How a Rhode Island native found her artistic voice—and peace—in the Lowcountry.

If you ask Cheryl Considine how she ended up in Summerville, she’ll smile and say, 

“It was the best random decision we ever made.”

Born and raised in Rhode Island, Cheryl spent most of her life in the Northeast—first in New York, and later in the Hudson Valley of upstate New York. After decades of cold winters and long commutes, she and her husband Tim decided it was time for a change.
 

“We were just done with snow,” she laughs. “I told Tim to pick someplace warm and let’s go.”

They landed on Summerville almost by accident—drawn by its charm, small-town beauty, and proximity to the ocean. One long weekend visit was all it took. They packed up, sold their home, and headed south. 

“Best decision ever,” she says. “We love it here.”

Rediscovering Art—and Herself

Cheryl has been creating since childhood.

“I remember getting in trouble in second grade because I spent more time on the drawings than on writing sentences,” she admits with a grin.

That early passion never faded. Encouraged by a talented high-school art teacher, she went on to study at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where she learned technique, discipline, and—perhaps most importantly—the courage to keep going.
 

“My teachers worked hard to build my self-confidence,” she recalls. “It’s gotten a little better over the years, but I still struggle with it sometimes.”

Her father was also a lasting influence.
 

“He always said no matter what I did, do it to the absolute best of my ability. He had such a strong work ethic.”

An Intuitive and Evolving Process

Cheryl describes her artistic style as “intuitive, evolving, and experimental.” 

She works primarily in watercolor and acrylic, often layering in ink or pencil to add depth and movement.
 

“Sometimes I plan things out, but most of the time I just start painting to see where it goes,” she says. “I’ll have several projects happening at once—my studio looks like there was an explosion or two. 

Every other part of my life is organized, but the chaos in my studio doesn’t bother me!”

Her inspiration comes from two lifelong loves—gardening and the ocean. The flowers and plants she once cultivated up north, and the endless horizon of the Atlantic she grew up near, now find their way into her Lowcountry landscapes and florals.

“The ocean was always where I felt like I could be myself and think and be happy,” she says. “When I started painting again after we moved here, it felt like coming home.”

Art That Feels Like a Deep Breath

Cheryl’s paintings are instantly recognizable for their gentle colors and soothing energy. Her goal is simple: to help people slow down and find joy in life’s quiet moments.
 

“I hope my art evokes happiness, peacefulness, calm, and comfort,” she says. “That’s how I feel when I paint, and I hope others sense that too.”

That spirit flows through her watercolor workshops, where she teaches beginners how approachable and relaxing painting can be.

“I try to demystify watercolor so students can continue painting at home,” she explains. “Classes are small, about six people, so I can work closely with everyone.”

Her workshops at Art on the Square Gallery and neighborhood centers often sell out quickly, filled with laughter, conversation, and the shared joy of creating.

Courage, Community, and Creative Freedom

When Cheryl joined Art on the Square Gallery in 2021, it was her first time exhibiting in a gallery.
 

“It was terrifying and exciting at the same time,” she says. “But I love being part of this group. Everyone works together, and there’s such pride in what we’re building here.”

Her advice for emerging artists is refreshingly honest:
 

“Just start. There will always be reasons to wait, but everyone has to start somewhere. Do it for yourself and have fun with it.”

She laughs as she adds, 

“I was so afraid to start painting again because I worried what people would think. Sometimes I wonder—what if I had started sooner?”

Now painting full-time, Cheryl finds joy in her creative freedom, even if the income shift from corporate life took some adjustment.
 

“Not loving the change in income,” she jokes, “but I’m much happier!”

For Collectors

Cheryl believes that art should be both beautiful and accessible. Her collection includes a range of prints, cards, and small originals starting at just $25, along with larger one-of-a-kind paintings for seasoned collectors looking for something truly special.
 

“I think my art works in anyone’s home if it connects with them and makes them happy to look at,” she says — a sentiment that perfectly reflects her desire to bring everyday joy into the spaces people love most.

One of her favorite collector stories came from a woman who invited Cheryl into her home to show her where the painting now lived.
 

“She told me she loved looking at it every day,” Cheryl recalls. “And she’s shipped my hand-painted ornaments as gifts all over the country. That was pretty awesome to find out.”

Those hand-painted ornaments have become beloved keepsakes, especially during the holidays.
 

“It makes my heart happy to know customers add them to their holiday traditions every year.”

The Beauty of Beginnings

In every way, Cheryl’s art tells the story of a woman rediscovering her voice—and the joy that comes from finally listening to it.
 

“Sometimes I feel like I have so much time to make up for,” she admits. “But I paint almost every day now because it makes me happy.”

You can experience Cheryl Considine’s peaceful, light-filled watercolors and acrylics at Art on the Square Gallery in downtown Summerville. 

Each piece is a reminder to breathe, to notice, and to celebrate the beauty that’s always been waiting around us.