This is me

Hello, I’m Charlotte. I have lived in Cambridge, England since 2018 with my family and our two cocker spaniels, surrounded by the beauty of the 800 year old university.  I live in a house which I have loved decorating myself.   I’m currently building an art studio in my garden, a very exciting project! 

I studied languages at university in London so that I could tap into and better understand other cultures and mentalities. I’ve been so lucky to have lived in Brussels, Paris, Madrid and London.

I grew up in the Norfolk countryside where we played croquet, grew vegetables and spent summers on the beach with siblings, cousins and friends.  I rushed off to the bright lights of London as soon as my schooling was finished. Cambridge, which is half way between London and Norfolk, is a perfect compromise between the two and accessible to both. 

Write to me

I came back to drawing and later painting in 2013 while bringing up my three children.

The artistic process has been a refuge and a solace for me. It has been so satisfying to have this outlet for my creativity. 

I use coloured pencil and graphite to draw portraits with a grid to achieve the correct spacing and to get a good likeness. I work from photographs as my reference image. A portrait always works better if there’s a single source of light which comes from the side as this gives form to the head. 

I am working increasingly in oils, being drawn to the possibilities that the deeper colours allow.  Summer time Plein Air (outdoor) painting and, in winter, still life painting pull me in giving me the opportunities to create with enthusiasm. 

My artwork is a constant journey. I have a need to continue learning on an ongoing basis and I do that by taking on challenging work on my own in my studio space, joining weekly life drawing and monthly sketch out sessions with other artists and by following various courses online or in person.  An evening spent making art revives me. 

In 2023 I was selected as an artist member of our local Cambridge Drawing Society which has offered various opportunities like the monthly sketch together group, talks by artists and trips to art galleries and museums. I have been exhibiting with them twice a year at the Pitt Building and The Leys School in Cambridge. It’s been wonderful to be in touch with other local artists. 

To understand better my process please take a look at my Instagram page @charlottebedart. 

Stories that Make Me Smile

  • Charlotte’s work really stayed with me. Beautiful, thoughtful work.”

    Exhibition Viewer

  • Charlotte’s drawing has become one of our favourite things in the house. It is beautifully observed, quietly atmospheric and feels very personal to us.

    Recent Client

  • Charlotte captured our daughter so beautifully. It’s not simply a wonderful likeness—it’s her personality and spirit that shine through.

    Portrait Commission