LIPSTICK, powder and paint are the inspirations behind a new exhibition of work that documents women's experience of aging.

Chester artist Holly Dawes creates portraits of beautiful women using lipstick that has been printed off her own lips, and also produces work using her own hair.

As an artist she is interested in exploring and recording how we experience the passage of time, and how the famous women she documents have all suffered in individual ways for beauty and recognition.

Holly said: "I suffered from severe chapped lips after making these drawings, whereby the link between beauty and pain is highlighted."

Whilst studying for a BA(Hons) in Fine Art at Staffordshire University, Holly has taken part in a number of exhibitions, including one at Telford's Warehouse, Chester, in July 2002.

The exhibition runs from September 1 to October 12 in Chester's Marks and Spencer Financial Services Gallery, on the first floor of Chester Gateway.

It is a gallery for the use of local and up-coming artists.

Anyone interested in showing their work should contact Rhiannon Burgess on 01244 344238 extension 105.