Mercury Bay Art Escape Artist insight – Shirley Cresswell

An artist with a passion for boats and water

Shirley Cresswell has a serious passion for boats. She loves the story that a dinghy evokes, painting the water and reflections, the sense the movement of water, and knowing that she is creating something special for someone to treasure.

I want my paintings to evoke memories. To feel like you are looking out a window to somewhere you would like to be. Also to try and achieve realism but in a painterly way.

Shirley Cresswell - Mercury Bay Art Escape Artist 

Shirley enjoys the different processes in creating an artwork. The ultimate motivation for her is completing a painting that is quite real to the eye. And, she makes sure that she always finishes a painting before starting the next which she finds is a great way to stay disciplined and motivated. 

Art career by chance

Shirley was a registered nurse who had a great job managing a primary care facility at a large high school and says she became an artist quite by chance. 

I went to a fun night class with a friend and started painting from our photos. My first painting sold, then I had my first gallery exhibition and a single wall at the Wellington art show the following year. 

Shirley Cresswell - Mercury Bay Art Escape Artist

A world of inspiration

Shirley loves being able to travel around destinations in New Zealand and throughout the world to capture stunning photos of beaches and scenes for her work painting beaches and boats. 

Time is always a challenge and having recently moved to Matarangi this is Shirley's first year being involved in Mercury Bay Art Escape. She is excited to meet new people who enjoy art and the experience of art making.

Mercury Bay Art Escape 2022

To find Shirley and other artists opening their studios to the public in the 2022 Mercury Bay Art Escape, visit the events pages linked below to down load an event map.