Artist Direct
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SHIRLEY BALES FINE ART
Collect Original Art
Collect art that speaks for itself and speaks for you. Art that brings you joy, sparks conversation, commemorates an important moment, place or time. Art as original as you are. Art that may become a treasured heirloom. Buying artist direct or from a local reputable gallery supports local economies and someone's dream while enriching your life and your community with original art.
Artist Direct!
Our new reality has provided an opportunity for artists and collectors to forge deeper personal connections. More people are buying art online than ever and I am so grateful. It’s a rewarding buying experience to communicate directly with the creator of the art that moves you, without intimidation, from the comfort of your home. Buying artist direct often involves increased pricing transparency, variety, and efficiency. When you buy artist direct art, you are supporting a dream. Artists spend years quietly learning, struggling, discovering and finding their unique voice. Familiarize yourself with the artist's journey, inspiration, background and achievements.
One of a Kind
Original art has depth. Unlike a flat reproductions, it feels handmade. People can tell the difference between an original and a print. It isn't original just because it's creative, it's one of a kind. The highest art evokes an emotional response that is personal, optimistic and good. Art rooted in tradition, reminding us of our shared heritage and culture, strengthening bonds and communities.
Original Art
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Shirley Bales, artist
Hi there! I'm Shirley. I am a multi-generational painter. While I was practically born with a paintbrush in hand, I formally studied fine art under an accomplished forensic portrait artist and other notable illustrators in the 1990's. My favorite thing to do is paint outside. I have attended workshops by acclaimed plein air painters, and exclusively painted outside for over 10 years to develop my unique color sensibility. I learned most of my technical knowledge from the Cennini Forum, comprised of forerunners of the Classical Realism Movement. I have participated in multiple group and solo shows winning multiple awards and accolades over the years. My work resides in thousands of private collections nationwide, and I am so grateful. I am now a resident of Colorado Springs, and someday soon I hope to take the show on the road in my new RV and paint Colorado and beyond. Please come along for the ride. Read more about my journey below.
"I have always felt there are layers to life"
For me, one color is not sufficient to express a passage in a painting. Life is nuanced, complicated and surprising. I believe painting should be a reflection of life. Variety in paint, as in life, is a wonderfully rich experience. Ideally layering thick, thin, opaque, dry, fluid, transparent and everything in between—all working together to make a stronger whole, viewed as one from a distance. However, up close they are as individual as we are, as each stroke has its place and is beautiful.
Shirley Bales, artist
LEARN MORE
In an Instant, Everything Changed
It was a sunny day when we made our way to the annual Plein Air Artists Colorado Paint Out in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. As we pulled up to our campsite after a long drive, tents and gear in tow, we arrived at our campsite to learn our fire pit was surrounded by nearly a foot of water. It was a confusing scenario, as the weather had been perfect on the drive in? In hindsight, it was an ominous nod to events to come. We decided to move our campsite to higher ground. An act that would eventually make us—the last tent standing. The next day, after an exhausting (yet glorious) day battling bugs and sun while painting outside—we settled into camp to prepare dinner in our brand new REI screen house. It was then that I noticed small clouds forming in the distance. I had a passing thought "maybe a storm is brewing?" Then without notice, the wind picked up to 60 miles per hour. We held on to the screen house for dear life as it nearly flew away with us along with it! Then the stinging rain started . . . We were completely exposed to the elements and at nature's mercy. This battle persisted for over half an hour, and at the end of it, we were the last tent standing. Wet and exhausted, that was the day I decided to buy an RV . . .
Eleven Mile Canyon
Coming soon! A new collection of original art by Shirley Bales Fine Art
SHIRLEY BALES FINE ART
Frequently asked questions
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1. How do I buy an original?
My originals are released to my email list first, then will be available on my website under the shop tab. Or on my home page "by collection" or "available original art." Join my email list below for exclusive first access to new art, studio news and information on upcoming events. -
2. How will my product be shippied?
All artwork is wrapped, padded extremely well, and sent in a well-fitting sturdy cardboard box. Prints may be shipped directly from SHIRLEY BALES FINE ART or may be shipped from my printing partner that specializes in fine art printing. All prints are handled with the utmost care; sealed in protective plastic and wrapped well and shipped via UPS Ground (usually arrives within 1-3 days within the US). Most artwork will ship via UPS, includes tracking. and will arrive within 2-4 days (domestic) from time of shipping. International shipments will be sent via UPS or other carrier. Artwork larger than 50 inches is sent un-stretched and rolled safely in a sturdy tube. A local framer should be able to mount your art on stretcher bars and frame it to your preference. Should you need any help or advice regarding hanging and framing, don't hesitate to contact me at info@shirleybalesfineart.com. If you prefer to ship your large painting fully stretched we will use a freight service to expertly handle the painting and deliver it right to your living room ($300-500). International Shipments: Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on package weight and distance. If there is any discrepancy -/+ we will let you know via email. International packages are a bit outside of my control. Border fees, duties, and handling fees may be charged by other countries and tracking may be limited. Shipping costs cover fees, packaging supplies, time, labor, and storage. -
3. What is your Return Policy?
Every order, commission, and sale is handled with care and as much clarity and transparency as possible. My goal is for you to be completely thrilled with your purchase! Please take the time to read descriptions carefully and the check colors on multiple screens if you are concerned about color variations. I try my best to represent the colors and tones in my work honestly and clearly. If for some reason your new art doesn't work for you or your space, no problem! I accept returns within 30 days in original condition with return shipping paid for by the buyer. For more information visit my policy page click here -
4. What are giclée prints?
Reproductions printed in studio or by my printing partner, are Giclee reproductions created using a fine art printer, on quality fine art paper or canvas, with wide range of inks that if properly cared for, kept dry and out of direct sunlight, should last up to 100+ years. Giclee reproductions are made to order and typically take 6-10 days in production before shipping.
Testimonials of my Collectors
Coming Soon!
Solid Real Wood Frames
A Shirley Bales Fine Art Exclusive! Available in custom sizes and colors, milled, mitered, and hand finished by Shirley Bales Fine Art. Join the wait list to receive updates.
