Desiree Cumberbatch a Staffordshire-based artist whose love for painting began in childhood. However, it wasn’t until her retirement from the NHS in 2020—nearly forty years later—that she fully embraced the opportunity to pursue her passion for art.
That same year, Desiree joined two local art groups in Swynnerton and Newcastle-under-Lyme. Entirely self-taught, she was surprised to discover her own ability. Her first painting, Riverdale—the Duke family home—was inspired by a deeply personal moment. Following the passing of her father during the COVID-19 pandemic, her mother made the difficult decision to sell their much-loved Victorian house. Painting this piece provided Desiree with both focus and therapeutic comfort during a challenging time.
From the very beginning, Desiree has painted what she sees, working primarily in acrylics. Her work is often praised as a “hidden talent,” marked by a natural eye for accuracy, value, and realism. She now concentrates on portraits, landscapes, and architectural subjects, relishing the challenge of refining her style.
Through her art, Desiree hopes not only to capture the world around her but also to inspire others to discover what she herself has found so rewarding—the magic of creativity and its many hidden benefits