Collection: Sherree Valentine Daines
Introduction
Sherree Valentine Daines stands as a beacon of contemporary British impressionism, her brushstrokes weaving tales of elegance and fleeting joy. Born in 1956 in Surrey’s tranquil Effingham, she transforms everyday scenes—children scampering across sandy shores, poised figures at Henley Regatta, or tender familial exchanges—into luminous celebrations of life. Her oil paintings shimmer with a delicate interplay of light and hue, echoing the spirit of impressionist pioneers like Sargent and Sorolla. Dubbed “the face of modern British impressionism,” Daines’ artistry transcends mere depiction, offering a nostalgic embrace of moments both grand and intimate. Her work graces the walls of luminaries, from British royalty to cultural icons such as Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen and Jonny Wilkinson, reflecting her broad appeal. What began as doodles on legal pads evolved into a career marked by technical finesse and emotional depth, earning her a global following. Her canvases, rich with texture and vitality, invite viewers to linger in a world where time slows, and beauty reigns supreme.
Biography
Sherree Valentine Daines entered the world in 1956 in Effingham, Surrey, a quaint village that hinted little of her future prominence. Art was not her first calling; at 18, she navigated London’s legal offices as a secretary, her creative spark flickering in sketches scratched across mundane documents. This quiet talent prompted a bold pivot—she enrolled at Epsom School of Art in 1976, emerging four years later with a refined eye for the human form. That summer, she wandered Cornwall’s rugged coast, filling canvases with its sunlit beaches and weathered faces, a formative chapter that cemented her love for impressionism. Her debut exhibition, audaciously staged at a Cornish school, sold out swiftly, igniting her resolve to paint professionally.
Trading jewellery design at Chaumet for a full-time artist’s life, she roamed London’s vibrant arteries—Covent Garden’s theatre throngs, South Bank’s market bustle—capturing their pulse in oil. Daines’ style melds impressionist fluidity with a personal warmth, her subjects glowing against soft, evocative backdrops. Her rise brought commissions from the elite—portraits of England’s rugby heroes, theatrical luminaries like Joanna Lumley, and even royal patrons. Exhibitions at revered spaces like the Tate and Lord’s Museum followed, her reputation bolstered by awards and televised appearances, including a memorable stint on “To the Manor Bowen.” Today, splitting time between Surrey and inspiration’s call, she crafts works that resonate worldwide, a testament to her journey from humble roots to artistic luminary.
Exhibitions
- Tate Gallery - Unveiled her evocative impressionist pieces.
- The Barbican - Staged a standout solo exhibition amid cultural fanfare.
- Lord’s Museum - Presented sports-inspired works from a televised project.
- Royal Society of British Artists - Showcased her dynamic figurative art.
- New English Art Club - Displayed her evolving mastery of light.
- Royal Institute of Oil Painters - Honoured her skill with oils.
- Laing Landscape Exhibition - Featured her luminous landscapes.
- Thompson’s Gallery, Annual Exhibition 2024 - Highlighted new creations from May to June 2024.
Blog posts
Notable commissions by Sherree Valentine Daines
An overview of some of the notable commissions Sherree Valentine Daines has undertaken
From Legal Secretary to Royal Favorite: The Unlikely Journey of Sherree Valentine Daines
A look at how Sherree Valentine Daines turned sketches on a legal pad into a celebrated career, winning over royalty and art lovers alike.
