50 Artists: 50 Years of Art in Springfield: Shirley Reade: Exquisitely Detailing Nature's Gifts

Writer's Notes: Getting to Shirley Reade's home studio turned into a scenic adventure for me. I forgot what I'd seen on a map I looked at two days before and turned down the wrong road from Main Street. I ended up driving about five extra miles down picturesque Jasper Road before turning around and stopping at the Little Red Farm Nursery for directions (yes ... this man actually asked for directions!). They weren't sure know how to get where I was going so I called Shirley and learned I was just 5 minutes away from my destination.

When I arrived at her home, Shirley greeted me at the door and we went in to her spacious living room which had many of her paintings on the walls. We sat at the dining room table and had a casual interview about her life as an artist. Shirley then gave me a tour of her art classroom where she teaches on-going acrylic painting classes two days each week. I took several pictures of the classroom space which she had created in the home's double garage. Next we headed upstairs to Shirley's studio. On the stairway wall were several of her paintings of cats.

Her well-lit studio had two large drawing boards containing two different paintings in progress. As a "photo-realist", Shirley paints from photos and often mixes scenes from various photos to create the setting for the piece she is working on.

After spending some time in her studio, I suggested we go outside to find a place for me take take a photo of the artist for the newspaper. We walked out to Shirley's back yard which was wonderfully landscaped with paths surrounded by flowering rhododendrons and other flowers and bushes.

I noticed an interesting tree with dark purple leaves which Shirley told me was a "smoke tree" (I have just the right spot for one at home!). After taking her picture in front of a densely leaved climbing bush, it was time to head for home (this time, taking the right road .... just a few blocks away from Main Street where I managed to turn the right direction -- which was actually left!).

Thank you, Shirley, for showing me your studio and sharing your journey as an artist for everyone who reads this "50 Artists" blog.

More photos of Shirley Reade's art follow the newspaper story. Be sure to see her website as well. She designed it herself and maintains the site for marketing her work.

Featured in the Springfield Beacon (May 31, 2007)

50 Artists: 50 Years of Art in Springfield
Celebrating arts and culture in our community

By Todd Peterson
For The Beacon

Shirley Reade
Exquisitely Detailing Nature's Gifts

Shirley Reade has a passion for painting what she sees, feels, and breathes in the world of nature. The meticulous details in her art bring to life whatever subject she paints -- animals, florals, seascapes, and children.

Since moving to Springfield in 1999, Shirley has been active in the Emerald Art Center, including serving as President of the organization for two years. She is a dedicated art teacher who offers on-going acrylic painting classes two days a week in her home-based classroom.

Shirley also continues to be a student, taking workshops by well-known artists as well as classes to learn what she needed to know to create her own website and marketing brochures.

Considered a "photo-realist", Shirley often creates a series of paintings on subjects of fascination to her -- experiencing each subject of the art to greater depths. In her own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "I grew upon in the Tualatin Valley -- a beautiful, scenic place with a river we waded in, fished, and hiked along to rushing waterfalls. My love for nature while growing up has been the inspiration for a lifetime of creating art."
Important Mentors: "Jim Daly, a local artist, has been a wonderful teacher, especially in helping me with portraits of children. I also continue to learn from Terry Isaac, a wildlife artist, whose workshops regularly I go to in Salem. I consider Robert Bateman, who taught Terry, an important mentor as well."

Value of Art in Life: "My painting has made me appreciate things in life even more ... to see things 'come alive' in a different light. It has been a way to 'let go' and experience myself in ways not available in any other part of my life. For people who come to the Emerald Art Center for classes and workshops, it opens new avenues to them -- helping overcome fears of trying things they've never done before."

Her Artist's Legacy: "I hope people who stand in front of my paintings will be able to 'walk' right into the scene and feel what I did when I painted it. As an art teacher, I hope my students will remember feeling fulfilled -- having enjoyed a relaxing time in their classes with me -- and most important, to no longer be afraid to express whatever they want in their art."

For more information about Shirley Reade and to see additional photos of her art, visit the blog: www.emeraldartcenter.blogspot.com and the art center's website: www.emeraldartcenter.org.

"Exploring" by Shirley Reade

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About The Artist

Birthplace: Portland, Oregon

Arts Education: Self-taught (worked for Alexander Arts in Salem, learning
from television artists; wrote step-by-step art books)

Media of Choice: Acrylics and oils

Favorite Place to Do Art: In her quiet home studio

Favorite Subjects to Paint: Focuses on themes and does various series:
"Floral Fantasy", "Cat Tales", "A Walk on the Wild Side".

Favorite Award: Springfield "Mayor's Choice Award" (2006)

Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association (Emerald Arts Center)

Website: www.shirleyreade.com

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All art images and photos of the art are copyright of the artist.