Cheryl-Ann Hills

Cheryl-Ann Hills Biography

Born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo and living in Hamilton for over 23 years, my energy is spent recording moments in our natural environment.

My first experience with oil painting was at 16 as a student of Michael Roth; a well-known Canadian landscape painter in the K-W area. After several years working with Mr Roth, I left to attend an arts program at Georgian College in Owen Sound.

I have always felt a deep connection to nature, and this opportunity to live and study on the shores of Georgian Bay, surrounded by trees and rocks and hiking trails, was perfect for me. As a young child I spent much of my time in local forests and woodlots hiking and exploring.

These days, I love to explore the trails and parks in Hamilton and the surrounding areas, taking pictures to use later in my studio. Other areas which influence my art include Lake Huron and the Bruce Peninsula, where my family spent many summers. This past summer, I traveled to Northern Ontario as far as Thunder Bay, stopping at many of the parks to hike and photograph the landscapes.

My work is defined by strong line work, developing contours of shapes, areas of shadow and light. The lines and contours in my work suggest the texture of objects in the composition. Colours are earthy and suggest the temperature of the scene.

It’s important to me that my work be authentic and expresses to the viewer my experience of that particular moment in time in nature.