Philippe Couture was born in Drummondville, Canada and raised in Lakeland, Florida where he began drawing and painting at a young age. In 2011, Phil and his wife Rachel moved to Japan, where he studied and painted for 7 years in both the northern region of Aomori and the ancient capital of Kyoto. In 2018, Phil left Asia for Europe and currently resides in Wrocław, Poland.

Both 19th century European realism and 17th-19th century Japanese "Ukiyo-e" wood block prints have been a primary influence on Phil's artwork. His work strives to incorporate the Japanese genre of "Bijin-ga" or "pictures of beautiful women" and his style could be described as impressionistic realism. Having lived for 6 years next to Kyoto's oldest active geisha district, Kamishichiken, Phil naturally became fascinated by geisha and maiko culture. His time in Japan made an indelible impression on his life and artwork.

Primarily self-taught, Phil's art education consisted of drawing and painting from life, studying masterpieces in museums around the world, and employing exercises and techniques taught by classical ateliers. Among his influences are Velasquez, Sargent, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, Waterhouse, Mucha, Utamaro, and Hiroshige.

Aside from studio work, Phil also enjoys painting and drawing outdoors on location whenever he travels. A major component to Phil’s life and art is traveling to unfamiliar places. "I enjoy painting and drawing what piques my interest, which usually includes visiting cultures from around the world." Whether it is painting geisha from Japan, holy men from Nepal, temples in Hong Kong or the rocky shores of Greece, Phil’s artwork is an expression of his experiences and what he finds compelling.

Among the accolades he’s received are:

-BoldBrush Award in the August 2013 BoldBrush Competition

-Best of Show in the 2013 BoldBrush Competition

-1st Place in Artist Portfolio Magazine's 2014 Realism Art Exhibition

-1st place in Artcompetition . net's "Cultural Diversity" 2016 Competition

-Finalist Award in the December 2014 RayMar Art Contest

-Finalist Award in the 2018 ARC International Salon and inclusion in the 13th ARC Salon traveling exhibition in New York City, L.A. and Barcelona.

Phil has exhibited artwork in solo and group shows internationally. Aside from public exhibitions, his work hangs internationally in private collections.

Art critic Brian Sherwin commented on Phil Couture's artwork, stating, "Phil handles traditional and everyday life scenes with equal passion. This passion is reflected by the elegant manner in which he captures his subjects. The viewer can 'feel' a sense of pride and honor resonating from the individuals that Phil has painted." Sherwin added, "Phil Couture's drawings and paintings remind us of the beauty of diversity... and how fascinating it is to consider the world within a larger context."

All of my artwork is signed, comes with a certificate of authenticity, and is securely shipped with tracking.

*Please be advised that you may have to pay import duties owed by the customs agency of your country. This is not included in the shipping costs and must be paid upon delivery.

Phil Couture

Artworks by Phil Couture

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Maiko Satohana - Japanese geisha by Phil Couture

Oil painting