Cheryl Hodges

Biography

Cheryl was raised on a property on the outskirts of Canberra, Australia, and developed a love of nature and art at an early age. Over the years she has undertaken studies in drawing, oils, calligraphy and photography. In 2000 Cheryl discovered her passion; botanical watercolour painting. She continues to develop her artistic skills, now painting on a regular basis and attending occasional master classes.

Cheryl’s works have been displayed and sold in various galleries and exhibitions, and she has completed numerous commissions. Her works are held in private collections in Australia, UK, Switzerland, USA and Canada. In 2003 she and several other artists initiated Canberra Botanical, an annual exhibition featuring works of local artists. In 2005 and 2007 she had paintings accepted into the renowned Botanica exhibition at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, all of which sold. She is a member of the Botanical Art Society of Australia (BASA), Wildlife and Botanical Artists (ACT) (WABA) and Artists Society of Canberra (ASOC).

Subject, style and media

Cheryl’s style of painting with watercolour has evolved over the years, and involves building up the colour in many layers of soft washes, creating an almost translucent effect. She intensifies the final painting with some darker washes and dry brush work. She particularly enjoys painting natives especially eucalypts, and has done many fruit studies.

Experience, awards and teaching

2005 Encouragement award for botanical art – Wildlife and Botanical Artists Society (ACT)
2006 Finalist in The Australian Artist magazine art challenge “Your Favourite Subject”
2006 Painting of Satsuma Plum selected as signature painting for Canberra Botanical exhibition
2006 2nd place “Still Life” section – Artists’ Society of Canberra members’ exhibition
2006 3rd place “Still Life” section – Artists’ Society of Canberra members’ exhibition
2006 Highly Commended “Transparent Watercolour” section – Artists’ Society of Canberra members’ exhibition
2007 First Prize, Fruit and Vegetable section, Botanical Art Society of Australia's 7th annual members' exhibition
2007 Highly Commended, Fruit and Vegetable section, Botanical Art Society of Australia's 7th annual members' exhibition
2007 Dr Helen Hewson Traditional Botanical Art Award, Wildlife and Botanical Artists Inc Annual Exhibition and Art Prize

Contact

cheryl@cherylhodges.com