June Artist of the Month - Shirley Paul

Even as a young child I loved creating things and pictures, making up plays for my younger siblings to act out, building sand castles, and making music. As an adult, I’ve been fortunate enough to learn, with the help of many fine teachers, how to paint and play with art in various styles and media. When I lived in the Washington DC area, I studied actively, exhibited and won prizes in national shows.
After moving to Charlottesville in 1989, I took a break from art for awhile, and recently found the creative urge returning in a strong way. My kitchen is now an art studio! I paint most days, and find it something I am driven to do. While I find it extremely satisfying, it is also always challenging and stimulating.
My work falls into the category called “Intuitive” or “process” painting. This is the practice of meditating with brush in hand. It requires the suspension of fear, expectations, and the analytical brain. I allow the painting to evolve based on my vision, love of play and experimentation. Currently, I am moving in the direction of conveying the look of the geological formations in the Southwest US, and of social commentary.