Abstract Paintings by Shellie Garber from USA.

Hold On Tight - Mixed media on paper

From the Brush of Artist - Hello, my name is Shellie Garber and I am from Portland Oregon, USA.

I began abstract painting about a year and a half ago. My mother is an artist and teacher and I grew up in an artistic family. My parents were always very creative. I sort of went the other direction with my career and became a registered nurse. I love the sciences including math and chemistry. I wanted a career with a dependable paycheck because I had seen my parents who are self-employed struggle at times to make ends meet. I always thought that I was mostly left brain inclined. However, one day, about a year and a half ago, I was visiting my mothers studio while she was painting. I told her I thought it looked like fun. She basically challenged me to create an abstract painting just to see what I would come up with, so I did. I absolutely fell in love with the process and I actually really liked my first painting too!  From that moment forward I was hooked. I went out and bought some paints, paper, and a couple of small canvases and began to paint. I am completely self-taught. My mother has offered several painting tips, but she has always encouraged me to find my own way. I mostly have learned to paint through daily practice, exploring, experimenting and playing. I watch online painting videos and I view lots and lots of images of abstract art. I have several favorite abstract artists that continue to inspire me. Cy Twombly and Margaret Mitchell are among my favorites.

I utilize several mediums in my paintings, including acrylic, oil, pencil, oul pastel, collage and spray paint. I paint pretty much every day, and have since I began. If I don't get to paint on a particular day I feel anxious. Painting allows me to work out my emotions, to bring forth and release the tension and stress of the day. It is very cathartic and relaxing for me. I dream about painting while I sleep and think about it throughout the day. You could say I am somewhat obsessed!!

I particularly enjoy abstract painting because there are no limits. Abstraction is a language of shapes, colors, textures and marks that I find beautiful and mysterious. I very much love communicating with the world in this unique way. I have recently begun to show in local art galleries in Portland Oregon. I have had three gallery exhibitions so far.

Patchwork Heart - Mixed media acrylic on paper

Déjà vu - Acrylic, oil pastel and pencil on paper

Time Out - Mixed media on paper 

Haiku - Acrylic and oil pastel on paper 

City by the Sea - Acrylic and pencil on canvas

Glass Houses - Acrylic and pencil on canvas

Bunny Parade - Acrylic and pencil on paper

Spirit Mountian - Acrylic, Oil pastel and pencil on canvas 

Mad World - Mixed media on paper 

April Showers - Acrylic on paper 

Skipping School - Acrylic and pencil on watercolor paper

Holding Back the Tears - Acrylic and pencil on paper

The Dark Corner - Acrylic and pencil on paper

Fire in my Belly Acrylic and pencil on wrapped canvas

Peppermint Mocha - Oil paint on board

Sail on a Turquoise Sea - Acrylic and oil pastel on paper

Symphony In Red - Acrylic, oil pastel and pencil on paper 

For more of Shellie Garber Check this link of her Instagram account:- https://www.instagram.com/shelliegarberart/ or her Website https://shelliegarberart.com/

All Images are copyright by: Shellie Garber