Shirley De Luca

Acrylic on Canvas

Date: Jul 1 – Jul 31Space: Foyer

Originally from Hamilton of farming parents and the eldest of five children, Shirley’s favourite childhood pastime was to draw.  School and the need for her to work on the farm with her father who was unwell, left little time to pursue this passion, however every spare minute was spent drawing or reading.

Since retiring she has the time to renew her childhood passion and has progressed from pencil to paintbrush.  As her name suggests, her ancestral roots are in Sicily particularly its windswept, volcanic Aeolian islands.  She is greatly inspired by their raw beauty, history and their feeling of having existed forever.  She has been privileged to visit these islands and other parts of Europe and loves the play of sunlight and shadow on the landscape of ancient cities and their splendid architecture.

Shirley is very pleased to be tutored by Helen Dynes whose classes are held at the CAN where there is inspiration to be found amongst the beautiful artworks.

At first she painted realistically from photographs in acrylic and oil.  Recently she discovered the world of ‘abstract’, it is now her passion. Painting this way allows Shirley the freedom to express herself, indulge in fantasy and explore the beauty of colour. Now that she is retired she has the time to create works of art for enjoyment and satisfaction, and hopefully for the enjoyment of others.