Modern Masterpiece

I am very excited to FINALLY unveil my new art form: Modern Masterpieces. Here's how it came about:

I was captivated by the portrait art of Rembrandt; I loved his lush backgrounds and his stylized lighting. I loved, too, the portrait work of John Singer Sergeant and Phillip Stewart Charis. I studied their work to see what parts captivated me. I thought long and hard about what this style of art would look like in "Cherie" style. And finally, I decided that it was time to debut this fine art in Salem. Whew!

It involves not just the style of capture (lighting, background and photography), but also the artwork that follows. Every detail is attended to, right down to the individual pore. Hours of careful attention are paid to each image. The presentation is also unique: canvas with a stylized high-gloss finish. It truly is a return to the Old Masters style of portraiture, and I'm very excited to bring this art into the modern era. For more details, click here.

Graduation 2007!

The class of 2007 has left the building. Well, at least, they've graduated!

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These graduation images are from the South Salem High graduation on Friday, June 8.

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Congratulations to: Alexis, Hanna, Jenna, David, Hilary, Jackson, Emma, Tim, Maire, Alex, Lauren, Jordon, Megan, Jeff, Ashlyn, Scott, Corey, Kelli & Paul!

Congratulations to Hanna!

Hanna was recently awarded the David Wenz Memorial Scholarship for her outstanding musicianship and citizenship.

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She also received the Lee Ertsgaard Memorial Scholarship, which honors an outstanding student who dedicates to more than one musical program. Hanna participated all four years of high school in both the vocal and the orchestra programs as a member of Symphonic Choir, Southernaires, Symphony, and Orchestra. She placed first in district in mezzo-soprano voice.

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Hanna plans to attend OSU next year, majoring in music education. Congratulations, Hanna!

Art Display at Grand Vines

Cherie's art work (and this years models!) are on display at Grand Vines for the month of June. "I love to use current year students to create my graduating senior marketing displays, and this was a chance to show them all off," commented Cherie. "Haley isn't displayed yet, because her image just begged to be canvassed, like an oil painting. Check the display again later in the month, and you'll see her there, too!" Grand Vines is a deli, chocolaterie, wine bar/shop. People of all ages are welcome. Grand Vines participates in First Wednesday, so be sure to head downtown June 6 to enjoy the art of Cherie Renae and many other fine artists, as well! Grand Vines is located at the corner of High and Court street in downtown Salem.

Welcome to my New Photographic Assistants!

Many of you fondly remember Joshua and Nicholas, who were my photographic assistants for the past year. They have moved on to other pursuits, and I am pleased to present my new assistants, Ali and Amber. I spent about a month and a half without assistants, and I discovered (again) just how much I need them. (And if any of you had to deal with me during that time, I'm sure you can also attest to how much Cherie needs them to remain organized!) Let me introduce each of them:

Ali comes honestly by her love of photography. Her father is an avid photography hobbyist who has faithfully captured the sports and music events in Ali's life. Ali also loves photography, and documents her friends and her travels.

She is a vocalist, involved in both symphonic and jazz choirs, and she plays the piano (sometimes for her choral groups!) She was born in Hawaii, but grew up in Salem. She speaks fluent French, and has had the opportunity to travel to France.

She loves parks and picnics, and she is a valuable addition to the studio. An example of her recent work is shown here.

Amber also has a family background in photography - both of her parents are avid hobby photographers. She has also been bitten by the 'camera bug', and has completed classes in photography and other art subjects.

She loves everything outdoors - water sports, hiking and camping, and the beach. She enjoys dance - both organized and improvisational, as well as volleyball. This is a girl on the go!

She plans to study medicine and become an R.N. She brings significant strengths to the studio. Below is a recent example of her work.

Be sure to call and/or stop by so we can introduce you to these capable women. See you soon!

Welcome, Kamryn!

I was privileged to photograph Kamryn's beautiful Mama while she was pregnant. Today, 12-day-old Kamryn paid a visit to my studio, too! I couldn't wait to announce her arrival - shhh...don't tell Mom, because she hasn't even seen these yet!

Paul's senior session

It was wonderful to collaborate with Paul on his senior portraits. First of all, I have known him for many years (he was in Little League with my youngest son, Nick). Secondly, he put off his senior session until May (MAY!) because he thought it would be grueling. Even with me!

He was pleasantly surprised at how much fun a portrait session could be, and I have a potential competition print (below) for next February's professional competitions - woo-hoo!