Artists Biography

Shirley began sketching people and animals while still in high school, but put her love of art aside while she pursued a career in science and management.

While working in a hectic corporate environment, she went back to begin art lessons as a release from the stress of management.  During the weekly art lessons, she discovered that the use of pastels enabled her to combine drawing and the use of color.  When Shirley retired from the corporate world, she quickly took advantage of studying with some of the noted pastelists in the New Jersey area.  She spent almost eight months in weekly workshops with Christina Debarry, PSA.  After moving to Arkansas, Shirley won a scholarship from the Pastel Society of America to study with Ben Konis, PSA in Texas.  Shirley has since taken workshops with Maggie Price,
Albert Handell and Mike Mahon. 

Shirley is a versatile artist and works with acrylic, oil, charcoal as well as pastels.  Her paintings are based on realism, and her favorite subjects are people and pets, which she creates on commission.  Shirley’s work has been accepted in juried exhibits in New Jersey, Texas, and Arkansas.  Her paintings hang in private collections in New Jersey, Kentucky, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

Shirley is currently serving as President of the Arkansas Pastel Society, and is a member of the Lone Star Pastel Society, the Portrait Society of America, Brush Strokes of Hot Springs Village, and the Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs.  Her work can be seen at the Artists Workshop Gallery and at the Brick House Restaurant in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  

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• Artist's Biography