Artists Statement
Professionally trained artist and art teacher Cheryl Willcox is an Australian impressionistic oil painter whose work is deeply rooted in the landscapes and gardens of her home on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Born and raised in the region, she draws inspiration from the convergence of national parks, inland waterways, and the ocean — places where light and water constantly shift, offering endless possibilities for exploration on canvas.
Cheryl’s artistic process begins outdoors, where she observes, sketches, and paints en plein air to capture the living essence of the environment. Back in the studio, these impressions are transformed into layered oil paintings that celebrate both the energy of nature and the quietude it offers.Her Lily Pond Series — including the triptych Still Water, Moving Light and Clear Blue — reflects her fascination with water as both a mirror and a mystery. The floating lilies, flickers of light, and deep shifting blues embody her ongoing dialogue with the natural world. In these works, Cheryl explores how the pond holds stillness and movement simultaneously: a space of meditation, reflection, and vitality.
Alongside the ponds, Cheryl’s Floral Works bring an equally vibrant energy, with abundant blossoms spilling across the canvas in bold compositions. These paintings are not simply botanical studies, but emotive arrangements that embody joy, transience, and the exuberance of life. Just as the pond paintings invite contemplation, her florals invite celebration — both united by her fascination with light and its ability to transform colour, mood, and meaning.
At the heart of her practice is the interplay of colour and light. Cheryl is captivated by the way sunlight alters with season, weather, and time of day — from the luminous warmth of late afternoon to the cool clarity of early morning. Her impressionistic brushwork captures not only what is seen, but also what is felt: the fleeting beauty of nature and the energy that flows through it.
