About
URABUTE is a playful site by the Charlotte, NC Artist Cheryl Johnson selling original fine art, oil, linen, wood panel, encaustics, watercolor and so much more.
ABOUT
URABUTE Cheryl Johnson Artist. YOU ARE A BEAUTY. Playful Contemporary Art.
"I paint because I must. It's about self-expression and capturing the essence of what moves me."
"My paintings are personal, often revealing my inner emotions."
"The creative process allows me to get lost and enjoy the pure act of creation."
"Great art provokes thought, discussion and emotion."
"Art can teach compassion and sensitivity, something the world needs."
Art leads to compassion and sensitivity and the world needs that.
Welcome to You Are A Beauty, or URABUTE
This is your go-to destination for all things beautiful in the world of art.
Why "You Are A Beauty"? We cherish this phrase because it encapsulates the essence of what makes art so captivating—the fusion of qualities that ignite our senses and soothe our souls.
What We Offer: Dive into a world of stunning art, paintings, and wall decor that inspire and uplift. Experience the magic of Cheryl Johnson's creations, offering not just artwork but also valuable lessons for budding artists. Join our vibrant online art community and let your creativity soar!
About Us: URABUTE is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, nestled in the art-rich North Shore Lake Norman district. We specialize in showcasing modern American and contemporary art. Remember, URABUTE isn't just a store; it's a haven for art enthusiasts, investors, collectors, and decorators alike.
URABUTE Defined: URABUTE isn't just an acronym; it's a symbol of beauty and inspiration. It's about combining visuals and words to create something truly captivating and memorable.
Why Choose Us: Explore our playful collection of contemporary art, featuring trendy colors, abstract expressionist pieces, and more. Purchase art that reflects your unique taste and personality. Let Cheryl Johnson, a talented artist from Charlotte, NC, add color to your world.
Embrace beauty, embrace art. Join us at URABUTE, and let's celebrate the beauty of creativity together!
After mixing, blending, scraping, brushing, and painting for 30+ years, I know who I am and what I can do. I trust the process, and experimentation and perhaps, change is a big part of it, so I like being unscripted and going with the flow of the unplanned. And yet some projects require learned lessons, learned skills, planning and preparation. The variety of materials I have available to put on my surfaces is so exciting, however in this painting I chose only oil. It has taken many months to dry and the texture is thick and painterly. I enjoy developing a variety of styles, techniques and layers. When it all comes together it is more than a “Fantasy.” It becomes a real world to explore.
“Make it beautiful and cherish the moment.” Cheryl Johnson
A little something about me:
With hopefully a sharp personal style and diverse background, I am moving myself into a a new era, with the focus shifting to include playful art with a more contemporary edge.
The Beginning
Fabulous Parents and a Strong mother raised me. Not just strong, but hold up the world strong.
Momma Said. "Women are resilient."
"You are beautiful and you are loved."
Daddy said. "YOU can do that." Daddy in spite of ill health; he could do anything and he taught me to try it all with confidence.
I have two wonderul sisters that hold me up. I am the middle child.
My parents taught us to have big hearts and deep faith. We greet you with a smile and wrap our arms around you. We hug tight. We don't turn away, and we grin a lot. We look you in the eye and SMILE and ask you how you are and want a real answer.
We FLY. WE SOAR. We smile big.
We are givers. We unapologetically ‘overshare.’ We want to know you and if we can; we can be kind to strangers, least they be angels unaware.
I was taught this be kind to strangers attitude, a real loving way of life from my mother. Underneath she was shy but she was kind to everyone. She taught me and my sisters to believe in ourselves and each other.
She taught us to have faith and how to pray and be thankful for the answer. She would take us to church. Although, when she prayed, she would only raise her hand shoulder height. But she was so grateful and thankful for our many blessings. She was the camouflaged blanket of the family and wrapped us all in her love and warmth.
SO ALREADY What does this have to do with URABUTE and my art?
My mother taught me to listen to my gut, or what she call The Holy Spirit. She also taught me NOT to take myself too seriously. She Said.
"LOVE IS LIKE A LIZARD … IT RUNS AROUND YOUR HEART AND JUMPS INTO YOUR GIZZARD.
You can do anything that comes to your heart that you feel you can do. You are inspired. God has given you gifts. Use them."
So I decided to create URABUTE as I wanted to have more fun in my art.
I DECIDED. I WANTED TO NOT ONLY HAVE FUN WITH MY ART AND SHARE THIS SIDE OF MY PLAYFUL ART DIFFERENTLY, BUT I ALSO WANTED TO PRICE PRINTS AND SMALL ORIGINALS WHERE MORE PEOPLE COULD BUY THEM.
As a professional artist, CherylJohnsonArtist I paint primarily in abstract expressionism and have painted professionally for 30 years. Whew! I have created a wonderful body of work and now I am creating FUN ART.
URABUTE
Now for URABUTE I am going to let it fly, which simply means I will use ANYTHING I CAN GRAB IN THE DETRITUS OF paint (all those squeezed to a sliver tubes will be used) and other creative sulptural elements and collage will be added. Creating art allows me to express externally what's bubbling up LIKE CHAMPAGNE in my mind, body, and spirit.
I AM GOING TO HAVE FUN
My process begins with BREATHING. PRAYING, LISTENING TO MUSIC and if i get carried away. DANCING.
I DO NOT meditate, but I sit around and stare a lot at things. So it kind of is like meditating. Does that count? And I blog all over. I love starting blogs, but finishing is the hard part. I do not really write in a journal, but occasionally I do journaling. I love to write and prattle on.
I love to create and when creating art I go directly to the paper or canvas and begin painting. I sometimes have an idea that I want to explore. Then other times I begin without having any expectation or idea what the final product will be.
INCLUSION vs OMISSION
I am a project queen. My father was a carpenter, and I love tools and making things. So, I build layer after layer...letting go and covering some things...keeping others.
LOOKING
Always, there comes the point in the painting process where I just sit back on the bed and look. Thank God I had the foresight to put a bed in my studio. That's when I think about what to do next.
THANKFUL
I'm always a little bit surprised, yet delighted, by what is expressed on the canvas.
I love being an artist. I mean, c'mon...how lucky am I? I love to create, explore, inspire and dream. My spirit is always flying.
I get to bring joy and energy into people's lives and homes. Is that wonderful or what? It's an honor!
Yes, sometimes what I create is on my CHERYLJOHNSON ARTIST where I paint with deep and thoughtful intention; but, for now URABUTE it is about PLAY.