With layers of colors, sweeping brushstrokes, and a focus on the eyes of her subject, artist Shelby Willis connects us with the spirit of each animal she paints. Visit her website to see more of her work.
![“Intuition” Acrylic, 16” x 20” by artist Shelby Willis. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/11.-Intuition-2.jpg)
“Intuition” Acrylic, 16” x 20”
I am a strong believer that everyone should live their life creatively. To me, living a creative life means finding your passion and fearlessly challenging yourself to grow every day.
![“Ruler of the Skies” Acrylic, 36” x 36” by artist Shelby Willis. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/7.-Ruler-of-the-Skies-2.jpg)
“Ruler of the Skies” Acrylic, 36” x 36”
My passion is painting. I know this because sometimes I find myself unable to sleep at night dreaming up the next thing I’m going to paint, and if too many days go by without picking up a paintbrush, I start to feel antsy.
![“Get Me to the Sea” Acrylic, 48” x 48” by artist Shelby Willis. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1.Get-Me-to-the-Sea-2.jpg)
“Get Me to the Sea” Acrylic, 48” x 48”
I come by my creativity naturally as I grew up surrounded by a very creative family. My background is in Ecology and Environmental Sciences which largely complements my love for painting wildlife.
![“Moose” Acrylic, 30” x 40” by artist Shelby Willis. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/rsz_4_moose_2.jpg)
“Moose” Acrylic, 30” x 40”
I paint mainly in acrylic medium and I am very inspired by color. I love not knowing how each painting will turn out; it’s a layering process and once I see a juicy color interaction showing through that I like, I build on that and usually end up referring to my color wheel to see what would best complement those colors.
![“Spirit Foxes” Acrylic, 36” x 48” by artist Shelby Willis. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/rsz_3_spirit_foxes_2.jpg)
“Spirit Foxes” Acrylic, 36” x 48”
The idea of “spirit animals” has captivated me and inspired me to depict wildlife colorfully and soulfully in my paintings. I found out that a juvenile fox was my spirit animal and ran with it in one of my biggest paintings to date, a 36” x 48”painting of three foxes.
![“Lavender Tiger” Acrylic, 30” x 36” by artist Shelby Willis. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/5.-Lavander-Tiger-2.jpg)
“Lavender Tiger” Acrylic, 30” x 36”
One of my favorite parts about painting wildlife is the eyes. I can hardly wait to paint the eyes and bring life to the creature I am working on. Whoever said that eyes are a window into the soul was right, as there is so much opportunity to use the eyes to paint personality and emotion into the subject.
![Artist Shelby Willis in her studio. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/rsz_12_studio_shot_2.jpg)
Artist Shelby Willis in her studio
I grew most as an artist when I let go of the fear of a blank canvas and painting everything perfectly and exactly as I pictured it right from the beginning.
![“Spirit Owl” Acrylic, 16” x 20” by artist Shelby Willis. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/rsz_8_spirit_owl_2.jpg)
“Spirit Owl” Acrylic, 16” x 20”
The best part about using acrylic is that the whole painting is completely malleable. When things get challenging, I find a way to smile and think “wow I am really going to appreciate this painting when it’s finally done,” and I just keep experimenting until something fits just right.
![“Moonlight Muse” Acrylic, 16” x 20” by artist Shelby Willis. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/6.-Moonlight-Muse-2.jpg)
“Moonlight Muse” Acrylic, 16” x 20”
My goal as an artist is to keep my passion alive, and continue to grow and evolve with new experiences. I also hope to have the opportunity to encourage others to find their inner creativity and let go of the fear of a blank canvas.
Artist Shelby Willis invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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