Evelyn Cheston facts for kids

Evelyn Cheston (born Evelyn Davy on September 8, 1875 – died October 31, 1929) was a talented British artist. She was known for her beautiful paintings of landscapes and outdoor scenes, using both oil paints and watercolours.

Early Life and Art Training

Evelyn Cheston was born in Ranmoor, a part of Sheffield, England. She loved art from a young age. She started her art education in London. From 1882 to 1894, she attended the Royal Female School of Art.

Studying at Slade

After that, from 1894 to 1899, Evelyn studied at the famous Slade School of Art in London. This was a very important time for her. While at Slade, she even shared a painting prize with another well-known artist, Augustus John. Her winning artwork is still kept at University College London.

Painting Life and Style

Evelyn Cheston spent some time learning about landscape painting. She took classes in Yorkshire with artist Walter Westley Russell. It was there that she met her future husband, Charles Sidney Cheston.

Life in Dorset and Devon

In 1904, Evelyn married Charles, who was also an artist. They lived in different places, including Dorset, Devon, and London. When they lived in Studland, Dorset, Evelyn often painted the local coast. Studland Bay became a frequent subject in her art.

Creech Barrow in Dorset, a place Evelyn might have painted.

Developing Her Style

Evelyn Cheston first showed her paintings with the New English Art Club in 1906. She became a full member in 1909. She became ill with a kidney illness, which made it harder for her to move around. However, she kept painting, often outdoors. She was known for her bright and lively painting style.

In 1912, Evelyn visited Paris and saw many Impressionist artworks. These paintings, along with the advice from her teacher at Slade, Philip Wilson Steer, greatly influenced her. You can see this influence in how she used color and light in her own art.

Legacy and Recognition

Evelyn Cheston passed away in 1929 in Musbury, near Axminster in Devon. Two years after her death, her husband, Charles, wrote a book about her. It was called Evelyn Cheston. The book shared details about her art career and their life together.

Exhibitions and Collections

To honor her work, special exhibitions were held. One was at the Royal Watercolour Society galleries in 1929. Another was at the Mappin Art Gallery in Sheffield in 1931. Her painting from 1917, called Betchworth Lane, October, was bought by the Tate museum in 1924. It is still part of their collection today.