Shirley Lehner-Rhoades

From an early age, I watched my mother paint for many years. My interest grew as I accompanied her to numerous painting events and art workshops throughout Arizona. These experiences inspired me to become a painter.

For 11 years I worked as a graphic artist and typographer in San Jose, California eventually opening my own graphics business. During this time I painted in watercolor and showed in galleries and art shows in the San Francisco bay area.

In 2000 I began teaching art in Scotts Valley, California and opened my current teaching business (Scotts Valley Art Center) where I teach watercolor, oil and acrylic painting to children and adults. Recently, in September 2023 I taught a plein air watercolor workshop in France at a chateau in the Loire river valley.

For the last 15 years (while still painting in watercolor) I have focused on oil painting. My subjects include landscapes and seascapes, figurative, and equine. I find both mediums, watercolor and oil fun and exciting.