About Shirley Monroe Elstrodt
rt starts out simply, but with creativity one can expand the mind to create uniqueness and appeal. Art has found Shirley. She is accomplished in many fields of endeavor, from being a nurse, pianist/organist, and conference organizer, but has now focused on her creative side using both watercolor and oil as her mediums. She continues to explore all aspects of the art world which she feels is unending.
Watercolor is all about control and timing, and is often thought of as the most difficult media because of the need to control water and the unique brush techniques. Techniques like texturing, layering, scratching, dripping, salting and the fundamentals of creating eye-catching compositions are a part of her work. Living on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay has inspired her to paint incredible skies and natural landscapes. She has done well to capture light, skies, depth, birds, waterscapes, and focal points into her landscape paintings. A few added mixed-media techniques and some special tricks have helped to use color, texture, and value in a new way.
With her oil painting she has learned to utilize the 'Old Masters' technique of glazing which gives the viewer a feeling of depth.
Shirley has developed her techniques from years of practice, and knowledge gained from instruction from nationally recognized artists in both oil and watercolor. Her award winning work has a loyal following, and her paintings can be found in multiple galleries and in homes and offices throughout the United States.