“My career began with a focus on fashion photography during my studies, but with each project, I gravitated more and more towards art.”
A Journey Shaped by Passion and Recognition
Cheraine Collette, a professional artist based in Otterlo, Netherlands, was born in 1993. Her journey into the art world began with a strong foundation in photographic design, which culminated in a notable debut when she secured first place in fine art at the International Photography Awards (IPA) in 2019. Over the years, her work has garnered over 70 Golden and Platinum Awards, along with multiple first-place honors, establishing her as a distinguished figure in the art community. Among her most prestigious accolades are the Golden Pangea Trophies from the Siena Awards Creative, a Golden Medal from the Photo Society of America (PSA), and being named Fine Art Photographer of the Year by the Fine Art Photography Awards (FAPA).
Collette’s artistic endeavors are celebrated globally, with her works represented by leading international art galleries and showcased at various art fairs, biennials, and solo and group exhibitions. Her unique pieces have been featured by renowned publications such as National Geographic Traveler China, Forbes, My Modern Met, and The Wallace Collection Museum, highlighting her influence and reach in the art world. Her art is also a part of esteemed corporate and private collections worldwide, emphasizing her broad appeal and the universal relevance of her themes.
An early passion for nature, storytelling, and visual arts profoundly influences Collette’s creations. Her awareness of the delicate situation of animal species, the destruction of natural habitats, and the loss of beautifully crafted buildings drives her to create works that celebrate the beauty and fragility of the natural world and our cultural heritage. This passion is evident in every piece she produces, where she meticulously captures the essence and significance of her subjects.
Cheraine Collette: An Artistic Evolution
Cheraine Collette’s journey as an artist was inspired by the silent beauty of the natural world, particularly the voiceless animals. Witnessing the adverse effects of habitat loss, species endangerment, and the destruction of neoclassical and baroque buildings, Collette felt a compelling urge to spotlight these issues through her art. Her career, initially focused on fashion photography during her studies, gradually shifted towards fine art, culminating in her acclaimed ‘Marvels’ series, which earned her first place at the IPA. This series marked a pivotal moment, motivating her to pursue her artistic path fully.
Collette believes that beauty invites us to appreciate the wonders surrounding us on this planet. Her transition from fashion photography to fine art was a natural progression, driven by her desire to create more meaningful and impactful works. The ‘Marvels’ series, in particular, showcased her ability to blend reality and fantasy, creating ethereal compositions that highlight the interconnectedness of all living things and the harmonious relationship that can exist between humans and the natural world.
Her artistic style is characterized by a fusion of fine art photography and digital painting, using traditional painting techniques. Collette’s detailed, imaginative, and ethereal compositions explore themes of nature’s beauty and fragility, the interconnectedness of life, and the importance of protecting these treasures for future generations. Each piece is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and urgency, urging viewers to recognize and cherish the delicate balance of our world.
The Creative Process and Influences
Cheraine Collette’s workspace extends beyond the confines of her studio to the great outdoors, where she captures the elements needed for her artworks. Her creative process involves traveling to various locations, meticulously exploring and waiting for the perfect lighting to capture majestic palaces, mountain views, technological marvels, or endangered species. This immersive approach allows her to appreciate the beauty and discover hidden details in her subjects, resulting in richly decorated and intricate artworks.
In her home studio, Collette relies on essential tools such as her computer, a monitor for visual arts, traditional Photoshop for creating multi-layered works, and her Wacom Cintiq Pro tablet for painting and adding fine details. She uses a Canon or Hasselblad camera with a small variety of lenses to capture her subjects, carefully selected to suit her preferences. Collette’s ability to focus and turn off distractions is key to her productivity, often taking breaks to walk in the garden, a nearby park, or visit a new exhibition to stay motivated and energized.
Collette draws inspiration from a wide range of artistic influences, spanning both classic and contemporary art. Romantic Realist painters like Fragonard, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Thomas Cole, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, and Herbert Dicksee have significantly impacted her work. She also admires Surrealist and Magical Realist artists such as Salvador Dali and Carel Willink, whose imaginative realms resonate with her approach to blending reality with fantasy. The works of Dutch Masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, Italian Masters such as Michelangelo and Bernini, and photography legends like Helmut Newton, Cecil Beaton, Richard Avedon, and Annie Leibovitz further enrich her artistic vision.
Cheraine Collette: A Personal Connection to Art
One artwork that holds special meaning to Cheraine Collette is Carel Willink’s ‘Camel in the Park at Versailles.’ Willink’s passion for exotic animals, marble sculptures, and palatial surroundings resonates deeply with Collette, reminding her of her own travels to extraordinary European palaces. These experiences, filled with moments of connection with animals and the discovery of beautiful sculptures, sparked her creative flow and continue to inspire her work today.
Among her own creations, the first six artworks from her ‘Marvels’ series hold a special place in Collette’s heart. Pieces like ‘Water Ballet,’ ‘Waltz of the Whales,’ ‘Stairs and Stripes,’ ‘Stairing Lions,’ ‘Tallest in the Building,’ and ‘Dress Code’ marked a significant point in her career. These works, which earned her first place in fine art at the IPA in 2019 and overall winner at the Julia Margaret Cameron Awards in 2020, encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming a professional artist.
Collette’s choice of medium evolved from a love of drawing and painting at a young age to an introduction to photography and digital painting during her studies. Combining fine art photography with digital painting allowed her to express her vision in a way that neither medium could achieve alone. This blend enabled her to create detailed, layered, and imaginative works, offering versatility and depth for her creative expression. Exploring 3D sculpting and rendering has also expanded her artistic repertoire, allowing her to experiment with lighting, shadows, and new settings.
Cheraine Collette recently showcased her excitement about her latest work, ‘Tigers Tranquillity,’ from her ‘Marvels’ series. This piece was exhibited at the Chianciano Biennial, featuring contemporary art from 150 artists worldwide. Additionally, Collette received the joyful news that her work has been admitted to the international art show ‘Context Art Miami,’ which runs from December 3rd to December 8th. This could be an opportunity to see her work in person.
While some projects are still in the submission process, Collette invites art enthusiasts to stay updated on her latest works, publications, and upcoming exhibitions through her website and social media platforms. This connection with her audience ensures that her artistic journey remains vibrant and evolving, continually inspired by new ideas and experiences.
