Art for Life & A Life for Art Blog
Modern Impressionism
Today there is a Modern Impressionist revival. Art movements are often a response—a rejection of environmental, social, and political forces—and the collective need to express and manifest a new perspective. It is this need that Modern Impressionism answers. We can reinvent our world, with art that stands for something good. French Impressionism was preoccupied with the immediate, the "fleeting moment," and depicting light. Modern Impressionism...
American Dreams on the Prairie
As we pulled into John Martin State Park, RV in tow, there was an eerie glow in the air. I felt a heaviness caused by more than smoke and decimation from uncontrolled wildfires. There was a mix of desperation, and a lack of direction that permeated the campground full of an eclectic mix of state of the art vans, weekend warriors, and the displaced with...
Why I Paint Outside
Driving down the newly opened faster toll route to the beach, I sang, sunroof open, at the top of my lungs to Los Lonely Boys Heaven and asked myself "how much farther is heaven?" With my newly purchased easel and paint bag in the back of my jeep, I didn't have a dime to my name—yet I was elated. I was escaping. You see, we...
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...
I Make My Own Frames
I hand make my own frames for my original art out of high quality real wood. Handmade and created with love, together with my framing team, we mill, miter and finish our real wood frames to perfectly fit the spirit of the original artwork. I find each piece of wood uniquely beautiful—with all it's variations and imperfections. I’ve been thinking so much lately about persistence....
My Painting Process
Using primarily 19th century mediums and materials from esteemed boutique color makers—I have spent over 20 years developing my unique oil painting process. Blending past knowledge with present day innovation, my work is a blend of classical methodology, impressionist palette and color theory, integrated into a modern day sensibility in both objective and non-objective forms. I primarily paint subjects that "resonate with me, connect me...
2nd Annual Gratitude Exhibit at Kreuser Gallery
I am excited to take part in the 2nd Annual “Gratitude” exhibit next month at Kreuser Gallery featuring over 150 local artists! I have gratitude for everyone that has helped me develop as an artist over this past year. This exposure has lead me in new and exciting directions. I have been quiet lately while I launch my new website and line of home...
Solace- Women of the Trees at Kreuser Gallery
Solace-Women of the Trees at Kreuser Gallery For the month of September an exhibit featuring Suz Stovall, Deb Komitor, Carol McIntyre, Amanda Jean, Lori DiPasquale, JoAnne Lavendar, Karen Storm, Shannon Mello, Lelia Davis, Angie Schwickerath, Shirley Bales, Mariya Zvonkovich, , Donna Martin, Dianna Cates Dunn, Lisa Wallace Dean, Julie Kirkland, Larysa Martyniuk, Jana Bussanich and their interpretation of trees. “When you go out into the...
Testimonials
"Fantastic painting. Best kept secret. Take note of this artist."
"Shirley's work is accessible, peaceful and on target. It is without pretense, boldy interpretive and technically perfect. Every home has a place on its wall for a Shirley Bales!"
"Exceptional impressionist, a talent of remarkable ability & true integrity."