Shively made his mark as a California Impressionist with his graceful, vivid landscapes. Although he took some formal studio courses, he basically was self-taught. Shively felt he learned most by working with George Demont Otis, Paul Sample, Ralph Holmes, Robert Clunie, Jessie Arms Botke, Cornelis Botke and other significant landscape painters of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s. Oil Painting

While Shively took many painting trips abroad, he created the vast majority of his works locally. His favorite haunts included Morro Bay, Point Lobos, Rincon and other sites along the California coast. The Ventura County foothills, backcountry, valleys, local landmarks and sycamores also provided subject matter. His work was in high demand, and from 1932 to 1985 Shively sold nearly 1,000 paintings. When notice of the exhibit went out to the public, Jennifer Heighton, executive director of the museum, viewed numerous paintings held in private collections throughout Ventura County.