LEELA FRANCIS
Forest for the Trees Series
I use acrylic mixed media and collage to remind us of a child like sense of
exploration and wonder as I discover the tree characters in each work. I invite
you to wander with me in these imaginary arborscapes inspired by the forests
that surround me in my half year home on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
Blessed to journey deeply with trees, I have trekked through forests on 5
continents, learning to find and re-find my essence self by bowing to the wisdom
and ancient presence of trees.
Perhaps you too will find what you didn't know was missing. That's how it
happens with me, humbly dwarfed by these wise giants, when I discover I
haven't been seeing the forest for the trees.e you to look closely and enjoy the texture!
SHELLY MATTHEWS
I grew up on a lake in rural Indiana surrounded by farmland and rolling hills of green
pastures. As a young girl, I was the one who planted, watered, and weeded the flowers.
When I wasn’t mowing yards or cemeteries ;) or helping bale hay, I was riding horses or
swimming in the lake. Hard work and sunshine have always agreed with me.
Thirty-eight years ago, before moving west, I married my husband Paul, in a huge
garden under a grape arbor. We soon moved to North Idaho, to a then vacant wooded
spot overlooking Twin Lakes. It is the place where our boys grew up, helping take care
of flowers, chickens, goats, and family pets. The summers were filled with art camp and
swimming.
My degree is in art education. God took me on a different path for over twentytwo years
as founder/principal of a Christian school. Upon retiring in 2019, I opened Art on the
Roof teaching studio in Rathdrum. The rooftop garden inspires both my students and
myself.
Flowers are God’s gift to give us joy.
I paint to adorn our walls with that gift throughout all seasons. The greatest compliment
I can receive is “Your paintings make me smile . . . “
To God be the glory.
Shelly Matthews
Owner-Instructor Art on the Roof-A Teaching Studio
Art on the Roof-Facebook
ShellyMatthewsArt-Instagram
Artontheroof.com