Cherry Ferris

Cherry is a self taught artist who is fascinated with colour, pigment, materials and all things sparkly. She is particularly drawn to nature and the beautiful creatures that inhabit our planet and she’s potty about hares, foxes and owls which is why they seem to pop up in so many pieces of her work. She likes to use many types of media and is versed in pyrography, acrylics, coloured pencils, watercolours and pastels. Cherry also loves the heightened detail in botanical illustration and often uses these techniques alongside many others elements and fusing them together within a piece of artwork to create something exciting and new.

She is also inspired by her love of words, myth and legends. Indeed, words become as important to some of her work as the paint itself, taking shape, form and voice with every brush stroke. Heart and mind working as one. Her happy place is twirling through the woodlands or sitting by the sea, both places draw her like a moth to a flame.

Cherry is super excited to announce that she has a new book coming out entitled ‘The Art of Pyrography – Drawing with Fire’ in November. It’s published by ‘Search Press’ as part of the ‘Innovative Artist’ series, which provides a unique insight into the methods and materials used by leading contemporary artists who are pushing the boundaries of their art. Through numerous examples of the author’s work alongside practical demonstrations, each book provides a fascinating exploration of the artist’s creative process that will inspire the reader to move forward on their own artistic journey.

‘The Art of Pyrography – Drawing with Fire’ throws open the world of wood burning with a new art-led approach, and shows you how to use different media and materials to set off your pyrographic artwork. Packed with encouraging, practical and insightful advice on pursuing your own artistic path, this book covers everything you need to draw with fire or create on wood – whether you are an experienced Pyrographer or simply want to expand your horizons with a new medium.

The Art of Pyrography begins with an overview and history of the subject, a tools and equipment section, an introduction to the basic techniques and information on surfaces that you can safely burn. The book moves onto how to transfer designs onto surfaces and incorporate a mixed media approach by looking at shading techniques, introducing colour into your work, playing with backgrounds and how to finish, protect and display your finished pieces. Four shorter mini burns complement ten longer step-by-step projects that walk the reader through the techniques and materials used.

Chapters also include:

• Colour: Incorporating coloured pencils, paint, and inks

• Using resin to finish your work – which results in a beautiful glass-like finish

• Using gold leaf to add a touch of magic.

Cherry also runs workshops for beginners to more advanced artists and also enjoys creating inspirational & innovative community projects to bring people together from all walks of life to unite and create beautiful art.

Cherry lives in Devon, UK. Email her at fairiewoodart@yahoo.com or visit her website www.fairiewoodart.com or follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fairiewood_art/