ABOUT CHERYL

Cheryl developed a passion for drawing as a young girl in a small town outside of Portland, Oregon. Through grade/high school, she applied her creativity at every opportunity. Cheryl attended the University of Oregon and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting in 1975. Instructor Frank Okada, famous Northwest abstract painter, painter Ralph Baker and portrait artist Alan Hammer all influenced her work.

After graduation, Cheryl worked as a illustrator and graphic designer in Portland Oregon. She moved to Seattle and worked in the fashion advertising field and retired 24 years later. After retiring Cheryl studied with a variety of artists, like Nickolas Wilton, Steven Assael, Bo Bartlett, and Pilchuck Glass School expanded her artistic horizons taking sessions with glass artist KeKe Cribbs, Capps Thompson, Dick Weiss and Susan-Stinsmuehlen-Amend.

Cheryl enjoys creating and exploring a variety of direction in her studio in the SODO area in Seattle, Wa.

CHERYL ZAHNISER

As a young child, drawing gave me such immense pleasure and joy, so of course I was bound and determined to be an artist. Art has the power to connect people on a deep emotional level and I strive to make work that allows the viewer to find moments that speak and connect to them.

I love the use of color and light. For example, my landscapes capture the beauty of nature that is both realistic but with an abstracted twist of bold, spontaneous uses of color. My portrait work, on the other hand, I work hard to best capture the sensitivity, emotion, and the essence of the subjects.

Whether I am creating abstract pieces or more representational work, I am passionate to explore this world and make a positive impact though my art.

Thank you for your time and supporting the arts.