Woman smiling with blonde hair wearing a red headband, holding a glass of white wine, with a colorful tie-dye and floral background.

Merryl Shand

Display of various hats on wooden and metal shelves.

After completing studies in fashion design and spending most of my career in the fashion and textile industry, I became a member of TAM in 2015.

Sewing and working with textiles has always been a passion of mine. When time allows, I work as a milliner and have created and sold many hats over the years. Inspired by my grandmother, who sold “model” hats for an exclusive department store, I started developing my portraiture skills to better show off my hats to customers. I particularly enjoy creating dog portraits, often adding garments to reflect the personality of the dog or its owner. Textiles regularly influence my work, and I have experimented with felting and making art using fabrics and stitching in place of traditional brushwork.

Since joining TAM, I have gained confidence in exploring a range of artistic pursuits. The group consists of members from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique styles, skills, and influences. Their encouragement has inspired me to try different subjects and mediums, often outside my usual comfort zone. I enjoy working with coloured pencils, watercolour and acrylic paints, and always appreciate the opportunity to learn something new.

The social aspect of TAM is a significant reason for my involvement. Recently, we have met to learn new techniques in mediums such as cyanotype and lino printing. Occasionally, we organise gallery visits to further our knowledge and appreciation of art. TAM has played a highly influential role in my artistic life over many years and I doubt I would have ever improved as much without them.

Contact me through the website or merryl.shand@gmail.com

Painting of a brown dog with expressive eyes wearing a red sweater against a teal background with white stripes.

Commissions taken for dog portraits

A dog wearing a colorful knit winter hat with pom-pom and a red scarf against a yellow background.

Merryl Shand, Ruby,

Acrylic on Canvas,

45cm x 45cm

Merryl Shand, Pepper,

Acrylic on Canvas,

46cm x 46cm

Painting of a dog dressed as a businessman, wearing a hat and tie, against a red background with white stripes.

Merryl Shand, Minty,

Acrylic on Canvas,

46cm x 46cm

A dog wearing a golden crown with pink and white jewels and a thick gold chain around its neck against a pink background with white horizontal stripes.

Merryl Shand, Maggie,

Acrylic on Canvas,

45cm x 54cm

Painting of a dog wearing a beret, glasses, and a sweater in front of a maroon background.

Merryl Shand, Sampson,

Acrylic on Canvas,

46cm x 46cm

Drawing of a bearded man with long hair, wearing a turban, with the artist signature 'MERCE' at the bottom right.

Merryl Shand, Old Man Mustafa, Pencil on Paper, 40cm x 30cm

Watercolor painting of a vintage yellow and red Volkswagen van driving on a road through a green forest.

Merryl Shand, Get Me Out of Here AWY221, Watercolour on Paper, 30cm x 21cm

A happy Golden Retriever dog with its tongue out and eyes half-closed, appearing relaxed and content.

Merryl Shand, Buddy, Pencil on paper, A3

Mixed media art of a tiger's face created with fabric, beads, and embroidery on black background.

Merryl Shand, Tiger Tiger Burning Bright, Embroidery on Fabric, 59cm x 59cm

An abstract artwork of a woman wearing sunglasses, with intricately patterned clothing, holding a bird on her finger, with vibrant and detailed background patterns and a sun-like element in the top right corner.

Merryl Shand, Morning has Broken, Ink & watercolour on paper, 52cm x 70cm

Drawing of a small dog with a brindle coat, sitting and looking at the viewer.

Merryl Shand, Megs, Pencil on Paper, A3

A painting of a man wearing glasses and a dark outfit, with a beard, rendered in an expressive, textured style with earthy tones.

Merryl Shand, Samuel, Acrylic on Canvas, 122cm x 91cm

felted wool art of a dog with large horns, floppy ears, curly wool details on forehead and a long curly tail, displayed on a white circular background.

Merryl Shand, Silly Billy, Wool felting on Canvas, 40cm circle

Line drawing of a woman sitting cross-legged with messy hair that resembles flowers and leaves, wearing glasses, colorful jewelry, and clothing with heart motifs.

Merryl Shand, Peace, Love & Flower Pants, Machine Embroidery on Linen Canvas, 50cm x 50cm

A woman sitting outdoors in a blue dress holding a glass, wearing a wide-brimmed hat with a bow, with green trees and colorful flowers in the background.

Merryl Shand, Lady in Blue, Acrylic on Canvas, 90cm x 60cm