Our Artist of the Month Cher Pruys on Finding Her Creative Self Through Art

We are excited to start a new series of interviews as part of our Artist of the Month program! This initiative by the Women in Arts Network celebrates exceptional talent across various creative disciplines, offering artists a global platform to showcase their work. The program fosters a vibrant community of creators, providing invaluable opportunities for growth, recognition, and connection.

We’re excited to introduce Cher Pruys as our spotlighted artist on the Women in Arts Network for this month’s Artist of the Month feature. In this interview, Cher opens up about her creative journey, from drawing as a toddler to becoming an internationally celebrated hyperrealist painter. She shares what led her to pick up a paintbrush at age 35, how different parts of Canada and her travels have influenced her work, and how she stays grounded through music, glass fusing, and time spent in nature.

We also learn how being self-taught shaped her resilience and creative voice, and what it feels like to have received over 1,100 awards for her art. This conversation offers a powerful look into the dedication, emotion, and soul behind Cher’s stunning paintings and the remarkable woman who created them.

Cher Pruys was born in Regina. Over the years she lived in many places including Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Fort Frances, settling into her present home in Devlin, on the banks of the Rainy River with her husband Mark, and pets. By age three, Cher was seldom found without a drawing tool in hand. She worked in pencil, charcoal and ink over the years, picking up a paintbrush at the age of 35. Beginning with oil paints, she found her chosen mediums in acrylic, watercolor and gouache, and her passion for hyperrealism.

Although self-taught, her dedication and talent has seen her work juried into 767 International exhibits. She has won 1179 awards for her work in the International Juried Exhibits. Her work has graced the covers of 3 books, 43 magazines, including The Best Of Acrylic Fall 2021, cover of the May 2022 Arabella Magazine, #20 Hyperrealism Magazine with “Girls Girls Girls”, & #21 with “The Young Cowboy”, Artists & Illustrators March 2024 Artistonish 2024 July edition, Observica Elite 2024,Art Closeup Magazine#26 Jan. 2025, & The back cover of Novum Artis #007, 2025. She has been featured in over 600 International publications. Cher’s works have found a permanent home in private and public collections worldwide.

1. Cher, you picked up a paintbrush at 35—what inspired that turning point, and how did it shift your creative path? 

Artistic evolution for me has evolved along with my choice of medium and style. From the beginning of my artistic journey when a crayon, then a pencil, then charcoal and pen and ink helped me to convey and express my inner thoughts and inner turmoil on paper the burning desire to include more substance in my work.At age 35 I had an urge to try out painting versus drawing. I graduated to oil paints, dabbling in abstract which did present a freedom of flow I enjoyed, but chronic migraines made worse from the oil paint emissions and the recurring call for realism renderings helped my gravitation to water-based mediums. The joy I felt as I manipulated the water colors on my chosen surface and then the incredible control of the acrylics which lent itself fully to the finest details I desired were magic…I was hooked. My realism to photo realism to hyperrealism had begun.

To take my inner visions with my hands and create a work of art for you the viewer… That is the ultimate in self-expression.

Cher Pruys

2.  Your work has received over 860 awards—what does recognition mean to you personally and artistically?  

Of course, I feel grateful, humbled, blessed and honoured that my artworks have garnished. As a self-taught artist it is gratification and recognition that builds self esteem and self-confidence. I don’t feel any pressure to adapt my creative process or philosophical outlook on my work because of this as I am committed to staying true to myself and my visions as an artist. There is a pressure and expectations that demands each piece be as good or better than the one before when you reach this high level of recognition that does at times exhaust and drain one that can result in a dry period. When this happens I spend time in nature and with my animals and just let my mind run free.

3.  You’ve lived in many places across Canada—how have those landscapes or communities influenced your art?  

It has been a real gift to have had the opportunity to live in so many locations in Canada, and to experience the different culture unique to each place. From the majestic mountains, to the prairies, small towns to cities, I have been able to immerse myself in the everyday lives of so many different people. This has greatly influenced me in how I look at life in general, and where I find subject matter that interests me. Extensive travel to foreign lands has also been instrumental in my artistic vision. Everyday moments really capture my attention. Ones that trigger memories or evoke a strong emotional reaction on my part quickly become my next obsession. By observing these often fleeting moments I notice that my views on life especially in terms of time and how little of it we as individuals each have, and also how ones own perspective overall can be narrow, I use them to spur growth in myself with a desire to enhance the human experience.

4.  From drawing as a toddler to mastering acrylics, gouache, and watercolor—what drives your commitment to growth as a self-taught artist?  

Being a self-taught artist rather than having experienced a formal art education has had its challenges. In a society where so much importance is placed on titles you can attach to your name achieving the success, respect and encouragement needed to reach that plateau can seem unsurmountable. That said technique can be taught…TALENT can not. Structure, good work ethics, dedication and desire make for a potent potion. I had been trained formally as a musician, so the groundwork was laid. I dedicated a number of years to bodybuilding which also required a strict adherence to structure as well as fulfilled a desire to observe and fully study and observe anatomy. I went through a lot of trial and error, but in the long run I was able to explore and develop my artistic identity to a most fulfilling degree without the constrains of formality.

Technique can be taught… TALENT cannot. Structure, good work ethics, dedication and desire make for a potent potion.

Cher Pruys

5. You also work in fused glass and music—how do those creative practices feed into your painting process, if at all?  

I have found my calling in Hyperrealism which is vey demanding. My music training prepared me for the time, hard work and dedication required to master this skill. Now I find my music is a wonderful asset as I can put the paintbrush down, wander over to the piano and let my mind and emotions run wild through my fingers …. the keys are much more forgiving than the brush and provide a welcome break where I can still use my creativity minus the pressure. My glass fusing is another area where I can relax and be much more accepting of my projects and the results as for me it is never an exact result and is much more abstract. I feel very few barriers and restrictions thus the ultimate goal becomes the simple pleasure of creating.

6. Congratulations on being featured as Artist of the Month by the Women In Arts Network! How do you think opportunities like this help elevate your career and open new doors for your creative journey?  

Absolutely! Opportunities like this give such a broad and wonderful platform for an artist to be seen and be heard. The Women in Arts Network in particular is an incredible platform for all women artists to learn, be motivated and to be part of a vibrant community.

Cher Pruys’s artwork is a breathtaking celebration of life’s quiet, powerful moments—captured with stunning precision through hyperrealism. Her paintings are deeply personal, yet universally relatable, reflecting her passion for everyday beauty, emotional connection, and the human experience. This interview taught us how dedication, self-belief, and a deep love for the creative process can carve a unique path. Cher’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your passion and that staying true to yourself is the most rewarding journey. To learn more about Cher, visit the links below.