The Publisher: Fine Print Collection (800-777-1141, www.fineprintcollection.com)

The Reason: “As an artist, Shelly Hearne never stops evolving,” says Fine Print Collection. “Originally working in pastels, her organic style embraces her vision of the western landscape. Her contemporary perspective employs angular lines, stylized trees and expressive flowers. Hearne’s unique mastery of color and texture creates canvases that glow with warmth and beauty. Her work is collected by men and women alike, and her colors complement today’s trend toward earthy, organic styles in home decorating. Hearne’s work also elicits an emotional response from the viewer—a feeling that is at once peaceful and energetic. Her style works equally well in contemporary and traditional settings, and her hunger to grow and experiment as an artist will keep her work fresh and exciting in the years to come.”

The Story: As a self-taught artist, Hearne enjoys working in mixed media. Her eclectic style was initially inspired by the desire to create something original by experimenting with materials and techniques. After earning a degree in Interior Design, she still needed a way to show her love of color and form. “I continue to try new things, and I hope that my love for art comes through,” Hearne says from her Fort Collins, Colo., studio.

Hearne’s success can be measured by acceptance in both corporate and private collections throughout the west. Design professionals have eagerly placed Hearne’s work throughout public buildings, including Marriott Hotels, Poudre Valley Hospital and the Medical Center of the Rockies. Private collectors throughout the United States and abroad have embraced Hearne’s work for its ease on the eye, bold structure and warm, inviting palette. She has also been featured in Southwest Art, Frontier Airlines and Art of the Hills magazines, was a finalist in the National Pastel Competition and received a first-place award at the Winter Park, Colorado Summer Arts Festival.

The Style: Often described as bearing a strong resemblance to stained-glass windows, her paintings combine deep, saturated color with heavy black lines to create a fluid visual movement and energy. “I’ve drawn artistic inspiration from both Wolf Kahn and Georgia O’Keeffe, but my own personal style has evolved into a more representational one,” Hearne says. “My work is decidedly abstract, but I would consider it ‘abstract realism.’ Whether I’m working on canvas or with pastels, my art always has a very organic feeling to it; yet, at the same time, it can be very bold and dramatic. There are always elements of nature in my work, but the detail of my subject matter is less important to me than its cast and movement. My work is a simple communication of nature’s often-complicated substance and vibrancy with a main focus on color, movement and emotion. My intent as an artist is to evoke an emotive response from the viewer.”