A Tahoe-Inspired Side Hustle in Acrylic Fluid Art
At Elements Mountain Company, we’re proud of the work our team does across the Truckee and Lake Tahoe area—from keeping properties safe during winter snow removal to delivering quality projects year-round. We’re also proud of who our people are outside of work.
Meet Shon Shirrell, our Paint Department Sales Manager and Snow Removal Operations Team Leader—and the artist behind KensingCreations, a growing side hustle focused on acrylic fluid art (also known as acrylic pour painting) on canvas.
If you’ve ever searched for a Truckee/Tahoe local artist, fluid art on canvas, or abstract acrylic paintings inspired by Lake Tahoe, Shon’s work is the kind of bold, color-forward style that stops you mid-scroll.
What Is Acrylic Fluid Art?
Acrylic fluid art is a painting technique where acrylic paint is mixed with a pouring medium—often with a small amount of silicone—to create movement, “cells,” and layered effects as the paint flows across the canvas.
Shon works with acrylic paint, pouring medium, and silicone on canvases of different sizes, starting with a color palette and a loose plan—then adapting as the paint shifts.
Full Interview: Shon Shirrell of KensingCreations
Can you tell us about the type of art or creative projects you pursue outside of work?
Shon: I created Acrylic fluid art using acrylic paint, pouring medium & silicone on different sizes of canvas.
What inspired you to start creating art, and how did your journey begin?
Shon: I have always had a love for art, but my 5-year-old daughter reignited my love for creating. We started creating projects together, and now I have a passion for creating on my own again.
How does your creative process work? Do you have any routines or rituals when you create?
Shon: The creative process starts with color palette selection and an idea for composition. A lot of fluid art is being able to adapt and move the composition once the paint is on the canvas. You need to plan, but also need to be able to adapt and change with the paint.
Are there any particular themes, materials, or techniques you love working with?
Shon: Right now, I have been doing a lot of abstract flowers using bright acrylics, but I am also working on ocean wave-inspired pieces.
How do your surroundings in Truckee or the Tahoe area influence your art?
Shon: The colors, views & weather in the Tahoe area inspire a lot of the colors that I choose to use in different paintings.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve created, and what’s the story behind it?
Shon: One of the first pieces I created was a cosmic/night-sky-themed painting, which is one of my favorites so far.
Who or what motivates you to keep creating, even when it’s challenging?
Shon: My wife & daughter have been big motivators to create and to keep trying different things. My wife is the one who created the Etsy & TikTok accounts. I joke about her being the “Art Dealer” now.
Do you share your art with the community (shows, online, collaborations)? If so, how has that experience been?
Shon: I haven’t shared any art at any shows or community events yet. The Etsy shop is new, and I am just starting to sell a few pieces. I hope to get into a few shows or farmers’ markets this spring/summer.
What advice would you give to others who want to explore their creative side?
Shon: If you are looking to explore your creative side, I would say don’t be afraid of it. I do not typically like to put myself out there or share things I create, but this has been a good experience so far, and the feedback has been positive. If you enjoy creating, then I would say go for it 100%.
Is there a dream project or collaboration you’d love to tackle in the future?
Shon: I really want to create a large piece and work with a couple of my friends that are artists to collaborate on a project.
Where can people see more of your work or connect with you about your art?
Shon: You can find my work of TikTok & Etsy or email me directly. KensingCreations.
Where to Buy Shon’s Fluid Art (and What’s Next)
CLICK HERE FOR KensingCreations ETSY Page
FOLLOW His TikTok @KensingCreations
What’s next for KensingCreations?
He hopes to participate in spring/summer art shows and farmers markets around Truckee and Tahoe—so locals looking for original acrylic pour paintings and Tahoe-inspired abstract art can see the work in person.
Want More Team Stories Like This?
At Elements Mountain Company, we believe great work comes from great people—and we love celebrating what our team is building, creating, and learning beyond the job site.
If you’re in the Truckee/Tahoe area and looking for a local team that values craftsmanship, community, and people, explore our services and follow along for more employee features.
Why Choose Elements Mountain Company?
With decades of experience and a reputation for reliability, we make it easy to book the services you need—when you need them. No contracts, no property management—just top-quality work from the team Truckee homeowners trust.