Getting lost in time while trying to capture the changing light and atmosphere in oils or pastels while painting outdoors- en plein air- is what excites Beverly. Since she has retired from education, she has immersed herself in her art.  Although she had been drawing and painting since a child and majored in fine art in college, she now has the time to dedicate herself totally to her passion. 

Beverly earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Wayne State University and worked towards a Master of Fine Arts in Italy. Although she aspired to become an artist early in life, financial realities drew her into a career in business.  She continued, however, to practice and enjoy her art and enrolled in post‑graduate art classes at Lyme Art Academy, Lyme Art Association, Guilford Handcraft Studios, the Creative Arts Center, and has further advanced her talents through numerous workshops and classes with artists such as John Stobart, Karen Winslow, Dianne Aesheliman, Lou Bonamarte, Cora Ogden, and many more.

She holds memberships in the Lyme, Guilford, and Clinton Art Societies, and has held the positions of President and Chairperson of the Madison Art Society in the past.  Currently, she is the President of the Madison Art Society.  Additionally she was on the Executive Committee for the Connecticut Art Therapist Association, and she lectured and was on professional panels to discuss fine arts and painting.

Her paintings include subjects such as New England landscapes especially scenes from Madison and Chatham, Massachusetts.  Her art is inspired by the Lyme Impressionists.  All of the work was done en plein air” outdoors on location.  She has earned juror awards at the Madison Art Society and the Clinton Art Society Juried Shows and first place in the Old Saybrook Estuary Calendar juried event. Beverly's artwork has been exhibited in galleries, public buildings, and in collaboration with other artists and in one-man shows. Her work resides in numerous collections and can be seen in regional art club shows and various other artistic venues along the shoreline.  Contact the artist directly at (860) 399‑6116 or bschirmeier@yahoo.com.