Shirley has studied, taught and practiced her skills in Watercolor, Oil, Acrylic, Chinese Brush Painting, Encaustic, Collage and Fabric Art for many years. She began her art on the prairies where she was born and raised, then in Vancouver where she lived before moving to Hope B.C.

Her works hang in private collections throughout the world. She has held many one person exhibits in a variety of galleries. Shirley has travelled extensively and has drawn on those world tours for much of her artistic inspiration. She is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and the Hope Arts Gallery.