Explore Margalit Shelly's lifelong works, taking inspiration from her childhood in Tunisia, life in the Israeli Negev, as well as Jewish subjects. Using an academic technique, she painted in watercolors and oil.
The Beduin Women · 1989 🐪
Margalit Shelly's "The Bedouin Women" series is a profound exploration of the lives and spirits of Bedouin women in the Negev. Through her exceptional use of color and form, Shelly captures the essence of these women's lives, their resilience, and their deep connection to their heritage.
Open Auctions
Margalit passed away in 2026. Her family is finding new homes for her paintings through this site — each work can be bid on, and its story and ownership are recorded here for the years ahead.
Every painting finds its next home through a simple pledge auction — no online payment, the family will call the winner.
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Every available painting is waiting for its first bid — and the first bid is what opens an auction. Find a painting you love and start one.
See all auctionsTextures · 1996 🌾
In "Textures," Margalit Shelly embarks on a sensory journey through the landscapes of the Negev. Utilizing a variety of materials and techniques, Shelly creates canvases that are rich in detail and bursting with life.
A Splash of Color · 2005-2022 🐓
"A Splash of Color" is Margalit Shelly's vibrant tribute to the Israeli Negev. With each stroke, Shelly transforms the canvas into a mesmerizing landscape, alive with vivid colors that reflect the dynamic beauty of the desert.
Women · 1990-2023 🌻
Margalit Shelly's "Women" series is a powerful depiction of feminine strength, resilience, and diversity. Her portraits are intimate, evoking the stories, dreams, and struggles of women from all walks of life. This exhibition celebrates the universal beauty of women and highlights their central role in shaping the cultural and social landscape.
Immigrant Rugs · 2010 🧳
"Immigrant Rugs" represents Margalit Shelly's exploration of cultural identity and migration through the metaphor of rugs. Integrating traditional motifs with contemporary themes, Shelly weaves stories of hope, displacement, and belonging.
Portraits of Caregivers
Portraits of Caregivers honors the devoted Filipino caregivers who became family through years of compassionate care for my husband. Each portrait captures a chapter of his journey, reflecting their love, resilience, and quiet strength. Rendered in expressive watercolor, the fluid brushstrokes and earthy tones evoke both tenderness and depth. The transparency of the medium mirrors their selfless devotion, allowing emotion to seep through each layer. More than portraits, these are stories—of kindness, patience, and the deep human bonds formed through caregiving.
