All You Need is Love

As I look out my home studio window, it is a grey,

rainy, dreary day. But I love Sundays...time to

worship, fellowship with the family, take a nap!

And I usually get to draw or paint something. I

got a few more of these heart designs done. And

I am still working on the book.

I am going to give some of these away on Valentine's

Day..so leave me a comment, and I will draw the

winners from the list.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Valentine GiveAway

This is the next give away...in honor of Valentine's

Day coming up! It is an original watercolor and ink,

about 5 x 6 inches. I will double mat it to fit an

8 x 10 frame. I will draw a name from the next

20 people who leave me a comment. I won't draw

till Valentine's Day.

I might just paint several more, and draw several

names...so leave me a comment. I would love to

send one of these to you! all in the name of love....

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Page One

I am still working on this tea cup book for
Leanin Tree. I am just getting started. I have
done a lot of page elements like the dots at the
bottom, some stripes, small images to add to
the text as I go. I will probably edit a lot!
But it is a start! and that is always the hardest.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

RounTooIt

Are there things in your life that you tell yourself,

"I'm going to get around to that some day...."

I can those things, "rountooits". I have whole lists

of them.

I received a really interesting gift at Christmas,

however, that should help me get around to one

of my tasks. This is the Stratford Labs negative

scanner; a fascinating little device that scans

negatives into your computer and converts them

to a digital image! wow! I only started to take

digital images with a digital camera about 4 years

ago. Until then, all of my photos were taken with

a Canon SLR on film. (some of you may wonder

what that is?!) Anyway, I must have 10,000

negatives filed and stored away. And some of them

are priceless images, at least to me. So, the white

azalea you see above, was the first of many I hope

to scan into my computer. It will be time consuming,

but I hope to do a few a day, and at least get "rountoo"

some of it!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Stratford Labs Negative Scanner: scans all sizes of

negatives and slides Check Amazon.com for prices

and availability

Back to Work

I am finally getting back around to working on some

of these licensing designs. The first set of things I

am going to do is this tea cup series. I plan to do

some card designs, stationary stuff, some flag designs,

coasters, etc. These are just the sketches for some

of the finished pieces. I also plan to do a digital photo

book with some text from a tea cup presentation that

I have done for years. It deals with handling adversity,

and how as women, "we get stronger in hot water."

It will all coordinate, (hopefully), and I plan to send it

to Leanin Tree and several other companies.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Watercolour Ponies by Wayne Watson

Another great song by Wayne...it will touch your heart. Having lost a child, the reminder that our children are out of our lives quickly, is especially poignant for me. I shed a tear everytime I hear this one. May it make us keenly aware of how much we need to make of the time we have, with our families, our friends, and those we need to reach out to.

www.waynewatson.com
You can check out Wayne's site for upcoming concerts, his blog, and his music.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Touch of the Master's Hand - Wayne Watson

Last night I attended a small concert by Christian singer Wayne Watson at the BCM at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston.
My husband and his sister went to Tech and knew Wayne and his girlfriend, Lynn, who was from Winnfield. Wayne married Lynn, and my sister in law was in the wedding. We have all
admired his talent and listened to his music over the years. He is an incredible singer, and his message is always so heartfelt. It was so special to get to see him in an intimate setting, and we got to visit with him before the show, and he spoke fondly of old times with his friends at Tech. My niece Caroline is very active in the BCM, and she got to meet him as well, and enjoy hearing his wonderful music.
Here's one of his most popular songs. It has a great message about the worth that God imparts to each of us through the salvation He provides through Jesus. I hope you enjoy it. Have a
very blessed day.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

A Real Treat

The "Evening in Greece" at the gallery last night

was a real treat. I didn't really get to take many

pics (I was busy serving plates and waiting tables!)

But I did manage to take a shot of this yummy

dessert.

Here's the entire menu:

Appetizer Course: Tsatziki Sauce (cucumber yogurt)

Greek Salad (cucumbers, tomatoes,

olives, onions)

Pita Bread

First Course: Shrimp with Orzo

Main Course: Roasted Leg of Lamb, Vegetable Medley

(eggplant, zucchini, onions, tomatoes)

Roasted Potatoes

Dessert Course: Walnut Syrup Cake

Greek Yogurt, Fruit, and Honey

There were some special guests there last night. My

cousin and his wife from New Orleans were able to

attend. And my old friend, Dr. Bill Spillers, from

Shreveport came and brought three friends,

including a Greek native, Dimitri, and his daughter

who is majoring in Art at LSUS. It was quite intimidating

to do my Greek presentation about the trip in front of

someone who grew up there! But he nodded his

approval after every pronunciation made by me, and

I was quite relieved to hear his compliments at the

conclusion of the evening. And he loved the food as

well, so Pete was very pleased. My daughter also did

lots of the cooking...she prepared the appetizers, the

Greek salad, and baked the little walnut cakes. They

make a great team, and I am so proud of them.

Speaking of trips, it is time to put a deposit down for the Charleston and Savannah trip. The deposit is $300. If any of you are interested, you can let me know and I can get you signed up.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

And a Good Time was had by All

We had such a great time tonight. The Evening

in Greece was spendid. My son in law, Pete, really

outdid himself with the food; it was delicious. I will

have to post the whole menu tomorrow night...along

with pics.

I believe everyone enjoyed themselves; experienced

some different tastes; and learned a little something

about Greece as well. We can't wait to do something

similar again. stay tuned....

sheltongail@hotmail.com

One for the Money, Two for the Show

Two more that are going to be entered into a

show. The Tom Peyton Memorial Art Show in

Alexandria is coming up, and the deadline to enter

was today. I entered these two. You have probably

seen them before. They were done last year, and

were entered in various shows. So now this year,

I will shuffle them around and enter them in

different shows! You try to get the most bang

for your buck out of some good pieces, and enter

them where they might earn some money. So,

hopefully the judge will find them worthy, and include

them in the exhibit.

We are all set up for the Greek night Saturday night.

We are expecting 30 people, and it should be an

enjoyable evening. Will try to post some pics from the

event tomorrow night.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

A Day of Painting

Watercolor on Canvas Workshop

These smiling faces are proudly holding their

watercolor creations that they finished today in

the workshop. It was a group mostly from the

Art Guild in Natchitoches. Some were experienced

painters, and some were real beginners. This was

a new medium for all of them however, and we

had a great time learning the new techniques. The

subject matter is the Royal Street Grocery in New

Orleans. I think they all did a super job!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Too Many Hats

It is the start of the spring show season in the

art world. And even though I am actively pursuing

the licensing angle with my art, I am a fine artist

at heart. And I have so many good pieces that I

just can't help entering them in a couple of shows.

So, this one went out today. "All That Jazz" is a

colored pencil drawing and it is now entered in this

show out in Texas. The juror is Marileigh Schulte

from Rancho Santa Fe in California. She enjoys

figurative work in an impressionistic style, and likes

dramatic light and deep rich color. So, I thought

this piece would grab her attention. Hopefully

she will select it for the show.

I am busy finishing up my presentation for

the Greek evening this Saturday, and I am

teaching a watercolor on canvas workshop in

the morning at my studio! whew... it will be

time to rest on Sunday for sure!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Two Artists to Love

I like getting the chance to see so many different

artists' work during market. These were two that

stood out for me. Patience Brewster is doing a

really creative nativity series, and she also does

other characters. Her website is:

www.patiencebrewster.com

The other artist is Lucinda Wei. She is doing some

creative graphic designs for wrapping paper, etc.

Her website is:

www.lucindawei.com

I am busy working on the Greek Evening that will

take place this weekend. I am preparing the

power point, and getting the menu ready, and the

shop as well. Today was our deadline for reservations.

I believe we have 30 signed up, and that was our

goal. For those of you who are coming, it is going

to be enjoyable. I am looking forward to sharing it

all with you.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

A Lead at Leanin' Tree

Before I left market, I did manage to go by and

see this company, Leanin Tree Publishers. I met

one of the sales reps, and she reviewed my portfolio,

and loved my work. I was able to get the contact info

for the creative director, and I will follow up and send

her a design packet with a variety of my work.

Many of my designs would be very suitable for cards

and stationary. This is one of the companies that I

wanted to get in touch with, and I am glad that I did

it! I have been encouraged by so many people during

my art career, and I hope to be able to take it a few

steps further.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Back from Market

I was in Atlanta to look into the art licensing

aspect of the market, but I was also there to

buy some things for my retail shop. The

jewelry in the photo was made by Lizou, and I

really loved it. Her website is:

www.thelizoucollection.com

Check out the other website:

www.mullaniumbyjimandtori.com
This booth had some jewelry and other fun stuff.

I love birds and they had several in their designs.

Some other interesting booths with some artsy

things:

www.artbyamy.com

www.erinsmithart.com

www.elicotime.com

www.islandcowgirl.com

www.aipaper.com

sheltongail@hotmail.com

A Bite and a Nibble in Atlanta

Still in Atlanta, trying to make some contacts.

I did get a nibble today from a company called,

"Fancy That" Gift Decor out of Greensboro, NC.

I met one of their reps over lunch, and she viewed

my portfolio and loved it. She suggested I get together

some of my collections, and submit them to her boss.

She especially liked the shells and coastal designs.

They do a lot of coastal and "Florida" lines.

I will get some things together as soon as I get home,

and send them along.

When I left market, I walked up the street to one of

my favorite restaurants, Pitty Pat's Porch. I had some

shrimp and grits, and it was delicious.

I will try to do some more networking tomorrow!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Atlanta and Appointments

I am in Atlanta at the Gift Mart, amid the ice and

snow on the streets! I met briefly today with a

woman with this company, The Painted Planet.

They represent 22 artists, and license their designs

to various manufacturers. I simply wanted some

feedback on my portfolio, and she obliged.

She basically said that she could tell I was from a

fine art background. She said that I needed to design

more specifically for products. And to think about

how well the designs would transfer to the product.

She thought the more painterly things (the pastels,

the watercolors) wouldn't translate as well as the

more linear designs.

It was interesting to hear her comments. I hope tomorrow

to hand out some brochures, and make some contacts.

I did finally get to meet Vickie, who is also an artist

seeking to get into the licensing field. It was good to

exchange some ideas and some insight with a colleague.

We both will have to keep our chins up, and to forge

ahead.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Last Page

This is the last page I am adding to the portfolio.
I have used this design on various things: t-shirts,
prints, notecards. I have used it in connection
with a ministry that I do, speaking about the
ways that women do get stronger after some
adversity. I have made the presentation in
churches, at conventions, women's meetings,
etc. I have really enjoyed sharing with other
women the ways God has helped me to overcome
many different situations, and to view life with
enthusiasm and a postive attitude.

I still do the "teacup ministry", and if you have an
occasion where the subject would be appropriate,
feel free to contact me. I do not charge to speak.
I only ask for the opportunity to sell some of my
wares, including teacup themed items and artwork.

I will try to post while away. I hope that I have
exciting news to share.

sheltongail@hotmail.com
gail shelton art

Time for Cupcakes

One of the last pages before I go....everyone's favorite

cupcakes. I see them everywhere; on plates and napkins,

cards, embroidered, on ceramics. It is interesting how

images come and go. My mother's kitchen when I was young

was decorated in roosters (in the 60's). And now I see them

everywhere also. We will have to see how long this trend

lasts.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

gail shelton art

Crunch Time

"Only put off till tomorrow

what you are willing to die

having left undone."

Pablo Picasso


A few more portfolio pages. I leave for Atlanta in

a few days, and I am busy adding pages to my presentation.

There is a variety here: acrylic paintings on square canvases

(the ferns and the dragonflies); colored pencil drawings (hollyhocks,

sunflowers, and the magnolia).

I have never been able to limit myself to one medium or one

style! There have been times at art festivals when people have

asked me how many different artists were represented in the

booth! I just tell them I have multiple personalities (I don't).

I am hoping that the licensing reps will be impressed with the

variety of styles and mediums. I guess I will find out soon.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

gail shelton art

"If it weren't for the last minute, nothing would get done."

Dragonfly

I worked up this page tonight from an older

set of paintings. They are ink and watercolor.

I sold the pair last year. But I was able to do

the page from the digital files. I painted the

extra border and the round medallion.

These go well with the current blue, brown,

and aqua color scheme.

I will add it to the portfolio.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

LSU Proud

I was lucky enough to get to go to the Cotton

Bowl game last night in the beautiful new Cowboy

Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The giant screen over

the field is really something to see. It stretches from

the 20 yard line to the other 20 yard line, and the

picture is crystal clear. It was really great to be able

to see the player's expressions, and fans and students

up close on the jumbo tron. And it was really great

to win! The Tigers did us proud.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Classical Greek Columns

More Greece collection. Lots of columns!

Go Tigers! We're off to the game!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Classical Greece Collection

I put together a whole Classical Greece collection

last night. I had so much work from the show, it was

just a matter of laying it out into portfolio pages.

I leave next Thursday to go to Atlanta, and I am

excited about the possibilities.

I have had several call and sign up the the Greek

evening at the gallery. There is still plenty of room.

If you are interested, please call and make your

reservation. The tickets are $25 each, or $40 a couple.

That includes the Greek meal, and the gallery talk.

It should be a very enjoyable evening, and I am looking

forward to it.

An Evening in Greece Jan 22 6 pm 318-628-3560

sheltongail@hotmail.com

gail shelton art

Desert Blooms

Two more for the portfolio (are you getting tired of

seeing these?!) Growing up in Texas, I always loved

the prickly pear blossoms in the spring. There are

places in the hill country that are painted with these

colorful blooms. And they are such a metaphor for

life...you have to take the thorns with the petals!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Just the Ticket

This is an open invitation to anyone who would like

to come and enjoy a fun and educational evening.

We are going to do a Greek evening at the gallery.

My son in law, a very accomplished cook, is going to

serve up an authentic Greek meal for everyone in

the cafe. After dinner, I will do a presentation

about the trip to Greece, and an explanation of

some of the Greek artwork. I will be giving away

some art during the event as well.

We will sell tickets for the event, and space is limited.

The tickets are $25 each, or $40 a couple.

Call the gallery for info or to make a reservation by Jan 18th.

I'm excited and I look forward to seeing all of you

there.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

gail shelton art

"An Evening in Greece"

January 22 6 pm

Pea Patch Gallery and Cafe

Winnfield, LA

318-628-3560

I Scream, You Scream

"Cheers to a new year and another chance

for us to get it right."

Oprah Winfrey

Two more for the portfolio: the ice cream

shop, and a cafe in Paris. The little ice cream

shop is in Savannah, Georgia. I was there with

3 ladies that traveled with me everywhere. We

had driven all the way from Louisiana. We stayed

in Savannah a couple of days, and then went on to

Charleston.

I am considering going back to these two adorable

cities later this spring. The group travel company that

I use has a week long tour of both, and it is very

reasonable. It would be in May, and if any of you

would be interested, please let me know.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

gail shelton art

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Happy New Year!

After eating my black eyed peas, cornbread, and

cabbage (all for good luck!), I have spent some time

today working on these designs. They will be

included in the "Eat, Drink, and be Merry" collection.

I have been to so many cafes and bistros, etc all over

the world, and I sketch and paint many of them in

my sketchbook journals. These two are from

2 different books: the Cafe was in Paris, and Stoupsey's

was in Georgetown (Washington, DC). I am working

on several more to be included in this collection.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

gail shelton art

New Year, New Direction

Ever since I have turned my attention to this licensing

arena, I have been viewing my art in new ways. It is

fitting that the new year will bring about some new

designs.

I had done the little tea cup design at the very top

several years ago to sell in the shop in our tea cup

themed area. I picked it up and brought it home, and

tonight did the coordinating cup design and the other

elements to go all together. It just takes me looking

at what I already have, and putting it to the best use.

I hope that is what you will strive to do this new year

as well. Everyone always tells me, "You are so talented,

I can't do anything." But everyone is good at something,

and that is what I always tell them. So, hopefully in the

months to come, we will all try to take what we already

have and put it good use. Happy New Year!!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

gail shelton art