Traditional British watercolour paintings are known to be delicate and often painted with a limited palette, but Shirley Trevena has always tried to break some of the rules with her strong compositions and a dynamic palette of colours. She is regarded as one of Britain’s’ most innovative artists in the watercolour medium.

She is a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, one of the oldest societies of professional watercolour painters. Formed in 1832, the society’s galleries are now based in The Mall in London, where she annually exhibits her work. She contributes to many international art publications and has written 3 best-selling books on the subject. Her 4th and latest book, “Shirley Trevena Watercolours” has been published under license in the USA by North Light Books. She has also made several teaching DVDs. Her work has been published by international publishers CCA and prints of her work have been distributed throughout the USA and Europe. She was a finalist in the World Watercolour Competition with some 2,000 entrants from 80 countries – her 2 entries both made it into the final 27 which were exhibited in Narbonne, France. Currently she is President of the Sussex Watercolour Society.