Sheree Young

Sheree is an internationally recognized contemporary watercolor artist whose practice is rooted in curiosity and experimentation. Largely self-taught, she has developed her distinctive style through fearless exploration of the medium. In 2025, she was selected to exhibit at the prestigious Highland Art Prize in Glasgow, and has proudly represented both Scotland and South Africa at FabrianoInAcquarello in Italy.

Born in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Barbara spent five years in London before settling in the Scottish Highlands, where the dramatic landscapes continue to inspire her work. Though she is a qualified professional accountant, her true passion lies in watercolors. Versatile in subject matter, she embraces a wide range of themes, yet nature—its animals, forests, oceans, and flowers—remains a central motif in her paintings.

Artist statement:  

“I embrace the unpredictability of watercolor, a medium that thrives on spontaneity and surprise. Rather than adhering strictly to tradition, I often pour and layer color, allowing fluidity to guide the evolution of my contemporary paintings. This immediacy captures moments of inspiration, infusing my work with energy and vibrancy.

Nature is at the heart of my art. Animals, forests, oceans, and flowers emerge organically from my brushstrokes, reflecting both the beauty of the natural world and my connection to it. Their forms resonate with my creative process, evoking wonder and inviting viewers into a dialogue with the environment.

I revel in watercolor’s duality—its capacity for both control and surrender. Luminous washes, delicate details, and captivating textures arise from the interplay of pigment and water. My brushwork shifts between precision and freedom, each stroke contributing to a larger narrative. Through this balance, I seek to capture fleeting moments: the shimmer of light, the rhythm of movement, and the quiet poetry of nature.”