About Cheryl

I'm a Leeds-born painter (Leeds, England). Over the past eight years, my work has evolved into an expressive, impressionist style, with a touch of abstraction. I work at the crossroads of the old and the new: classical realism informed by modern perception. 

My passion has always been portrait painting. I study the subjects for my portraits in  accuracy, anatomy and light, while the brushwork, colour and unexpected textures push toward abstraction. I mainly work in oil and acrylic, however, I do like to mix things up a bit with a little mixed media at times.

Raised with influence from my father, a watercolor artist, I regularly upskill through courses despite not having formal art schooling.

I spent 21 years in New Zealand before moving to Penrith over a year ago, experiences that  have enriched my  visual language I think.

Beyond painting, I tutor others, sharing techniques and encouraging expressive voices.

My exhibition history includes one solo show and two group shows, one of which won first prize in the 'People' category.  I also earned a monetary prize in a competition I entered last year.

Each piece aims to capture fleeting emotion and human connection, inviting viewers to engage with the sitter’s inner life.