What Can 1,300 Awards Teach Us About Discipline in Art?

For this interview, we had the chance to speak with hyperrealism painter Cher Pruys, born in Regina and now based in Devlin on the Rainy River, about her journey and the driving force behind her work. A self-taught artist who began drawing as a child and later taught music for 35 years, Cher has built an extraordinary record: her paintings have been juried into 859 international exhibitions, she has received 1,319 awards, and her work has appeared on the covers of books and more than 40 magazines, with pieces held in collections worldwide.

In this interview, Cher opens up about how she transitioned from pencil and ink to acrylic, watercolour, and gouache, why she gravitates toward surfaces like glass, metal, and eyes, and how light itself becomes part of her subject. She shares the rhythm of her process from the first spark of an idea to the final signature, and how she balances long hours in the studio with time set aside for her family, grandchildren, and pets.

What we learned is that Cher’s practice is built on discipline, patience, and an eye for the moments that others might overlook. She speaks about her hopes for the future: that her work will continue to highlight meaning in everyday life and spark memories or creativity in those who view it. And for anyone beginning their own journey, she offers clear advice: find your style, put in the hours, welcome feedback, and don’t be afraid to dream big.

Cher Pruys, ASAA SCA, IGOR, AAPL, CSAA, AMS, LMS, OSA, MAA, CFA, NOAPS, PSOA, AWA., AAOA. 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, watercolour and gouache, and her passion for hyperrealism. Although self-taught, her dedication and talent have seen her work juried into 859 International exhibits.

She has won 1,319 awards for her work in 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 700 International publications. Cher’s works have found a permanent home in private and public collections worldwide.

1. How did you get started in your art career?    

Since age 4, I was rarely without a crayon or pencil in hand, trying to capture on paper what my eyes were seeing all around me. I guess you could say that being an artist was in my blood. My parents encouraged my desire to pursue the arts by exposing me to many art forms, including music and ballet. I studied music and ended up with a teaching degree in music, and taught piano and guitar for 35 years. My desire to be an artist has always been there, so I finally was able to pursue it with intent and discipline when my children were out on their own, allotting me the time needed to follow my dream.

2. When you’re creating something new, what makes you pause and say, This is working?

From the initial scene in my mind and the message I wish to convey, to the click of the first reference photo, the first pencil mark, the first swirl of paint from my paintbrush, to the closing moment when I sign my name, my creative process is intentional. I see my art as the puzzle pieces that make up who I am. The memories of my life thus far have accumulated to bring me to Cher today.

I am able, through my paintings of children, to revisit and relive moments in time that had a subtle or profound impact on who I have become, and to recapture the magic in those moments, thus still feeling their lasting effect. I look for beauty and interest in the many subjects most consider mundane. The gift to really see the many marvels that abound in our lives, no matter how seemingly boring, irrelevant or straightforward they appear at first. So, when I step back and look at my piece, if it meets these guidelines I have set out, then I know it’s working!

3. How do you balance your personal life with your art career?

I am quite an introvert, so long hours in my studio with my four dogs and a cat are most welcoming. My children are grown, and I have been blessed with five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. I put time aside, designated as family time, when I leave my studio behind, although I always have a camera in hand in case I see a moment I wish to capture and preserve by way of brush. My spouse is very understanding of the time I spend on art, as he has a number of his own interests that require solitary time. So it is much easier now to balance my personal life with my art career than it was when I was raising my family.

4. How do you envision the future of your art and its impact on the world?  

I strive to give eternal life to the fleeting moments I choose to portray in my work. I wish to help my audience find the true meaning of life in the small, simple, everyday things we all experience. Positivity in general is such a strong, moving attitude that we can all benefit from as we pass through the days of our lives. Kindness, understanding and sometimes just simple fun provided by way of a brush are my way of uplifting someone’s day. I want my artistic message, although silent, still to be a robust conversation between my audience and me.

My subject matter thus becomes an important choice, picked to convey the message I wish to express. I hope that in the future, when I am no longer here, people will view my art and be motivated to look for all the blessings in their lives, and good memories from their past will be rekindled. If my art brings a smile, or a sweet memory to someone’s face, or motivates someone to engage in their own creativity, my goals will have been achieved.

5. What mediums and techniques do you primarily work with?

I work in water-based mediums. My preference for a substrate is 300LB Hot Press as I find that my style, hyperrealism, requires such a surface to capture all the fine detail required! Acrylic is my mainstay, but I do see a need for watercolour and gouache in some pieces.

6. Do you have any parting words of wisdom for our readers or aspiring artists?

Find your own style. Admire and learn from established artists whom you admire, but aim to be an individual, whether by subject, style or both. Be prepared to pay your dues with long hours and hard work. Learn how to accept constructive criticism and apply the lesson to self-growth. Remember that accepting failure can become a stepping stone to success. As an artist, dream big and follow that dream. In a world of masses, remember there is only one you…so for the short time we are on this earth, remember to spread your wings and fly, as you will soon learn to soar.

Cher Pruys’ work is about slowing down and truly seeing the world around us. Through her fascination with light on glass, metal, and even the smallest everyday objects, she reveals the beauty that lies in places we often overlook.

From her early beginnings with pencil and crayon to becoming an award-winning hyperrealist painter, her journey has been one of patience, persistence, and a steady devotion to her craft. What we learn from her story is that creativity is not only about talent but also about discipline, a willingness to grow, and the courage to keep pursuing what calls to you.

To learn more about Cher, visit the links below.

Just 3 Days Left: Submit Now For The Places We Call Home