Shirley Lynn

My work is based on a deep connection to the natural world. I paint both en plein aire and in the studio, using acrylics and watercolors, to interpret the ever-changing environment around me. Plein aire painting allows me to respond directly to the light and conditions of a specific moment, while in my studio, I can build on those impressions, layering color, form and story. A turning point came after an inspirational trip to the Galapagos Islands in 2006, where I began painting wildlife in their environments, to raise awareness of our impact on fragile ecosystems. Since then, my work has balanced celebration with concern, inviting viewers to appreciate what we still have, and to consider how to protect it. Whether painting a mountain view during a passing summer storm, or a quiet forest scene of animal family life, I paint to share a sense of wonder, and to honor the beauty and resilience of the natural world.