I have been chosen as the featured artist for the month of August at the Gunnison Arts Center. During the month of August all framed paintings of mine are offered at 10% off- both at the Arts Center and through the website. use this link to receive 10% off during the month of August, (simply mention this blog post.) This is a good time to purchase that special painting you have been admiring, or commission a special work.
I will be painting live at the Arts Center during Gunnison’s First Friday August Art Walk.
I will be pleased to visit with you, answer questions, and share what I am working on. As Gunnison locals know, I am a frequent instructor at the Center, along with exhibiting my watercolors and mixed media work through the Shop at the GAC and GAC exhibitions, including the recent Colorado Watercolor Society juried “A Splash of Colorado,” and the GAC January staff/instructor show, where I showed my travel sketches and paintings. I spent the winter in the Central Highlands of Mexico, painting the beautiful Baroque cities of Guanajuato, Dolores Hidalgo, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí, and the charming village of Ajijí, Jalisco.
The following is an interview with Erin Jacobs, manager of the GAC Featured Artist Series:
I grew up in Lake County, Ill., (which is horse heaven- similar to Ireland.) I have lived in Western Colorado for the past 45 years, (which is a different kind of heaven.)
What is your medium of choice?
watercolor often, but mixed media with ceramic, metal, fiber, & glass comes a close second
What inspires your work?
I am fascinated by the relationship between light and shadow on natural forms. Compositions for watercolor paintings develop as I respond to the interplay of light and dark shapes. As I paint, I seek fresh, unexpected color mixtures through poured techniques and spontaneous wet-into-wet brushwork. I strive for a sense of mystery and narrative in each painting. My three passions are horses, flowers, and travel, which often inform the subject matter of my compositions.
When did you get involved in the art world?
I have always been an artist. My earliest memory of making art was when I was perhaps 4 years old. My twin sister and I scratched our self portraits into the headboards of our twin beds with the plug of the bedside lamp.
What are you currently working on? Flamenco dancers- this series explores light on the human form. I was so inspired by the performance I attended while in Mexico this winter.
Professionally: I am most passionate about striving for excellence and originality in every piece I create. With so much digital media available, I want each of my pieces to be an original work of art directly from my own hand from the highest standards of excellence.
Personally: I am most passionate about kindness and integrity in dealing with others, relating to our environment, training my horse, and making decisions.
Raising a caring and thoughtful daughter and maintaining a close relationship with her.
Where could one find you on a Saturday afternoon?
On the back of my horse; I ride dressage which is a lifelong journey toward excellence and lightness.
What circumstances do you find yourself producing new work?
I am forever getting creative brainstorms, so creating new work is an on-going process.
Do you offer custom commissions?
Yes, I enjoy getting to know my client and working with the client to create a special piece of artwork. In the case of horses, I often visit the farm to meet the horse. Then I take several photos, develop detailed drawings, and discuss how my vision will become a painting. The painting at left was commissioned by White Horse Vale Lipizzans, Goldendale, WA.
What is your website address?
https://cheriisgreenfineart.wordpress.com I can also be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CheriIsgreenFineArt and on Instagram at Cheri Isgreen Fine Art. I invite you to follow me!
flowers. I believe if you get the values and shapes correct, any beautiful color will look compelling, even a purple horse. I seek fresh, unexpected color mixtures through the spontaneity of wet paint mixing on wet paper. I strive for a sense of mystery and narration in each painting, allowing viewers to discover personal meanings in my work. As a retired art educator, I have taught the gamut of media, styles, and subjects, giving me the strong range I draw upon today when creating my watercolor and mixed media compositions.
Cheri Isgreen Fine Art know that I travel extensively with my sketch materials, capturing my visits in pen, ink, and watercolor. Based on the favorable response I have received from my travel sketches, I offer 8.5” x 6.5” oak-framed prints from my travels. I’d like to offer you the opportunity to own one of my travel prints. 
Do you love art? Bring it alive through creative discovery. Take a multimedia approach to exploring periods, movements, geography, and master artists through making art. No prerequisite; each session is a stand-alone class with new content each week Emphasis is on creative expression and discovery. We will not be copying masterworks. All levels welcome; beginners will be given extra support; experienced artists are given design challenges to deepen their understanding. 5 sessions, classes need not be taken sequentially. Instructor: Cheri Isgreen. $35.
