Bette Phillips, Pastel Artist

This website has been set up to showcase some of my work in six photo galleries....

I began pastelling in 2003 after attending a two day work shop with Maxine Thompson (a highly sought after master pastellist).

Having learnt the basic rules of applying pastel, I branched out from portraiture work to still life, animals, florals and studies of inanimate objects. I love photo-realism and the strict discipline and technical correctness this style demands.

I believe my work showcases the potential that the pastel medium has in that it may be used in the same confidence and achieve the same results that oil medium as been associated with for millennium.

Pastel is pure pigment and its origins are raw and primal. It is easy to use having no fumes and no cleansers or thinners are required. It does not dry lighter or darker (as does paint) and there is no time wasted waiting for layers to dry.

Colours are mixed on the page so there is minimal waste – no throwing away unused colour.

Pastel is very forgiving and mistakes are easily corrected. As it is a very vulnerable medium, once complete, each image is conservationally framed behind glass immediately for its own protection. For this reason I do not sell my works unframed.

To express an interest in my paintings, please e-mail me with the name of the painting(s) and any information you require...