Shehla Ahmad is a Chicago-based Pakistani artist, muralist, book illustrator and graphic designer who was born in West Virginia and raised in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. From an early age, she was intrigued by paintings and inspired by the painters. In view of her passion, Shehla earned her master’s degree in Fine Arts and pursued her career in painting.

She worked as a graphic designer and later became an art teacher. Shehla loves working with kids and enjoys their ideas and the limitless imaginations they possess.

Shehla has always been inspired by Pakistani tradition, culture and art, which is evident in her work. She has the ability to paint in multiple mediums and styles, from Mughal miniature to realism to impressionism. Her favorite artists are Chughtai, Sadequain, Jamil Naqsh, Van Gogh, and Michelangelo.

She moved to Chicago in 2010 with her husband and kids and started painting again in 2015. Shehla sold some of her pieces, displayed her art in the office of the 48th Ward, participated in Edgewater Fall Art Fair and received numerous appreciations for her work.