We are here to assist you in finding art and home decor that reflects your taste. Our artists are carefully chosen to reflect the special feeling of place that is Western South Dakota. Art that is unique, genuine, and representative of the place we live. Art should touch your emotions, creating a personal connection. We strive to make buying, collecting and investing in art fun, educational and enriching.
Shirley Jane Landscapes in Silk
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Black Hills native, Shirley Jane, has been in love with watercolor since 1973. An afternoon watercolor workshop at Colorado State University claimed her attention, and from there she went straight to the bookstore purchasing one great paintbrush, 5 tubes of paint and 10 pounds of heavy water color paper, filled her back pack with the art supplies and one change of clothes and started her adventure. Four months later she came home to the Black Hills with 2 file boxes full of pictures and inspiration. She’s been painting since, and has taken classes from many local artists. In 2006, 33 years later, and now living on the high plains surrounded by the rocks and forests of the Southern Black Hills, she began to follow a 15-year dream to paint on silk. Contemplating the human relationship with nature, she wanted to absorb and express the beauty around her. She has found that possibility in silk painting. Silk paintings are started by choosing the type of silk, stretching it onto a frame which holds the silk taut and above the table. Sometimes she prepares the silk with resist lines, or a no-flow solution to facilitate definite lines in the painting. And then with a water color brush, she begins with French silk dye, using lots of color and painting quickly. Steam setting assures the brilliant color is permanent, and will be beautiful for many years to come.
