SHE's an internationally renowned Bournemouth artist whose subjects have included pop superstar James Blunt.

Chérie Wheatcroft is presenting her eighth art exhibition at the Regent in Christchurch until Friday September 28.

Chérie has about 40 works on display in the Regent foyer. One of Dorset’s leading artists, she is currently the Artist in Residence at Place Mill Gallery on Christchurch Town Quay.

A series of local scenes are on display such as: Poole Harbour, Sandbanks, Hengistbury Head, Mudeford Quay, River Avon, Stanpit Marsh, Bournemouth Pier and the Town Bridge in Christchurch.

An accomplished portrait artist, she painted James Blunt in a striking pose in aid of Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Chérie is a completely self taught artist. Originally she had a place at university to study Art, but

was unable to take it up due to a serious burns accident to her hands. Although the university kept her place open for two years, life took a different direction for Chérie as she began a family and then a Civil Service career.

Now always extremely busy with exhibitions across the region from Swanage and New Milton to Sandbanks and Lyndhurst, she has even had an exhibition on a London Bus! She also holds demonstrations for Art Societies in the area.In 2012, Cherie was invited to go international with an exhibition in Christchurch, New Zealand but this had to be postponed due to the devastating earthquake in the city.

She is also well known for her African wildlife scenes, especially when set against the vivid colours to be seen at dusk and dawn in the bush. In addition, she has made several trips to Botswana to study local wildlife in its habitat. Her work certainly captures all the realism of seeing her subjects first hand.

In 2015, Cherie appeared on BBC 1 TV’s series, Home Away from Home to discuss her life and paintings.

Chérie works in oils and acrylic. During the exhibition she will be demonstrating her painting skills in the Regent Foyer.