The Cheshire art scene is experiencing an exciting transformation, with a new wave of artists bringing fresh perspectives to contemporary art. From bold nature-inspired pieces to minimalist cityscapes, these artists are creating work that's catching the eye of collectors both locally and internationally as we enter 2025.
What makes these artists particularly interesting is their diverse backgrounds - many have transitioned from successful corporate careers to pursue their artistic passions. Their unique life experiences and deep connections to the Northwest region shine through in their work, creating pieces that resonate with both local pride and universal appeal.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and take you through a comprehensive list of Chesire-based artists to keep an eye on during 2025.
Jo Gough: From Council Tech to Contemporary Cheshire Nature Art
After spending three decades in IT with her local council, Jo Gough took a leap of faith in 2016, and it's paying off brilliantly. Working from her Cheshire garden studio alongside her Cavapoo Ted, she's developed a distinctive style that combines architectural precision with free-flowing natural forms, using her signature splatter technique to create energy-filled pieces.
Her success story includes impressive collaborations with Chester Zoo, WH Smith, and The Art Group, with her work now available in major retailers across the UK. Jo's pieces range from vibrant local landmarks to abstract nature scenes, with recent works like “Pathway to Happiness” showcasing her ability to capture the essence of a perfect summer's day walk through the woods through bold, textured acrylics.
Elizabeth Panter: Cheshire's Mixed Media Master Creating Nature-Inspired Art
Working from her Frodsham studio, Elizabeth Panter creates art that stops you in your tracks. Her mixed media pieces blend acrylics, metallic inks, and crystals to capture nature's beauty in a way that's both bold and sophisticated. After years of managing arts and health programmes, she knows firsthand how art can lift the spirit.
Her recent works, including the eye-catching "Frida in Fuchsia," show how she brings unexpected elements together. Elizabeth's collaboration with fellow local artists, including the recent "Iron Maiden" exhibition series at Castle Park Arts Centre, proves she's not just creating beautiful pieces – she's actively championing Cheshire's artistic community.
Juliet Stockton: Wirral's Pop Culture Portrait Artist Making Waves
Talk about a career change that paid off – Juliet Stockton swapped 25 years in HR for a paintbrush in 2021 and hasn't looked back since. Working from her Wirral studio (with her labrador Cassie as studio supervisor), she's quickly become the go-to artist for vibrant pop culture portraits that capture more than just a likeness - they capture a moment in time.
Her rapid rise includes becoming the resident artist for the original cast of Grease, with her tribute to Olivia Newton-John set to hang in Melbourne's ONJ Cancer Centre. From ABBA to Prince, her portraits use bold acrylics and dynamic brushwork to bring iconic figures to life, attracting attention from celebrity collectors, including Gino D'Acampo.
Oshe: Minimalist Chester Cityscapes Through a Contemporary Lens
If you've ever wished you could see Chester's historic beauty with fresh eyes, Oshe's work is for you. Inspired by vintage railway posters from his childhood, he strips away the unnecessary details from Chester's landmarks to reveal their pure essence. His minimalist approach to scenes like the Eastgate Clock and The Groves shows Chester landmarks in a whole new light.
Using a carefully limited colour palette and clean lines, Oshe transforms familiar local scenes into contemporary art pieces that feel both modern and timeless. His background playing with Lego and painting by numbers might seem unusual, but it's helped him develop a unique style that makes Chester's architecture feel fresh and exciting.
Liverpool's Dirty Hans: Pop Culture Innovation from the Northwest
While not strictly Cheshire-based, Liverpool's Dirty Hans deserves a spot on this list for bringing Northwest wit to the contemporary art scene. His pop art mashups might show Audrey Hepburn hanging out with Spiderman or the Queen having tea with Paddington, but they're created with a distinctly northern sense of humour.
From his early days of drawing on everything he could find to exhibiting across Europe and America, Dirty Hans has kept his playful spirit while developing serious artistic credentials. His latest works, including limited edition prints, show how pop art can be both fun and collectable.
Invest in Cheshire's Contemporary Art Scene: How to Start Collecting
These artists represent some of the most exciting talent emerging from our region, each offering unique opportunities for art lovers and collectors. Whether you're drawn to Jo Gough's textured landscapes, Elizabeth Panter's mixed media pieces, or Oshe's minimal cityscapes, now is the perfect time to start collecting their work.
You can begin your journey by exploring our carefully curated selection of works from these rising stars. We’re also on hand to offer expert guidance on choosing the perfect piece, professional framing services, and flexible payment options to help you start or expand your collection.