Introducing abstract artist Cerise Washington

Cerise Washington is a British artist for whom philanthropy is important, using her artwork to support charitable causes while capturing the drama and beauty of sea, sky and light. Inspired by J.M.W. Turner, she blends expressive brushstrokes with vibrant colours to create abstract impressionist paintings that bring movement and atmosphere to any space.

From monumental canvases to silk accessories, Cerise’s art has graced London galleries and private collections worldwide. She continues to collaborate with interior designers to transform spaces with her emotive, luminous creations.

Here, we chat with Cerise about her journey into the art world in more detail..

Can you tell us your backstory and how you got into the art world?

I first discovered oil painting at the age of 14, but vocationally I was led into a degree in graphic design, which took me into wonderfully creative roles in Dubai and Beirut with firms such as Ogilvy & Mather and Orbit Showtime Network. Through marriage and motherhood I found time to rekindle my passion for painting, and living in the Middle East reignited my passion for oil painting.

I have always found it wonderful to be a painter — in a way I feel spiritually connected when lifting the paintbrush, and that peace descends and envelopes you. After personal challenges, including the loss of my father and a marital separation, painting became not only a source of solace but also a form of healing and reflection.

When I returned to London in 2016, I deepened my practice through a contemporary art course at Christie’s Education, which gave me new ways of seeing Western European painting and a profound reconnection with J.M.W. Turner. That course spurred me on to create more artworks and made me reflect on my own direction — at the time I was painting figurative and portraiture, but I slowly began to experiment with abstract and impressionist works.

This shift not only felt truer to my vision, but it also led to greater interest in my art and more sales to the public and collectors. Alongside my professional work, I have also contributed to charity auctions, using my art to support causes close to my heart.

How would you describe your signature style and technique?

In the main, my practice has drawn on Turner and the Romantic era through painterly abstraction. I acknowledge Impressionism too, but my distinct style is marked by the subtle yet varied use of colour, expressive impasto brushwork, and an emphasis on atmospheric light. Like Turner, I am preoccupied with depth, colour, and the transformative qualities of light, which I interpret in seascapes, skies, and reflections.

Thickened, multi-pigmented layers allow me to build movement and emotion into my work while keeping a historic feel alive. I have managed to draw on these techniques when creating more abstract and impressionistic works that don’t necessarily resemble Turner’s style, and the results have been wonderful to see, with several commissions coming from this subtle change in style.

I often work in thick, multi-pigmented layers, building depth and movement while letting textures interact naturally with light. I particularly love using a palette knife with oil paint mixed with Liquin to create a translucent wash effect that gives the painting luminosity and fluidity. I also experiment with brushes not traditionally used for oil — for example, I use watercolour brushes to soften paint and fan out edges, which is especially effective when painting clouds or atmospheric effects.

Colour is central to my work — I explore contrasts and harmonies to evoke emotion, and reflections in water, clouds, and skies play a recurring role. My brushwork is intuitive yet considered, designed to convey both energy and tranquility, drawing viewers into the scene. This approach also translates beautifully into design applications, from interiors to silk scarves, where my painterly style can complement textures, patterns, and décor while retaining its emotive quality.

Can you tell us about your latest work? Where did you find inspiration and what is the story behind it?

My latest works explore the sea, sky, and light, drawing on my love for Turner but also inspired by sailing, Cornish beaches, and lavender fields in the Provence. I am currently working on a new series of paintings and building an inventory that I will exhibit once complete.

Most recently, I was commissioned by the owner of The Odd Chair Company, a boutique Chelsea showroom on Kings Road specialising in curated and distinctive furniture and interiors, to redesign “Abigail,” an old fabric design by Brunschwig & Fils, as a painting, which now hangs in their showroom. For this project, I studied the earlier works, colours, and patterns of Brunschwig & Fils, which were completely new to me and which I grew to love during the process.

Alongside this, I read widely about interior design and fabric production, producing numerous sketches in differing styles and alternative takes on the Brunschwig & Fils aesthetic until I found the exact fit for my client’s brief. This research informed my approach and supported the process of reimagining the design as a painting while still respecting the brand’s aesthetic. This project has opened the door to exploring further possibilities in fabric and textile design, extending my practice beyond painting into interiors and inspiring new creative directions for future works.

Are there any exhibitions or events you are planning?

While I am currently focused on creating new works and building my inventory, I plan to exhibit this series in 2026 once it is ready. I have previously exhibited across London, including Covent Garden, Wimbledon, the Strand, and the Oxford International Art Fair, and my work has been commissioned internationally for private collections.

Last year, I worked remotely for an interior designer in Los Angeles, which was really exciting. This has since developed into her asking to exhibit my works on a rolling basis at her chateau in Bordeaux France — an opportunity I am thrilled about, and the chance to travel anywhere for work is one I never pass up, especially Paris!

In addition to my exhibitions and commissions, I have contributed artwork to charity auctions, including the Superyacht Charities Ball in Southampton, where my painting was sold to support a good cause.

I am also excited to be part of House of Estila, with the possibility of exhibiting one of my works in their showroom and being featured in their upcoming artist book for interior designers — opportunities I am very much looking forward to.

What is the best advice you received as an artist?

The best advice I received was to remain authentic and keep faith in my individual creative language. Trends come and go, but an artist’s true power lies in creating from a place of honesty and depth. For me, that means continually observing the world — the sea, the skies, the atmosphere — and translating those emotions into paint. By staying rooted in authenticity, I can create work that resonates deeply, both personally and with those who experience it.

“As an artist, I believe deeply in creating from a place of love rather than financial gain. I often think back to a clip of Madonna presenting at the Tate in 2001, where she spoke about art needing to come from love. That sentiment resonates with me completely — it reflects exactly where I am in my practice today: creating work that moves, inspires, and connects with people, rather than chasing trends or profit.”

For more information please visit washingtonfineart.com.

Follow Cerise Washington on Instagram @cerise_washington.

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