Cheri Shaw Design

Freelance Artist + Graphic Designer | Edmonton, Alberta

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Hi! I’m Cheri and I have been working as an artist and designer in Edmonton, Alberta for over 12 years. I started out my career designing for print and quickly moved into product design. I currently work with some amazing clients here in Edmonton, developing their brands and making their big ideas soar.

I have always loved painting, and find joy in creating art based on little moments that catch my eye from day to day observations. I am drawn to landscape art and portraiture (of people and animals) and have developed a love for painting on walls. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of creating custom, hand painted murals for many venues throughout the Edmonton area, infusing beauty and flair into public spaces, showhomes and private homes.

Thanks for visiting! If you’re interested in chatting about a painting, mural or design project, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s make something amazing together!

cherishawdesign

June 🤍 This drawing was created on pearl grey p June 🤍
This drawing was created on pearl grey paper using a mix of graphite and a soft ivory pastel pencil for a weightless, soft and ethereal effect ✨

She is available as a print - as always on my favourite Somerset Velvet paper (a cotton, acid-free, fine art paper). The printing process used (called archival pigment printing), combined with the quality of the paper ensures the print will be long lasting, so it can be lovingly adored for many years 🖤

#portraitdrawing #portraitart #portraitartist
Afternoon Clouds ☁️ A dreamy prairie landscap Afternoon Clouds ☁️ 
A dreamy prairie landscape with soft white clouds and muted green fields. This print is based on an original 8/10” acrylic painting and reproduced using archival inks on Somerset velvet paper for lasting quality. 

If cloud gazing brings you joy and the open prairie skies feel like home, this one’s for you! ☀️

#prairieart #albertaartist #archivalprint #afternoonclouds #canadianartist
It’s always fun to look back at the layers that It’s always fun to look back at the layers that build the final painting. Quinn is part of a matching pair of portraits, created for the same loving home. I painted her with the same bright, cheerful eyes her family knows so well. 

Like Jinx, she has a soft, neutral background and is framed in gold, so the two can sit side by side 🤍

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart #boxerportrait #framedwithlove
This is Jinx 🐕 She’s a beauty with wispy fur This is Jinx 🐕 
She’s a beauty with wispy fur, cute curly ears and a happy expression. Her portrait is one part of a pair, so we kept the background soft and neutral to make sure it suited them both! Keep an eye out for her pal, they make a great duo! 

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart #boxerportrait #framedwithlove
I’m working on something a little different for I’m working on something a little different for this portrait, a profile! I’ve been waiting to paint this angle for a while and this guy is perfect for it! More on his progress soon 🤍

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart #framedwithlove
Even high quality watercolour paper can ripple aft Even high quality watercolour paper can ripple after it’s been painted on, but this can be fixed with some books, a quick iron and some weight!  I always flatten the paper before it’s framed or packaged - it’s an important step to make sure the portrait arrives smooth and frame ready 🖼️ 

#portraitart #customportrait #canadianartist #catportrait #dogportrait #packagingaportrait #flatteningpaper
Packing up a portrait✨ This one is heading out u Packing up a portrait✨
This one is heading out unframed, so I tucked it into a clear sleeve and tied it with a velvet ribbon. I always include a 4/6” card featuring one of my landscape paintings that can be kept or framed as a mini print, because every portrait deserves a thoughtful send-off 💌

#portraitart #customportrait #canadianartist #catportrait #petportrait
PART 3✨ Here he is, framed and ready to beautify PART 3✨
Here he is, framed and ready to beautify a wall. I love painting Boxers, their faces have so much character and their big brown eyes are gentle and full of playful curiosity. 

Thanks for following along through the process of painting Jack. It’s always an honour to create special memorial portraits like this one. 

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart #boxerportrait #framedwithlove
PART 2✨ He’s almost done! I finished Jack’s PART 2✨
He’s almost done! I finished Jack’s portrait with a soft black background - I think it brought out his features nicely and gave his portrait a timeless look. I’ve picked the perfect frame and can’t wait to show you the finished painting in part 3! 

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart #boxerportrait #framedwithlove
PART ONE✨ Today I’m painting a memorial portr PART ONE✨ 
Today I’m painting a memorial portrait for Jack, a very special boxer with pointy ears and the sweetest eyes. His textured nose, all his white hair, and the spot of black on his lip were my favourite parts to paint. Now that I’ve finished his face i’m onto his body so check back in for part 2 🖤

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart #boxerportrait #framedwithlove
I’m working away on some top secret paintings fo I’m working away on some top secret paintings for Mother’s Day. I can’t share the full pieces yet (they’re surprises!) but I have a few more spots open if you’re dreaming up something meaningful for someone special 💛

#mothersdayart #customgiftidea #meaningfulgifts #edmontonartist #inprogress #petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart #framedwithlove
There is something calming about a storm rolling o There is something calming about a storm rolling over the prairies. The dark sky and giant clouds that look like mountains almost always mean a thunderstorm is coming ⛈️ Like so many, I look forward to these summer evenings and loved capturing that feeling in a painting to hold onto year round. 

This piece is painted with acrylic on an 18/18” canvas, and it’s now up on my website if you’d like to take a closer look. 

#prairiestorm #stormyskies #canadianartist #artthatfeelslikehome #cloudscape #yegartist #prairielandscape
One of my favourite parts about finishing a portra One of my favourite parts about finishing a portrait is helping you choose a frame - it really ties everything together and completes the portrait beautifully. 

I offer some classic options and if you’re looking for something a little different, I can source ones that compliment your portrait and your space. 

It’s also nice to have it ready to hang or wrap up as a thoughtful gift 💝 

Framing is an optional add-on, so you can choose what works best for you! 

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart #framedwithlove
Accurately capturing your pet in their painted por Accurately capturing your pet in their painted portrait is essential. From their individual markings to their little expressions, I take time to study every feature closely, making sure their portrait truly looks like them! 

Once the painting is finished, I’ll check in with you and make small adjustments if needed, so your piece looks just right! 

The best part is hearing you say “yup, that’s them” 💛

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart
It all starts with a great reference photo - wheth It all starts with a great reference photo - whether you are taking a new one, or choosing from your camera roll. Here are some simple tips for taking (or picking) a photo that best represents your pet 💛

If you’re thinking about a commission, but are unsure about your photo(s), please send me a message - I’m happy to help! ☀️

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart
When choosing a background colour, consider someth When choosing a background colour, consider something that enhances your pets features, suits your space and brings you joy. Whether it’s soft and subtle or bold and dramatic, it can bring out their personality (and yours too!)

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart
Lucy’s portrait took about 6 hours to paint. Her Lucy’s portrait took about 6 hours to paint. Her owners opted for no name, so I painted her cute face and rounded out her body for a finished look. 

On average, a pet portrait takes me 6-8 hours to paint. Once receiving a reference photo, I give a timeline of 2 weeks for completion. This is because I have many commissions on the go at a time! This timeline can also depend on my current commission schedule, but it’s worth the wait! I put love and care into each piece to make sure each pets personality really shines through ☀️

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart
If you’ve been considering a custom pet portrait If you’ve been considering a custom pet portrait, here’s what you need to get started! 

✨Reference photos are important! If you are able to take one, natural lighting is best! This way, your pets features will be sharp and I can achieve more detail in the painting. If you aren’t able to take your own picture, a few of your found favourites will do! I recommend providing 3-5 reference photos to get a good idea of colouring and features! 

✨Customizing your painting is fun and allows you to harmonize it with your style and home. There are many ways to customize your portrait, like adding the name of your pet, or a coloured background, or even the size!

✨If you need any advice or guidance, I’m always here to help and make suggestions! 

Thinking about a custom portrait of your own? Send me a message, I’d love to hear how you would customize yours! 

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart #canadianartist
From photo to portrait - look at these adorable fa From photo to portrait - look at these adorable faces in paint! 

I love painting pets because they bring so much joy into our lives. Whether it’s their bright eyes, goofy expression, regal beauty, or gentle spirit, it comes through in their photos, and I get to document their sweet faces in paint - how lucky am I! 💛

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart
Same pet, different vibe! It was fun to see how ma Same pet, different vibe! It was fun to see how many colours suited Gracie’s portrait. I went with a light dusky blue because she had some yellow tones in her fur 🐱 

It’s amazing how a background colour can change the mood of a portrait. Choosing one that harmonizes with your home, or makes your pets features pop can make all the difference. Which colour is your favourite? 

#petportrait #petportraitartist #catlover #doglover #petlover #dogportrait #catportrait #animalart #artist #customart
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