THE ARTIST

Hello! My name is Shaelah Perales, and I paint for the ones adventuring into the glorious unknown.

My art business and motherhood have grown hand-in-hand since the day I welcomed the first baby Perales into the world. Over the years my daughters—first Claire, then Caitie Jo— along with the painting process, all by the hand of the good Lord, have helped me rewrite old stories I once believed about myself.

My approach is deeply collaborative and playful. My girls’ curiosity and resilience daily inspire me to let go of fear, embrace boldness, and create with wonder. The girls often lay down the first strokes, drips, or smears of paint, and I follow, bringing order and beauty one brush stroke at a time. It’s less about erasing what’s beneath and more about transforming it—layer by layer—into something whole, surprising, and alive. This process reminds me that the messiness of life can hold beauty if we are patient and willing to see it for what it can be.

When I’m not painting, I’m keeping house and adventuring with my family—hiking Yosemite’s trails, rock climbing, camping under the stars, or cycling along Monterey’s coast, where we now live. These experiences fuel my love of painting nature, light, and bold colors, which I see as a reflection of the courage and light we adventurers carry.

My hope is that my work invites you into that same space of curious hope—a reminder that even in the unknown, there’s beauty waiting to be discovered.