Shelley McGillivray

Artists Statement

“My creative process is one of continual experimentation and discovery.

I strive to find a balance between spontaneous intuitive mark-making and deliberate intention. I start with a loose plan and then layer marks, lines, patterns, text, and sometimes paper until the unexpected emerges and I am pleased.

Colour is one of the most important elements in my art. I use bold, strong, energetic colours to ignite my paintings and bring them to life.

My approach is playful and uninhibited and I hope that this joy is reflected in my work.”
– SHELLEY MCGILLIVRAY

SHELLEY MCGILLIVRAY was born and raised in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, and currently resides in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Shelley enjoys painting a wide variety of subject matter, including figures and abstract landscapes. Shelley incorporates acrylic paint with mixed media materials like inks, papers, graphite and pastels. She finds that acrylics and a wide variety of mixed media suit her spontaneous nature, allowing her to work quickly and intuitively. There is never a preconceived idea of what the final painting will look like as Shelley begins by establishing textures, laying down colour and placing random marks. Those textures, colours and marks are often revised, altered and rejected until they are finally accepted. Shelley is guided by past memories and personal history and rather than duplicating scenes from nature, she interprets bits and pieces of past journeys and allows each layer of paint to inform what will come next. She feels her paintings are a visual record of mind and spirit.

After receiving her Visual Arts Diploma from Grant McEwan College in Edmonton, Alberta, she went on to graduate from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree majoring in Painting. In 1995, she completed a Bachelor of Education Degree majoring in Art. Shelley’s paintings can be seen in many private homes and public buildings throughout Western Canada.

Visit Shelley’s website to learn more about her work and how to purchase.