Kim Shirley

Coming Soon

2012-01-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend preping for upcoming paintings. I have a lot of ideas and commissions. I will be working on a portrait of two beautiful women and a field of poppies for commissions. As for me, myself, and I...There will be works of flowers (poppies & daisies), horses, and fly fisherman. Most of these soon to be paintings have the drawings transfered to the paper. All I have to do is begin the painting process. I'll post images as soon as I get them done!

Just in the 'Nick' of time

2011-12-17T18:22:00.002-07:00

I finished a commission today. A commission that is to be a Christmas present! I got it at the last minute and have been working every chance I get to finish it in time so that it'll arrive to my client before the holiday.

Gallery Representation

2011-12-03T23:42:00.005-07:00

Two Rivers Gallery in Big Timber, MT. has been selling some of my minature paitings the past month & 1/2. It has been so exciting and such a wonderful opportunity! I thought it was only going to be through the holiday season, but it might turn out to be longer than that. Here is a picture of some pieces I'll be sending them next week.
I'm so thankful for Two Rivers Gallery and those indivduals involved that gave me a chance.
http://tworiversgallery.org

Check out the website of Two Rivers Gallery if you get a chance. And be sure to stop by and see it in person if you're in the area!!!

Tis the Season of Commissions

2011-12-03T23:34:00.001-07:00

I finished a commission today of a cabin home in Bigfork. It was a lot of fun to do, as I enjoy painting cabins (old and new). There is something about weathered wood in it's various stages of weathering. I also began a new commission today as well and should hopefully have it finished before Christmas.

a random departure

2011-10-17T21:09:00.000-06:00

Did a new painting in acrylic...not the norm. But I like the results!

Blue

2011-10-09T21:26:00.000-06:00

Just finished a commission of a beautiful grey horse. I kinda like how he turned out. It is fun painting grey horses. You can really play around with color! Although, Sometimes, I really feel any painting can do a horse justice. They are so incredible in person.

MTWS Opening reception

2011-10-07T22:55:00.000-06:00

Tonight was the opening reception of the Watermedia 2011. My piece "Trulissa" was hanging among 50 other beautiful paintings. Tom Francesconi juried the exhibition. I was awarded a $150 merchandise award from the University of Montana bookstore. The reception was great. The raffle book of 30 original watercolors was fantastic! It was wonderful getting a chance to talk with some of my favorite members of the Montana Watercolor Society! If you get a chance, please stop by the Bigfork Art and Cultural Museum to see the show. The organizers of it work so hard and this year their efforts really paid off. It is a beautiful exhibition.

Mac

2011-08-22T09:34:00.002-06:00

My newest doggie commission! Mac, a westie.

29th Annual National Juried Exhibition

2011-06-22T22:42:00.001-06:00

I received notice that my piece, Trilussa, has been juried into the 29th Annual National Juried Exhibition with the Montana Watercolor Society! I'm very excited about this news as this will be the 7th year in a row that I've been juried in!

Reggie

2011-06-18T09:37:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I tend to procrastinate a painting, waiting till the last possible minute to finish it. Such was the case with this piece. For whatever reason I kept coming up with reasons not to do it now and then, but later. Always later.
But, once I get the painting bug there is no stopping me! I started this piece last night around 10pm and finished it at 3am. It only took me 5 hours to draw, transfer drawing, prep, and paint and yet over 6 months to get to that point. Wow...
Procrastination is NOT a good thing

Carhart

2011-06-17T20:53:00.000-06:00

I can whip out some paintings without any effort. It's almost like breathing...something you just do without thinking about it. Other times, it can take me F O R E V E R to finish a painting...at least that's what it feels like. There's no rhyme or reason to it, but it is what it is.
Such is the case with this piece. I enjoyed every minute working on it. I couldn't wait to finish it, but for whatever reason, it took me over 2 months to finish!
Crazy

Farmer's Market Rain

2011-06-17T17:06:00.000-06:00

I started off the summer season with the first Farmers Market event yesterday in Columbia Falls. It was a lot of fun, although cold and wet. It has been raining here for, what seems like, a month straight. You only get fleeting glimpses of the sun and blue sky. So the rain gently fell all day and during market. But wet and cold didn't turn me or a few other vendors away.
Next to me was an Ice Cream booth. A brand new business to the Flathead area where they make your ice cream right in front of you! I had their special of the week, Strawberry Macaroon. It was delicious, but by the time I was finished I couldn't really feel my fingers or my tongue and had to jump up and down in my tent to keep warm.
Come to find out 35 vendors decided not to brave the weather. It would've been a packed market otherwise! Even with a market at a 1/3 of the size it should be with few people braving the rain to see what they could buy, I had a successful time.
I'm really looking forward to next week where it's forecasted for blue skies and a warm sun.

Farmers Market

2011-05-25T17:31:00.000-06:00

I'm very excited for this summer now. I'll be participating in the Farmers Market in Columbia Falls starting June 16th. It'll be every Thursday evening from 5-7:30pm and go until Sept. 15th. The market is on the lawn of Discovery Square in the heart of Columbia Falls.

Miniatures Seal the Bid Party

2011-05-09T15:33:00.001-06:00

Well, the seal the bid party for all the silent auction miniatures at the Hockaday Museum of Art will be in a couple of weeks! Friday May 20 from 5-7 pm will be your last chance to walk away with a miniature work of art from many different artists around the region!
You can get an ink drawing of the Colosseum in Rome or a mixed media piece (watercolor & ink) sketch of some bright spring tulips (which is 100% profit to the museum)
come check it out if you can!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=144464192292427

Hockaday Benefit Auction of Minatures

2011-05-01T13:25:00.002-06:00

Friday night was the Free Preview Party of all the minature pieces for the benefit auction for the Hockaday Museum of Art.
There will be two different Auctions. One is a silent auction. The pieces chosen for that will remain at the museum and people can bid until the Seal the Bid party which is Saturday, May 2nd at the museum.
Other pieces where chosen for the live auction which will take place Friday May 13th at the Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell.

The piece I submitted was an ink drawing of the Colosseum in Rome.

There was also an opportunity to make and donate a postcard sized (4x6) image with 100% of the proceeds to the museum. Just before I was about to take off for the night, someone put a bid down!

The piece I donated was a watercolor & ink painting/sketch of tulips. The piece is titled "Spring Fling"

Minature Drawing at Hockaday Museum of Art

2011-04-23T21:21:00.000-06:00

10th Annual
Benefit Auction of Miniatures
Created by The Northwest’s Finest Artists, original Miniatures will be auctioned with the proceeds supporting the Hockaday’s mission "to enrich the cultural life of our community and region, and preserve the artistic legacy of Montana and Glacier National Park".

This year, 9" x 12"-sized miniatures will first be offered for sale by silent auction in the Museum. A jury will then select the pieces that will go on to live auction to be held at the Hilton Garden Inn on May 13. The main event is an evening of superb food, drink, elegant musical complement, and the excitement of live auction.

"Real Miniatures" (4" x 6" postcard-sized original works) will remain on display at the Museum April 27 through May 21 and be offered for sale via silent auction.

Free Preview Party
Friday, April 29, 2011
5pm - 7pm
Hockaday Museum of Art
Admission: Free

Stumptown Art Studio

2011-04-05T18:47:00.000-06:00

If you don't have the opportunity to check out my work in person, Here's a way to still see it!

Fog

2011-04-05T08:48:00.000-06:00

My morning commute

More Exposure

2011-03-28T17:27:00.000-06:00

Excellent news!!! My art will be featured at Stumptown Art Studio during the month of April!!! Super excited. It's located at 145 Central Ave in Whitefish. Check out their website http://www.stumptownartstudio.org/ This is the perfect opportunity to get more exposure in Whitefish and allow further involvement with the Whitefish art scene!

Upcoming Show

2011-03-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

I have wonderful news! I'm going to participate in the Whitfish Artwalk scene!. They have First Thursdays here and my Show will be in July. The Opening Reception will be Thursday, July 7th at 5-8pm. I'm very excited about this new opportunity in my new home. The show will be at Montana Goldsmiths, 420 3rd Street, in the heart of Downtown Whitefish. If you're in the area, please swing by!

Winter Wonderland

2011-03-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

Whitefish is such a beautiful place. I've been here many times before but only during the summer and autumn. What a difference it is in the winter. A real winter wonderland.

Moving

2011-02-13T21:25:00.002-07:00

Well, It's been a hard decision, but it's finally made. I'm moving. I'm going to Whitefish. I don't know how long I'll be there. I may come back in a couple of months or a couple of years. I'm not sure. All I know at this point is that I need a change for the good. I'm going to miss Missoula terribly. It's home. But I need to continue to grow as an artist and as a person and that can only happen if I leave. This has been the most wonderful community for art. I'm grateful for every artistic opportunity I've had. The People's Market, The Ceretana, Catalyst Espresso, Bernice's Bakery, Artsiehorse Gallery, and the Dana Gallery have been amazing places to show my work. Thank you to everyone that has given me opportunities to exhibit. I'll try to be a little more diligent in my blogging and let you know about the artistic adventures I have as they come along. Goodbye Missoula, I will miss you.

Events

2010-10-22T20:43:00.004-06:00

Well, it's been kind of eventful recently. A piece of mine was accepted into a national show, the MTWS annual juried exhibition. I didn't get any recognition for my work, but that's the way the cookie crumbles. Oh well. I had a group show with an amazing artist friend, Jim McLellan in Oct. It was a lot of fun. I'll be reshowing the work from that show in Nov. at the Artsiehorse Gallery in Missoula, MT. It's a new gallery that is opening up on Main street. 137 E. Main to be exact, just off Higgins (the main strip) in Downtown Missoula. I'm really excited for this opportunity. I've also been doing a lot of photography work recently and have felt strongly about giving that aspect to my artistic endeavors a little push. So, feel free to check out my NEW online portfolio. I'm really excited about it! www.wix.com/kimshirley/portfolio2 Let me know what you think!!!

New Show

2010-09-17T09:54:00.003-06:00

New Works in Watercolor by local artists Kim Shirley & Jim McLellan Opening reception to be Oct 1st 5-8pm at Ceretana Gallery & Studios, Missoula, Mt I hope that you can make it. If not, I'll post images from the show afterward. Thank you for all your support! I'm very excited for this exhibit

Summerfair Success

2010-07-19T17:41:00.001-06:00

SUCCESS!!!!! I participated in Summerfair for the first time ever and WOW! What a successful weekend. I can't believe how well recieved I was. One lady was SO excited about a piece she bought that she insisted I come over and look and where she hung it. What an honor it was to see that my work is among an amazing collection of other original works from unknown artists and masters. WOW. what a weekend!!!!

keeping busy

2010-07-04T14:07:00.001-06:00

I'm in!!!! Watermedia 2010

2010-07-03T14:09:00.003-06:00

Hey all! Great news... I just recieved word that I was juried into Watermedia 2010, MTWS annual national juried exhibition. It'll be Oct. 6-30 in Bigfork, MT at the Bigfork Museum of Art & History. The opening reception will be Friday Oct. 8th. This is my 6th year in a row! I'm SO excited. Hope you all have a chance to make it up there. Every year the show gets better. Really good quality work.

Bernice's Show

2010-06-30T21:02:00.004-06:00

Well, I took down my show at Bernice's Bakery! It was kind of sad because the paintings looked so good against the brick. Oh well, everything must come to and end sometime!!!! Thanks to all of you who were able to come by opening night to support my work. It really meant a lot. Thank you!

2010-06-30T18:54:00.001-06:00

Red Door

2010-06-25T14:20:00.000-06:00

2010-06-20T13:27:00.004-06:00

I've been busy getting ready for the outdoor art fairs. They begin in less than a month so I've been trying to get as many small paintings finished as I can as well as putting together card packs and 8x10 prints. I'm very anxious for the fairs!

Arts in the Park

2010-05-19T13:44:00.002-06:00

I recieved notification that I'll be a part of Arts in the Park this year in Kalispell, MT. This will be the 3rd Juried Outdoor Art show I'll be participating in this summer. I'm very excited about this fair. I've heard good things about it! Hope to see you there. Here's more info about http://www.hockadaymuseum.org/index.cfm?inc=page&page=35&page_content=Arts%20in%20the%20Park%20%2D%20Historic%20Downtown%20Kalispell%20at%20Depot%20Park It'll be July 24,25 & 26

Summerfair

2010-05-12T00:55:00.003-06:00

Hey everyone! Great news. I was accepted into Summerfair, a juried outdoor art fair in Billings, Mt. It'll be at Veterans Park July 17th & 18th from 9am - 5pm both days. If any of you are in the area, please stop by! I'm so very excited about this opportunity.

For more information on Summerfair check out http://www.artmuseum.org/index.php/special-events/summerfair?f936e45de371569e7c870c0c95a279b9=f364463873f176946e6c81d44fdf602d and click on special events.

Celebrate Missoula Artists

2010-04-23T17:49:00.003-06:00

"Main Street Cowgirl" was selected as one of pieces to be shown in the Celebrate Missoula Artists exhibit at the Dana Gallery in Downtown Missoula! Over 100 entries were submitted for this juried exhibition and mine was chosen as one! I'm very excited about this opportunity. There is a private reception Thursday May 20th from 5:30 - 8:00 pm and the public reception will be First Friday June 4th 5:00 - 8:00.

spring has sprung

2010-04-16T17:05:00.003-06:00

You know it's spring time when you start getting a stack of entry announcements in the mail and the deadlines approach quickly. The hardest thing is figuring out which work to submit to which show. I've also worked on two pieces for the MTWS raffle book which are raffled off during the exhibition in October. The hope always is that they'll bring in funds for the society.

Another one for you

2010-01-23T19:57:00.003-07:00

Cowboys and horses, I just can't get enough!

New Stuff

2010-01-15T09:43:00.002-07:00

New works & News

2010-01-06T21:49:00.002-07:00

The holiday season gave me some much needed time to work on some new pieces! I also recieved word that I'll be having a showing in June 2010 at Bernice's Bakery in Missoula, Mt.

Happy New Year

Solo Exhibition

2009-10-03T19:16:00.005-06:00

I had a great reception last night for my solo exhibition held at the Ceretana Artist Studios & Gallery. It was well attended and I sold several pieces. It was a cowboy & Horse theme. I had over 16 new pieces as well as some drawings of horses...of which I never show. They always stay in my sketchbook it seems. It was a great time though, filled with lots of good food and friends & family. Thank you all who attended physically or in spirit! I really appreciate all the support!

River City Roots Festival

2009-09-01T21:19:00.003-06:00

The River City Roots Festival was WONDERFUL! I had such a wonderful time selling my art and listening to all the great bands. Cash for Junkers, Reverened Slanky, Trampled by Turtles, Donna the Buffalo and others where there to entertain for two days. I met a lot of wondeful people and got another pair of my favorite type of earrings....ones made from old glass bottles by an amazing artist from Bozeman! Probably the best part was that my picture "Catch to Release" (the flyfisherman) was featured on the poster announcing the event! and I didn't even find out until Saturday morning during set up! I had such a great time and really can't wait for next years event

Busy times ahead!

2009-08-14T09:00:00.002-06:00

I'm now well into the full swing of show mode! I have a month an 1/2 until my solo exhibition which will be comprised of paintings and drawings of cowboys and horses. I also have 3 juried shows that I've had a painting accepted into. And I just found out about a Signature members show that will be held in Bigfork in Oct. for the signature members of the MTWS. I'm very excited. There is so much art activity that will be happening for the next 3 months. What wonderful opportunities lay ahead!

Pittsburgh Watercolor Society

2009-07-21T22:56:00.003-06:00

I found out a couple of days ago that I a painting was accepted to the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society’s 63rd Annual International Exhibition It will be November 3 - November 28, 2009 at the be Galleries in Pittsburgh, PA. www.begalleries.com The opening reception will be Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 6-9 p.m. I'm so very excited since this will be my first International juried exhibition! Hopefully good things will come of it! :)

New Show

2009-07-06T21:25:00.002-06:00

I was accepted into the Watermedia 2009, MTWS 27th annual national juried exhibition! I'm really excited that my piece was chosen this year. The show will be held in Kalispell at the Hockaday Art Museum this year. A new change from the last several years...Bigfork was the setting for the past shows. So, The show will run SEPTEMBER 22 - OCTOBER 16 at the Hockaday Museum of Art, Kalispell, MT. If you're in the area, please stop by and check the show out!

Acceptance!

2009-05-02T12:30:00.002-06:00

I've been accepted into the Heart of the West Invitational Art Show in Lander, Wyoming. The show will take place Oct 16 & 17. I'm pretty excited. Hopefully, I'll get more acceptance letters from the other shows and competitions I'm trying to get into.

Competition Time Again!

2009-04-26T15:53:00.002-06:00

It's been a busy spring. I've had several commissions...some I'm still trying to work out the kinks on, as well as a lot of personal projects--in hopes of finding those special pieces that will become submissions for competitions. I'm applying to several shows around the Nation and starting at the end of June, I'll have news on the judges decisions (here's hoping it's acceptance letters!!!!)

Been awhile

2009-01-05T18:23:00.002-07:00

Due to several commissions, the holidays, and a personal crises I wasn't able to get anything done for me. The other day I felt really motivated to get to the stuido and paint and this was the result. Now I have all sorts of ideas I can't wait to get on to paper and out of my head.

Succesful Weekend

2008-08-02T12:10:00.002-06:00

The show was a huge success! I had excellent feedback and even sold a piece. It will remain up the rest of the month so I'm pretty excited for the constant main street experience!

Busy Weekend and getting ready for a show

2008-07-29T21:01:00.003-06:00

This Past Weekend I was able to go to Driggs, Idaho and visit my cousins that live there. One is getting married soon and asked me to be her wedding photographer. I was so excited that I even wanted to take 'glamor' shots of her in her dress. So fun! I also finished up the last little things for my show this weekend at the Catalyst. I'm super excited and can't wait for the opening reception. This is the first time I've ever showed my block prints. It's more of a hobby for me so it'll be neat to see how my work is recieved. If any of you are in town, swing by! It's on the main art hub....Higgins Ave. between Main and Front Street. There will be lots of great food so I hope to see you there!

New Series

2008-07-10T22:17:00.005-06:00

I decided it's about time I stick with an idea and finish it. I've been meaning to do a large series of horses. Every time I end up painting one, or maybe two pieces if I'm lucky, and then decide I'd rather do something else. However this time, I'm going to see this through. You can learn a lot through trudging (and I'm sure 3 more paintings into this endeavor I'll be trudging). As for right now I'm motivated and excited about where this might take me!

Acceptance!

2008-06-29T17:32:00.002-06:00

I was accepted to Watermedia 2008, the Montana Watercolor Society's 26th Annual National Juried Exhibition. The Show will run from October 1st - 25th. The Opening reception will be Friday Oct. 3rd at the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center in Bigfork, MT.

First Friday

2008-06-07T15:35:00.004-06:00

Well, the show was a success I think. My photographer friend sold several pieces and I received a bunch of commissions. A lot of people attended and the feedback was encouraging. I'm glad it's over though....I worked right up until the end. I finished a painting for the show this past Wednesday....cut that one a little close if you ask me!

Upcoming Show!

2008-05-24T22:20:00.003-06:00

If any of you are in the neighborhood, you should swing by for the show. I'm pretty excited about the fruits of my many long labors!

Pressure is on!

2008-04-27T20:30:00.003-06:00

Funny how a deadline months down the road will always seem like it comes way too fast! Once again I'm in a race against the clock...I have 2 paintings I'm trying to finish before the May 1st deadline for watercolor competition submission deadlines. EEEEEEK! I've been working pretty much round clock....or it at least feels that way. Nothing like a little pressure to get you in gear and on track!

Hawaii

2008-04-19T10:20:00.005-06:00

Well, I finally found some time to post a few pictures from Hawaii. I know a lot of you have been asking me to see them for some time. I had to narrow down to the ones I really really really liked because I took over 900. Enjoy!

New Studio

2008-04-06T11:50:00.004-06:00

The Motivation to paint has returned! I've definitely been inspired to paint these last few months, but the thing that actually gets the brush in my hand and the paint on the paper is back....and it came in the form of a new Studio. I'm still in the same building, but my new Studio space has a window...a much desired and long-fored window. It's amazing how a little natural light can perk you back up and get the creative juices flow'n! Feel free to stop by and check it out. I'm still in process of rearranging a bit, but it's fantastic.

Upcoming Show

2008-02-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a painting a finished today. Might be for a show that will be Friday, June 6th at the Ceretana Gallery & Artist Studios. 3 months ago I set the date for the show. At the time I knew what I wanted to do but only a few days later, I changed my mind! It can be tough to firmly decide on something when the possiblities are endless. So in 3 months, I've changed my mind 5 times. This new image is one I just finished today. I'm thinking this is the direction I want to go for the show in June, but... I thought I'd at least share something since I've had a few inquires as to what I've been up to.

Feliz Navidad

2007-12-24T22:26:00.000-07:00

May all the sweet magic Of Christmas Conspire To gladden your hearts And fill every desire. Merry Christmas everyone and a happy New Year

Busy Time Of Year

2007-11-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

I just finished another commission and have two more to go before the year is out. Don't know if I'll make the deadline, but it'll be a good challenge. I'm especially excited for First Friday this month. A large group of Ceretana artists and several other local artists and I are participating the the 2nd annual Holiday Bazaar at the Ceretana Artist Studios. I'm raffling a piece this time as well (although, I have no idea which piece I'll put in) and all proceeds will go to the Ceretana. Happy Holidays to you all!

My First Post

2007-10-24T23:54:00.001-06:00

Painting a sky is a great warmup before I dive into a major piece. Helps get the paints mixed and the creative juices flowing. This is one I did the other day.