Meet Cher Pruys

Art Talk Series: Conversations with Creative Minds

We’re thrilled to share an exclusive interview with the incredibly talented @cherpruys! From navigating the challenges of being self-taught to drawing inspiration from diverse locations around the globe, Cher’s journey is as captivating as her art. 🌍✨⁠

Cher Pruys, an esteemed artist born in Regina and now based in Devlin, is renowned for her expressive art. With a background in drawing from a young age, she transitioned to painting at 35, mastering acrylic, watercolor, and gouache. Despite being self-taught, Cher has earned 868 awards from 550 international exhibits. Her accolades include the Mary Pratt Crystal Award of Excellence, Biafarin/SCA Award of Excellence, and multiple gold and silver medals.

Down on the Corner

As a self-taught artist, you've achieved remarkable success. What challenges did you face on your self-taught journey, and what advice would you give to aspiring artists who are also self-taught?

Being a self-taught artist has certainly had its challenges! I have been very self-disciplined with drive, determination, time management and problem solving. I spent countless hours sketching from life, and studying anatomy which came easy as I spent several years as a bodybuilder and exercise instructor. I also dove into books on composition, color theory, perspective, value, tone and light and shadows!

Catching snowflakes

Understanding these subjects is essential to creating a successful piece of art. The advantage of being self-taught rather than having had a formal education in art for me I feel has been that I feel free to follow my passion and am not constricted by the many rules that one has imposed on them in a structured program.

Entranced

Rules are made to be broken, and one needs to leave their comfort zone to grow. I am open to constructive criticism and am always looking to learn, and to strive to get better. For any aspiring self-taught artists, if you follow these guidelines, I know you will find success.

❝Rules are make to be broken, and one needs to leave their comfort zone to grow.❞

Crushed

You work with acrylic, watercolor, and gouache. What do you find most appealing about each medium, and how do you decide which one to use for a particular piece?

Water based medium is my calling card! Acrylics provide me with that shiny finish so desirable when painting reflections, water, metal and glass as well as an ability of application, thick and textured on canvas, rock or board, or thin in layers on my favourite choice 300LB Hot Press a surface that boasts capacity for the finest details.

Watercolour I find is great for building skin tones with its beautiful transparency, and gouache being so opaque and creamy provides a matte finish. Thus, I quite often mix the three mediums when working on a particular piece that calls for several different effects.

Bubble Gum Wishes

What messages or emotions do you hope to communicate through your artwork? How do you ensure these are effectively expressed in your pieces?

I strive to give eternal life to the fleeting moments I choose to portray in my work. I wish to help my audience find the true meaning of life in the small, simple everyday things we all experience. Positivity in general is such a strong, moving attitude that we can all benefit from as we pass through the days of our lives. Kindness, understanding and sometimes just simple fun provided by way of brush are my way of uplifting someone’s day. Portraying the expression on the woman from the Congo’s face in “In Retrospect”, was both a joy and a cause for some serious thought of my past and my future....

Trouble

How has Biafarin helped you gain visibility and recognition for your work? Can you share any specific opportunities or experiences that came about through your association with Biafarin?

Biafarin has been and continues to be an indispensable platform for me, providing exposure, visibility, recognition, connection with a wide audience and a chance to escape the common isolation artists quite often experience with participation in group exhibitions with my peers. The solo shows I have had with Biafarin have provided such a wonderful opportunity to connect with new admirers and collectors of my work.