Artist Profile: Cheri Graham

Cheri Graham

2101 Royal Ridge Cir.
Manhattan, KS 66503

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Bio:

Cheri Graham, Artist I find it difficult to explain what I do or how I do it. I paint what excites me. I enjoy all types of subject matter. My art just is; art is my life, my meditation, and a huge part of who I am. I get “pictures” in my head and lose myself in the creative process putting them on paper. I paint realism and enjoy rendering textures, light and shadow. I have trained my eyes to see the subtlest changes in color, form, line, shape, texture and value. My medium of choice for over 25 years was pastels. I found pastels made detail and realism achievable. I earned a BA degree in Art Education from the Ohio State University. Manhattan, Kansas, has been home since 1978. I retired from AIB International after working as a graphic artist for 35 years. After I retired, I decided again to attempt watercolors which I hadn’t touched in years. The tendency to create watercolor “mud” previously discouraged me. I joined a very welcoming Watercolor Studio Group at the Manhattan Arts Center. I have taken several watercolor workshops from award winning artists offered through this group. I have learned additional techniques that increased my comfort level. I love the “accidents” that happen with watercolor, which makes my desire to be artistically controlling sometimes an unrealistic challenge. The layering of watercolor, using washes, gives depth and richness of color that is totally different from pastels. Watercolor has given me an additional passion to pursue. Exhibits: Manhattan Arts Center Watercolor Gallery Show and Sale, 2016 and upcoming May 20- July 1, 2017. Exhibited at the Manhattan Arts Center in 1998 and later at the Strecker-Nelson Gallery. Manhattan Medical Center – Building E, lower level. Artwork currently for sale. Candlewood Veterinary Clinic. Artwork currently for sale. Honors: Manhattan Arts Center Fletcher Award – 2015: “With Grandma’s Help”, pastel. The Kansas 150 Art Competition, juried art show, June 2011, SouthWind Gallery, Topeka, Kansas: “Art-ternative Energy” and “Prince of King’s Creek” pastels. ACAAK - Kansas Postcard Series #24 – 2001: “Welcome Home” pastel chosen as a touring winner. Cheri E. Graham • 1024 Brianna Ct. • Manhattan, KS 66503 • 785-537-7385 5549artist@gmail.com