Shirl Ireland fell in love with nature and wildlife at a very young age. Visiting Yellowstone for the first time when she was 4 years old, her fond memories are still vivid. Then, with her introduction to the school ‘art cart’ at 5 years old, she had found her passions quite early in life!

 

In college, she studied fine art, design, and education. After graduation, she moved to the Adirondack Mountains to indulge her love of the outdoors while working at a graphic design studio and teaching art. Here, she started painting out of her kayak and hiking with her easel. She began showing and selling her work and transitioned to a self-employed full-time artist.

 

After many years in the Adirondacks, her love of Yellowstone pulled her West… Designing and building a home and studio with her artist/partner overlooking Yellowstone National Park on the Yellowstone River, while raising their 2 young children. Yes, no small feat!

 

Now, as a professional artist for over 25 years, she is very fortunate to live and work in such a creative and inspiring space. Here, she studies dramatic landscapes and amazing wildlife right out the windows of her studio!... and plein air paints in the vast untamed wilderness of her ‘backyard’.

 

Coming full circle, she is where her love of the wilderness began, combining those very early passions of Nature and Art. She lives her life as a testament to her deep conviction and awe at what humans can create and accomplish if they put their mind and heart to it. Determined to take advantage of that vast potential, she is excited for the immense possibilities that lie ahead. With strong determination, she forges on with a love of learning and a keen focus on her lifetime pursuit of Art.