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.
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