The Artist

			Shirley James

I grew up in a period of time that Roy Rogers and Gene Autry were important Saturday activities.  I thought real cowboys dressed in the Nudie clothes and that the West was  glorious.

I always have had an interest in painting and drawing and ultimatly worked as an interior decorator.  I learned the design and color and developed my interests in Western decor and paintings.

I quit my day "job" a few years ago and began exploring painting and pyrography.  Sometimes I do fun things just to break away from what I usually create.  I have found that I prefer to work in small formats under 16x20 and thoroughly enjoy working on miniatures.  I spent the first couple of years concentrating on all the elements of a painting, reflections, water, shadows and nuances that bring life to a painting. 

I am concentrating on bringing a softness to my paintings and a feeling of nostaligia that hugs the heart and has a feel good appeal.   I owe that Thank you to my husband who has been fully supportive of my art and to my painting partner "Squeaks"  a small red Dachshund.