My latest discovery in Sarasota is another hidden gem: Creative Liberties Studios and Gallery on Lime Avenue (https://www.creativeliberties.net/). Once again, I am struck by how many talented people are concentrated in this city. I will highlight this place more in my following articles because it deserves your attention, my dear Sarasota guests and residents.
Despite exploring Sarasota regularly, I hadn’t known about the charming Creative Liberties until now. I came here for an interview with a classy lady, a wonderful person, and unquestionably a talented artist - Cheryl Taub. (https://www.cheryltaub.com/).
During my visit to Cheryl Taub's studio, I saw her in action, surrounded by her vibrant works and creative tools. A striking black-and-white piece immediately caught my eye on an easel nearby (see photo above). Cheryl quickly pointed out that it is a work in progress, yet to be a finished painting, reflecting her ongoing layering and evolving each piece until it comes to life.
Cheryl Taub, one of the artists behind the vibrant creations at Creative Liberties Studios, is an expressionistic painter who primarily works in acrylics and collages. Born in New York City, Cheryl spent most of her life immersed in the energy and artistic pulse of the city before relocating to Sarasota.
From a young age, her passion for art was nurtured by her father, who often drew alongside her, sparking a lifelong devotion to creative expression. This passion led her to pursue a master's degree in art education, where she had the joy of teaching senior citizens and children. However, after moving to Sarasota, Cheryl focused more intensely on her artistic journey. She began taking classes at the Sarasota Art Center, studying under Joseph Melancon, an artist whose work she admired greatly.
Cheryl's work is a study of raw emotion and layered complexity. As an expressionistic painter, her figurative images explore vulnerability and inner turbulence, depicting subjects with an unguarded honesty that invites viewers into the emotional core of the piece. On the other hand, her landscapes are a harmony of texture and bold brushstrokes, where color and form collide to convey the intensity of a singular moment. These paintings are not about realism but about capturing the depth of feeling within the scene.
A key element of Cheryl’s work is her incorporation of collage, where photographs, scraps of paper, and found objects become part of the visual dialogue on the canvas. This blend of mediums creates a conversation between the unpredictability of paint and the intentional structure of collage. Through this intersection, Cheryl invites viewers to witness a dance of spontaneity and precision, where each layer contributes to the unfolding narrative of the piece.
Much of her inspiration is drawn from her time in New York City. Her work reflects the city's energy, diversity, and layered history. On frequent visits, she photographs the streets, capturing moments that she later manipulates in Photoshop, developing collages that bring together unexpected elements—perhaps the Brooklyn Bridge alongside a scene from the Bronx. Her work merges memory with imagination, creating a unique visual narrative that is familiar and abstract.
Cheryl's artistic journey has also been influenced by old family photographs, particularly images of her parents from the 1930s and 40s. In contrast, her landscapes are often inspired by places she has visited, such as Asheville, where the natural beauty of the surroundings resonates through her expressionistic brushstrokes.
While she has taken on commercial projects and commissions, Cheryl prefers the freedom of creating art on her terms. For her, the essence of art lies in expression, not in fulfilling someone else’s vision. That said, she does accept commissions that align with her style, such as a personalized collage of Chinatown or a series of horse paintings for a collector. Yet, at the heart of her practice is a desire to explore and convey deeper emotions and stories through her inspirations.
Cheryl’s process is intuitive. She begins with a simple background and allows the work to evolve naturally, layering paint and collage elements to build depth and texture. Acrylics are her preferred medium due to their quick-drying nature, which enables her to layer and adjust the composition as needed. Recently, she has also experimented with water-soluble oils, expanding her repertoire while maintaining the fluidity and immediacy that define her style.
In Sarasota, Cheryl has exhibited her work in juried shows, galleries, and local venues, such as Main Street Gallery and Longboat Key Town Hall. Her pieces are not just confined to traditional art spaces but are interwoven into the fabric of the community. Whether on the walls of a gallery or in a restaurant booth, her art invites viewers to pause, reflect, and engage with the layers of meaning embedded within each piece.
Photos: Cheryl's archive
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