Before becoming a professional artist, Cheri was an art educator. She taught the gamut of media, styles, and subjects, giving her the strong range she draws upon today when creating her watercolor and mixed media compositions.Upon retirement from teaching, Cheri changed focus to develop her personal vision in watercolor. Stir Gallery in Colorado Springs gave Cheri her first one woman show in 2012, pointing her on the path she follows today. In 2013 she entered her first art competition, receiving two patron awards and People’s Choice. In 2014 Cheri embarked on a year-long traveling exhibition, “High Point,” a benefit art show raising over $2K for nonprofits. Cheri feels strongly about “paying it forward.” Cheri Isgreen is a signature member of the Colorado Watercolor Society. Her artwork has been showcased in museums, galleries, and publications both in the United States and abroad. She keeps an active studio schedule, winning awards in juried exhibitions, showing in galleries, accepting commissions, and maintaining an online presence through her website and social media. Artist Statement Creating art feeds my soul. The act of making art is a meditation of gratitude for the immense beauty in my life. I find great joy in the power and grace of horses; the serenity and sublime perfection of nature; the warm embrace of family and friends. Regardless of subject matter or medium, an artwork must first work abstractly with strong design. Strong design frees me to create bold, colorful work. I begin each artwork by immersing myself in the pure form of my subject. This gives me the understanding to painting and sculpt freely and intuitively. I am a visual storyteller. I strive for a sense of mystery and narrative. As I approach the composition behind the artwork, I decide what is needed to tell the story; what should be suggested, and what will be left out. The necessary elements are defined explicitly. The suggested elements are conveyed implicitly. The implied and unstated elements allow my audience to find their own stories. Horses are my greatest passions. I own two Lipizzans, one whom I raised from a baby. The other, a rescue, rewards me with his trust and partnership. These two horses are often the subject or inspiration for my artwork. The endless perfection found in the natural world fills me with joy. Whether hiking and identifying wildflowers, landscaping my country property in the Colorado Rockies, or visiting the famous city gardens of the world, I gather ideas and inspiration.