Shirra Benson
Shirra Benson is a Grey-Bruce–based artist and educator known for her expressive, textured landscape paintings inspired by the natural beauty of Georgian Bay and the surrounding escarpment. Working primarily in oils, she uses bold brushwork and palette knife techniques to capture the movement and energy of the land.
Through her work with Magic of Children in the Arts, Shirra encourages students to develop their own unique artistic voice rather than follow rigid steps or aim for perfect realism. Her teaching focuses on the elements of design (colour, texture, movement, and composition) while giving students the freedom to explore what naturally draws them in. Students work with acrylic and mixed media, experimenting with a variety of materials, techniques and surfaces.
Lessons are often inspired by local landscapes that are meaningful to each school’s surrounding environment, helping students build a connection to place through art. Shirra also introduces students to a range of Canadian artists, using their work as a starting point for exploration and creative interpretation.
By creating a supportive and open environment, she invites young artists to trust their instincts, experiment, and discover their own style allowing each student’s individuality to lead the creative process.
Shirra Benson
Shirra Benson is a Grey-Bruce–based artist and educator known for her expressive, textured landscape paintings inspired by the natural beauty of Georgian Bay and the surrounding escarpment. Working primarily in oils, she uses bold brushwork and palette knife techniques to capture the movement and energy of the land.
Through her work with Magic of Children in the Arts, Shirra encourages students to develop their own unique artistic voice rather than follow rigid steps or aim for perfect realism. Her teaching focuses on the elements of design (colour, texture, movement, and composition) while giving students the freedom to explore what naturally draws them in. Students work with acrylic and mixed media, experimenting with a variety of materials, techniques and surfaces.
Lessons are often inspired by local landscapes that are meaningful to each school’s surrounding environment, helping students build a connection to place through art. Shirra also introduces students to a range of Canadian artists, using their work as a starting point for exploration and creative interpretation.
By creating a supportive and open environment, she invites young artists to trust their instincts, experiment, and discover their own style allowing each student’s individuality to lead the creative process.