Although born in a suburb of Chicago, I knew little of the city. At the age of 4, my father bought a 40-acre horse farm where I grew to love being out of doors. I spent most of my childhood making friends with caterpillars and toads while climbing trees to watch occasional cars pass by. My spirit developed through the sounds of the wind and the conversations of birds. Long vistas greeted me in the morning and open skies filled the nights. Because of my childhood memories, I choose to honor the landscape through my artistic efforts.

Since 2010 I have consciously developed my work around local conservation efforts in McHenry County and Lake County, Illinois. Each year our Plein air group hosts a show at the McHenry County Conservation District’s educational headquarters inviting all local artists to participate whose work supports conservation. I also work with the Volo Bog Youth Artists Guild in Lake County, Il to bring nature and art together for young artists. Last year, I spearheaded and taught a workshop (with fellow artists) for the conservation district, educating participants on Land Conservation, Artists, and Art. Yearly, I participate in our local Land Conservancy annual art auction while donating a percentage of proceeds to the protection of land in McHenry County. My ambition is to promote the conservation of land and open spaces through the confirmation of art.

http://karylshields.net/