Morning, Bassenthwaite Lake (limited edition print)

Shirley's love of colour has been evident from an early age, her first job combining stage management with scene painting at Derby Playhouse, then moving through other repertory companies until becoming Stage Manager at the Globe Theatre in London. She also directed the English Shakespeare Company and worked in television.

Inspired by Turner, Shirley's pastels manage to capture the dramatic lighting and stormy skies which are so much part of the Lakeland mountains. "I like to keep my work big and loose, concentrating on essence and mood." Working from sketches and photographs, Shirley applies the pastel boldly on heavy grade sandpaper, completing the work in her studio in Cockermouth.

Shirley has held numerous solo exhibitions both in England and abroad. She also carries out private commissions.

Ullswater Evening