Shirley Cresswell

Shirley Cresswell is a full-time artist based in Taupiri and Matarangi, known for her photorealistic acrylic paintings that capture the light, texture, and emotion of New Zealand’s coastal landscapes. Her layered technique brings depth and realism, inviting viewers to step into tranquil beach scenes or climb aboard weathered dinghies full of imagined stories.

Shirley has exhibited widely across New Zealand and has received numerous awards, including First Prize at the 2013 Auckland Easter Show and the 2014 Cliftons People’s Choice Award. Her work was also featured in the Whittaker’s Big Egg Hunt for Starship Hospital. Collected both nationally and internationally, her paintings evoke cherished memories of time spent by the sea.