Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelley Hanna
Hi Shelley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I”ve always been captivated by classical portraiture. From a young age, I was drawn to the sheer skill and the ability of artists to capture something truly human.
Recently, I’ve been diving deep into the world of artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and DaVinci, trying to understand their magic. What were their secrets to portraying such emotion and energy?
To find out, I started painting studies of their work. Not copies, but explorations. I want to get inside their minds and see how they approached their craft. This has been an incredible learning experience, and it’s allowed me to connect with these artists on a whole new level.
I love sharing time-lapse videos of my process on Instagram (@shelleyhannaart), because I think it’s fascinating to see these portraits come to life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Not even close. Trying to follow in the footsteps of the great painters is anything but easy. Every time I sit down to study a Rembrandt or a Vermeer, I’m reminded of just how much there is to learn. Their techniques are so refined, their understanding of light and form so deep—it can feel impossible to measure up.
There are definitely moments of frustration, when I can’t quite capture the softness of a Vermeer or the drama of a Rembrandt. But I’ve learned that perfection isn’t the goal—growth is. Keeping the mindset of “always be learning” helps me push through those mental blocks. Instead of seeing challenges as failures, I try to look at them as steps forward. Every brushstroke teaches me something, even if it’s just what not to do next time.
It’s a humbling process, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. The struggle is part of painting.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a realist artist with a deep love for portraiture. This will sound corny, but there’s something almost magical about painting eyes—once they come to life on the canvas, it’s like the essence of the person (or pet) suddenly emerges. It’s that moment where a portrait stops being just paint and starts feeling real, and I’m always chasing that spark.
While portraits are my main focus, I do enjoy the occasional challenge of a still life or landscape. But for me, portraiture is more than just likeness—it’s about psychology, emotion, and presence. I want to capture something eternal, something that goes beyond the surface. A great portrait doesn’t just show what someone looks like; it reveals who they are.
That’s what drives me as an artist. Every painting is a conversation across time, whether I’m studying the techniques of the old masters or creating something entirely my own.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
If you can find someone teaching the style you want to learn locally, that’s always a great place to start. For realist artists, that’s not always easy, but here in Kansas City, Lacey Swift Perez offers a fantastic option at the School of Realist Art.
Beyond local resources, I’ve found an incredible worldwide community of artists through Instagram. It’s been the best platform for me to connect, share work, and have real conversations with other artists who are passionate about classical techniques. There are so many robust artist communities across social media, so it’s worth exploring different platforms to see what feels right.
Another great way to find mentorship is through live, online classes. I regularly participate in Ben Valentine’s online courses, and they’ve been an amazing way to connect with fellow artists while continuing to grow my skills. The flexibility of Zoom classes is a huge plus—if I can’t make a live session, I can catch the higher resolution recording later.
With so many incredible artists offering online classes and in-person workshops now, finding multiple mentors has never been more accessible. Whether through social media, local schools, or virtual courses, there are countless ways to learn from others and build a strong artistic community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shelleyhannafineart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelleyhannaart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelleyHannaArt/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyshanna/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ShelleyHannaArt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShelleyHannaArt
