If talent is driven by what an artist is passionate about, Cherie Serrano is on the right track.
The local landscape artist was recently featured on the PBS show, “The PlayList,” for her oil paintings of Rainy Lake.
“It is important to paint what you love and paint what you know – people can sense it,” Serrano said during her three-minute portion of the show. “I hope people can sense that I love this area.”
About two years ago, Serrano said she was contacted by The PlayList – one of the her favorite shows – be featured in one of its segments.
According to the show’s website, The PlayList showcases musicians, visual artists, poets, novelists, dancers, filmmakers, architects and designers; all of whom form the vast array of incredibly talented individuals living, working and creating in northern Minnesota.
Serrano said it was a tip from friend and local writer, Mary Casanova, that attracted PBS to Serrano’s artwork.
“I was very excited,” Serrano told The Journal of being on the show.
In the clip, Serrano describes taking in the beauty of Rainy Lake from the view at her family’s cabin on Black Point Island.
“I hope I live long enough to capture all the beauty I see every time I go out on the lake,” Serrano said in the show.
The artist explained that while she will sometimes paint based on photographs she has taken, many of the hundreds of paintings she has created have been inspired from what she sees by looking out the cabin’s window.
“There is only so much you can take from a photograph,” she explained.
For almost 20 years, Serrano has been painting professionally and has since shared her talent with the International Falls community.
“When people look at my art, I hope they feel a connection,” she said.
Serrano’s paintings have been displayed at different locations around town and she has instructed young artists during summer programs and Backus Community Center and elsewhere.
“I’ve always found painting rewarding and relaxing,” she said of her intense devotion for the art. “My parents bought me my first sent of paints at the age of 13, and I’ve been painting ever since.”
Although painting can pose different sets of challenges, Serrano admits she still finds herself working on multiple pieces at once. A landscape painting alone can take anywhere from one week to six months to complete depending on the size, she said.
Serrano said she takes pride in each of her pieces as being unique and telling a story.
Although she has accomplished so much in her career already, she said, “My goal as an artist is to keep learning and growing in my artwork and as a person in general.”
To watch Serrano’s segment on The PlayList, visit www.wdse.org/shows/playlist.
