champion Lion Fish and Moray Eel wood carving. Hear Phil's amazing story about this particular piece, and why it means so much to him, right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

Phil points to the carving that started his journey into 3-D. Hear the incredible story behind the wooden bass on his wall, right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (photo by Andy Coughlin/Beaumont Enterprise)

This stylized trout, carved in Hill Country Juniper, was named Best In World in the Natural Finish division in 2015. Hear Phil Brannan tell the inspirational story of how this world championship piece came to be, right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"Unbelievable!" That is the main adjective to describe the cookies created by Sunni Gonzales, Phil's daughter, through her business "Sugardoodles" Hear Phil talk about his daughter's artistic accomplishments, right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast! (Check out her Facebook page here...it's unbelievable!)

In addition to her custom cookie business with Sugardoodles, Sunni Gonzales is also a renowned mural artist. This mural of hers greets shoppers as they enter the Walmart in Lumberton. Hear Phil talk with Buck and Wanda Carole about murals, right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

Phil's grand-daughter Savannah Gonzales won first place in the Elementary School Grades 3-5 Division at the 2024 South Texas State Fair. Savannah, a 3rd grader at Lumberton Intermediate School, competed against Southeast Texas artists from grades 3-5. Hear Phil proudly talk about his grand-daughter carrying on the family's artistic tradition, right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!