Story Behind the Painting:
The floral bouquet was made by the artist for a friend. She then painted it for the grand opening of his show at the West Vancouver Museum.
About the Artist
Shirley Claire Williams is a plein air landscape and studio painter based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Twelve years ago, she transitioned from a successful career in interior design to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time painter. Her background in design provided her with a strong foundation in architectural rendering, composition, drawing, and colour theory—all of which now inform her fine art practice.
To further her artistic education, she has studied with some of North America’s leading landscape and still-life painters, attending workshops across the continent. She continues to deepen her knowledge and refine her technique through ongoing online courses and mentorships.
Her work is guided by a heartfelt response to the beauty of the natural world. She paints primarily from life, working en plein air whenever possible. When painting on location isn’t feasible—such as for private commissions or larger-scale works—she creates in the studio using a combination of plein air sketches and photographic references.
Much of her inspiration comes from close to home: the wooded, coastal terrain of Vancouver’s North Shore and the expansive openness of the Fraser Valley. Her own urban garden, where she grows flowers specifically for her floral paintings, also serves as a continual source of subject matter and joy.
She finds her greatest satisfaction painting on location, quietly observing and absorbing the essence of a place. Through oil sketches, photography, and stillness, she captures a true “sense of place,” trusting that the joy she feels in nature is reflected in her work—a gentle reminder of the generosity, comfort, and wonder the natural world offers us all.
