Shirley grew up on a farm on the prairies that has influenced her life and work despite her living on the west coast for many years. Her love of art was engrained at an early age and although her profession was science based, it had an artistic component. She began painting in 2015 and has not stopped since. Her representational work encompasses landscapes, portraits, still life and a love of animals. She has studied with local professionals as well as international artists. She is North Shore based and is a member of the North Shore Artists Guild, North Van Arts and the FCA. She works primarily in oil but also dabbles in acrylic, watercolour and gouache.