About the Artist

  Born in Drummondville, Canada, and raised in Lakeland, Florida, Phil Couture began drawing and painting at a young age. In 2011, he and his wife, Rachel, moved to Japan, where he spent seven years studying and painting in both the northern region of Aomori and the historic city of Kyoto. In 2018, Phil relocated to Europe, living in Wrocław, Poland, until 2023. He currently resides in Land O' Lakes, Florida.

 A significant aspect of Phil's work draws from the Japanese genre of bijin-ga, or “pictures of beautiful women.” Living for six years near Kamishichiken—Kyoto’s oldest active geisha district—sparked a deep and lasting fascination with geisha and maiko culture, which continues to inform his artistic vision. The quiet elegance and discipline of geisha, along with their poised movements and elaborate attire, captivate him to this day. He seeks to capture not only their external grace, but also the unattainable beauty of what is known as "the flower and willow world."

Phil's education in art has been rooted in traditional methods: drawing and painting from life, studying masterworks in museums across the globe, and applying classical atelier techniques. His artistic style is shaped by a blend of 19th-century European realism and 17th- to 19th-century Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Among his many influences include Velázquez, Zorn, Sargent, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, Waterhouse, Mucha, Utamaro, and Hiroshige.

In addition to his studio work, Phil enjoys painting and drawing en plein air. “I enjoy capturing whatever piques my interest—often the diverse cultures I’ve encountered around the world”. From geisha in Japan and holy men in Nepal to temples in Hong Kong and the rocky coastlines of Greece, Phil’s work reflects a deep engagement with the people and places that have left a lasting impression on him.

  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.

-2 Finalist Awards in the 16th ARC International Salon

-My painting, "Kurokami", on the cover of Yasunari Kawabata's 1950 novel "Niji Ikutabi"

-"Departing a Teahouse" painting auctioned and sold at Sotheby's NYC 2023

-Best People Award Fall 2023 NAOPS Competition

-1st Place in the December 2023 BoldBrush Competition

Phil has exhibited artwork in solo and group shows internationally. He is currently represented by Chemers Gallery in Tustin, California and Ballard's Fine Art Gallery in Sheridan, Wyoming.  Aside from public exhibitions, his work hangs internationally in private collections.  He is currently a member of the Oil Painters of America and the Art Renewal Center.

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.