For as long as she can remember, Shelby Stults has had a paintbrush in hand. Encouraged by her mother and grandmother, she immersed herself in the arts—painting, drawing and even jewelry making. Though she once planned to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design, life led her to a career in the energy industry, where art now serves as her creative escape.
Shelby’s work draws heavily from the natural world, particularly the striking desert landscapes of the West. “Nothing I create in my own mind can ever compare to the beauty I find in nature,” she says. Her pieces often feature vibrant, oversaturated hues and realistic details that capture the quiet magic of her surroundings.
For Frederick Lifestyle’s December cover, Shelby channeled that same spirit—depicting Santa pedaling through downtown Frederick on a penny-farthing bicycle when his sleigh just wouldn’t do.
Follow her work on Instagram at @ss_illustration_art or reach her at shelbystults@gmail.com for commissions.