Bette Phillips had a life-changing experience in February 2003 when she attended a Maxine Thompson pastel portraiture weekend workshop at Woocoo Shire Hall, Maryborough. It was there that she learnt the basic techniques of using pastels.
She continues to develop those techniques which now define her as an artist worth watching.
Bette has her studio at ‘Yeltuka’ (a local Aboriginal word meaning ‘the new place’) at Antigua, 25 kilometres south-west of Maryborough in Queensland. She has carved a new place for herself, with her work easily bringing $1,200 per piece; and currently pushing up towards $2,500. Her commissioned works are held in private collections in the USA and Britain, and across Australia. When you glance at Bette’s art work, you wonder if you are looking at some well planned and carefully composed photography. Her pastels are so motivating, you feel you could take one home.
Most who have seen her work perceive that Bette Phillips has taken her craft to a higher level.
Bette recently answered some questions for lovers of pastels.
THE TECHNIQUE?
The golden rule in pastelling is to put down your dark colours/ shades first, and build up to light shades over the top. I complete my underdrawing in pastel pencil in a dark colour (in a colour compatible with the subject) and only then – when I am satisfied that I have everything in perspective and correctly apportioned – I begin the layering of dark colours; building up to light, and finally the ‘highlights’ on top.
I have seen many pastel techniques and realise that everyone has their own individual approach. Some artists boldly use loose vibrant colours and leave the pastel rough and raw looking; and the layering of colour can be seen quite clearly.
This story is from the No 167 edition of Artists Palette.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the No 167 edition of Artists Palette.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Eye of Observation
Draw, draw, and draw some more; develop your artist’s eye of observation. Sterling advice from a lady who believes that seeing shapes in paintings requires a truly ‘arty’ eye.
Pelicans To Portraits
This lady has painted everything from pelicans to portraits. She has completed commissions including cats, dogs, horses, possums, numerous beach scenes … and even a Scottish piper.
Gregory John Brennan: Lost Profession
Looking back on his early career as a bulldozer driver, this rural New South Wales painter laments the days when he was too young to appreciate his outstanding potential as an artist.
Pastels: Once We Were Important
A simplified and well named painting tells a powerful and interesting story. This clever pastel artist is delighted to share her techniques for the benefit of others.
Fibre Art
This artist feels that the hardest lesson she had to learn was to believe in herself … and once she did that, everything started to fall into place and her confidence grew.
Water Lily Magic
Instead of paper and paint, this artist uses fabric and threads … and she uses a sewing machine instead of a brush. The textures, colours and prints of fabrics thrown together with threads fascinate her, and often give inspiration for her designs.
Loading Wheat – 1920s
It is rare to see an artist displaying this level of skill and understanding in capturing the activity and atmosphere of bygone days from Australia’s agricultural history.
‘Jama' – King Cheetah
This exquisitely talented lady believes that every artist has failures … but it is important to remember that every success is better than the one before.
Blahuta's Ute
Early in the year we ran a feature about ‘Utes in the Paddock’ – a landmark project by several notable artists. In this article, one of those artists shares his story and some of his views … and describes the process of creating his own piece of an amazing collaborative work.
Artists' Easels
Many important tools are employed by artists in creating their paintings. Artists’ easels are now available in a host of styles and configurations to enhance the creative process. Some of your favourite art materials suppliers are more than pleased to highlight a selection of the many products being offered.
