Today we’d like to introduce you to Cherry Anne Sumera.
Hi Cherry, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, I’m Cherry Anne from South San Diego, I am originally from the Philippines and got here in the United States a few months ago. I am 29 years old, turning 30 on November, and a housewife. My interest in Arts/Painting started when I was a kid; I used to draw dolls, houses, flowers, etc. way back then. I took Architecture in college in the Philippines, which is also related to arts, I didn’t finish my course and took another route, and that is Art/Painting. When I was in Middle school, I’d get compliments about my artworks, so I was pretty confident back then, but when I entered college, and met people in my Art class, that made me realize that I just knew how to draw, but not that good enough like them. I never had any formal training, and just simply followed the ideas in my heart. It was kind of hard for me to find the best medium to fit my likings before, but found it somehow later on.
As a freelance artist, and just like any artist from where I’ve been, didn’t get much support in our field, and that makes me sad because if we’ve only received proper attention and support, everyone could make it. Thank goodness we have social media today; I was able to share my artworks with the world and do more of it. It’s my 8th month here in the US, and still trying to figure out how to perfectly manage my skills. That’s why I’m so thankful for my husband, who reminds me every time to follow what’s in my heart, and the rest will follow, so here I am, starting my journey in Painting here in the US, with the help of my family and friends, especially my very supportive and loving husband. I also want to thank Mary Young, from SDVoyager Magazine, who emailed me for an interview. My heart is filled with gratitude for the whole team.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Just like any other time-consuming work, painting wasn’t a smooth road to take. Anything related to my chosen field is expensive, the canvas, paints, paintbrushes, etc. I started using acrylic way back in 2016, I struggled during those times because I couldn’t buy all the things that I needed to start that time because painting materials are so expensive. So, I started buying just the basic primary colors and tried to mix to achieve other colors, and so on. I also tried to look for available art exhibits in my community in the Philippines, but I couldn’t find any near me, but I guess that’s normal since I lived in the countryside back then. And I guess, Arts is not everyone’s cup of tea.
Also, most people find paintings expensive, so it was hard to sell one. Some want a free painting or ask me to draw something for free, some overlook how tiring and time-consuming to finish one art piece, most importantly, the passion and heart the artists give to the painting. And once again, painting materials are expensive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Acrylic is my painting medium, but I also do charcoal portraits, watercolor, and some oil. People around me tell me that my paintings are well-detailed, and that’s one thing that I’m most fond of doing. I love doing mixed pattern paintings and making from the biggest to the smallest details. What I’m most proud of is that I give everything when I paint. It takes me a couple of weeks or longer to finish one painting because I make sure that every detail is done well. I think every artist has their own style and specialties. I’m 29, turning 30 soon, so there’s more for me to discover about myself regarding my painting style.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I’m painting as much as I could these days, trying to excel more, and practice more techniques for different variations, doing everything that I can, so that in the next two to five years, I’ll get to hold my own art exhibit, and it doesn’t matter if it’s big or small; I’d be happy just the same.
Pricing:
- My painting price depends on the size; Acrylic painting costs $1-$2 per square inch.
- Charcoal portraits may differ depending on the size, for example, a 24’’x20’’charcoal portrait costs $120.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ch_artworks93/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oreorms
