Art is a huge part of Shelby's life.
As a child, Shelby was always fond of arts and crafts. Living in a semi-rural area and as a keen horse-rider, she loved being outside amongst nature, surrounded by animals, many of which now feature in Shelby's commissions.
When she was just nine months old, Shelby was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of cancer. On the 27th of March 1996, a large tumour was removed from her chest at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. Shelby battled and beat her cancer with natural treatment and a strict, organic diet.
Soon after Shelby’s incredible recovery, her family and close friends founded a charity in her name, the Pride of Britain Award-winning “The Friends of Shelby Newstead”. On 16th November 1996, the first of many charity events was held at Brands Hatch Place, Kent.
At this point, Shelby had no clue that her unique masterpieces would end up becoming the feature auction prize at their annual charity fundraising event, helping contribute to a total of over £1million worth of money raised to date, for children who are less fortunate than her. Her biggest hit to-date ‘Marilyn Monroe’ sold for £50,000, with numerous, limited edition signed prints selling at £1000 per piece.
Shelby’s drive to become an artist grew...
...from the moment her Art teacher, Miss Lane, expressed an interest in purchasing one of her GCSE art pieces, for £100.00. Her first painting sold, and unbeknown to Shelby - the first of many. It was the same teacher who pushed Shelby, to help her realise her talent, and to secure exhibitions of her work at prestigious galleries such as the Turner Contemporary in Margate, and the Tate Modern, in London.
Shelby decided to continue her studies at Art College, but soon realised it was not the right path for her. Leaving college, Art became a hobby, whilst she entered full time employment in London. That all changed in 2022, when Shelby left the city to follow her true path, by becoming a full-time artist.
The women you see in Shelby’s work inspire her.
Painting women with such confidence, enables Shelby to remind herself that you can be whoever you want to be. A woman who understands herself, embraces her beauty and flaws, and above all else, believes in herself, will shine at every opportunity.
Today, Shelby lives in her first home, tucked away in the Kent countryside of West Malling with her fiance Dan, and German Pointer Nala. Her studio is set up in the garden room, as this benefits from an abundance of natural light. Wearing an oversized sweatshirt, listening to love songs, a paintbrush in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, the next masterpiece is underway…
“I will forever be grateful to those who have helped me believe in myself, thank you.”
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