Thursday, May 31, 2012

Adding the Details


The watercolor painting with some of the details added

a part of the painting with masking fluid added

close-up of the painting with masking fluid applied

Masking fluid

I continued to work on this painting tonight, and
added many of the details needed to give it
some depth, design and dimension.  Then I added
the masking fluid over most of the outline of
the figure.  This fluid creates a waterproof seal
over the painted portions, so I can freely
wet the background area.  I will do some
really wet and loose, wet into wet paint in
the background that will be in contrast to the
tightly painted figure.  This is the stage in the
painting that can make it or break it, depending on
how well I can control the wet paint.  I'll keep
my fingers crossed and my brush moving!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Woman in Watercolor


Beginning stages of watercolor painting...a light sketch of the outline

Initial washes of color...very light

Adding some shadows and building up the washes as I go

Finally got to start working on some of the Peru art tonight.  I
had some visitors in the gallery today, and I was telling them there
would be a Peruvian art show at Christmas, so I thought
I should at least start on something!  This photo of this woman
in Cuzco was one of my favorites.  I like the light and
shadows, and the colored pattern on the clothing, etc. 
This woman was selling little Peruvian dolls, and she was in
front of our hotel every morning as we boarded the bus.
One day the police came and ran her off; they are not
supposed to be selling items to the tourists outside of the
marketplace.  But she was back the next day...hopeful for
some customers!
I will continue to work on this painting and will post as I
go.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

"Art Party" for a Birthday Girl

The group of smiling "artists" with their creations

The birthday girl did this one

Young hands hard at work

Lots of ooey, gluey fun

We hosted another art party at the
studio and cafe this evening.
It was a birthday party
for a 12 year old little girl,
and a group of her friends.  They
made initial collages, painting
the canvases, and then gluing on their
initial, scraps of paper, and some "bling".
Then they all enjoyed some
brownie sundaes in the cafe.

If you are interested in booking an
art party for yourself or someone
 else, just let us know.
We can also do some events out on the
deck, and would love to work with you to
make some memories!

sheltongail@hotmail.com 

Monday, May 28, 2012

"Long"ing for New Orleans







I did one of my favorite things today on
my way home...spent some time wandering
around the French Quarter down in New
Orleans.  I never get tired of walking those
narrow streets and seeing the sites. (and
tasting the food!)  I cropped a few of these
to make some long compositions...kinda
fun. 

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Time to Plan a Party

This is the "before" picture!

I painted this sign on an old window 


Here are the tables

Some red, white and blue blooms

Condiments labeled and ready to enjoy

Lots of old fashioned soda

Striped straws and Mason jars

Cute decorations in the trees

Sunset on the bayou

I have been down in south Louisiana, helping my 
daughter celebrate her husband's 30th birthday. 
My daughter really loves to design and decorate, 
so she had a great time planning and pulling off this 
celebration  She used a patriotic theme, with 
vintage and rustic elements, using burlap, 
tin, glass, and paper products. I painted the 
sign on an old window frame, and we added the 
red, white, and blue flower.  She hung mason jars 
with candles in the trees, and lanterns and burlap 
decorated the tables.  We enjoyed gourmet hamburgers,
with "30" different toppings, and drank our beverages 
out of mason jars.  Apple pie and a red, white, and 
blue strawberry cake finished off the feast.  

She is really interested in pursuing some of 
this party planning 
in the future.  She can carry out a variety of themes, 
and is willing to work in any setting, etc .   If you are in 
need of some ideas, and would like to hire her, 
just let me know!
sheltongail@hotmail.com

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Costa Rica-Final Paintings


Final Costa Rica Paintings



I was asked to do this pair of paintings for a 
couple from California that had recently visited 
Costa Rica.  This is the bungalow where they had 
stayed.  They wanted a close up, and then an 
overall landscape scene of the area.  The client 
likes them both. The paintings are on their way 
to California, and I can mark them off the list!

If you would like for me to do some paintings for 
you as well, just get in touch with me.  I would be 
happy to work with you.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Photo Friend


Zion National Park


Zion


Sunset at  Zion


Sunrise at Bryce Canyon National Park

Last fall, I met one of my best friends out in
Utah to go and photograph Zion and Bryce
Canyon National parks. (some of you will
remember that I posted some pics).  I heard from
her today, and these are some of her
favorite shots.  She always manages to
get such beautiful panoramic views; a lot
of times I get smaller views!  I told her
she needed to get some of her work together,
and we will do a show together at the gallery...
sounds good to me!

sheltongail@htomail.com

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

On the Deck


We had a little reception out on the deck at
the gallery today for the Kindergarten school.
The students graduated today, and they wanted
a little reception for them with cake and punch.
The parents and  grandparents came by for
refreshments and lots of pictures.  Congratulations
kids! 

The deck is available for gatherings of all kinds.
Get in touch with us, and we can help you set up
for your event or get-together.

sheltongail@ hotmail.com
Pea Patch Gallery  318-628-3560
Deck Rental  $25.00
We can also do the refreshments, etc

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Lima Lights




The first night we were in Peru, our guide
took the group to a park where these dancing
fountains were.  I did not go (stayed at the
hotel, sketching!)  Anyway, these are some of
my daughter's photos.  It is hard to get good
shots in the dark of moving targets!, and I think
she did pretty well. 
I am still working on the paintings of Costa Rica
for a customer, and I have several other commissions
waiting in the wings.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Peace Like a River

Snake River  Yellowstone National Park

I've been working on a few more scripture photos.
I took this photo the first time I visited Yellowstone
in November 2010.  There was already snow, and it was
beautiful scenery.  The forest in the background
had been burned, and many of the bare trunks are
visible.  I believe as Christians, we can still have
that "peace that defies explanation", even in the
midst of all of the wildfires in our lives.  I hope you
experience some of it today...God bless.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Workshop Day: Collage on Canvas


Hard at work on their collages today


Busy, busy


This collage has a magnolia theme


This collage is a collection of recent Mother's Day cards...
very clever


All finished!


A "Mother's Love" collage


"Sweet Magnolia"


"Mountain Travel"
I taught a collage workshop today in the studio for
three women from the Natchitoches Art Guild.  We
had a great time.  They each brought their own photographs
and various paper items, etc.  They painted their canvases
first.  Then they selected their subject matter, and began to
tear and cut the different elements.  When they reached
a satisfactory design, we began to glue down the pieces
one by one.  The final touches, some buttons, old earrings,
and other three dimensional objects, were added last.
One of the collages had a magnolia and garden theme.
She used some of her own photography, some scrap
booking paper, some of my altered photos, and some
old jewelry and buttons.  Another collage was made
up of all of her recent Mother's Day cards.  She
cut them up, and combined them with some
paper and jewels.  The last one is made up of some
travel photos and items from several trips to the
mountains.  She used a map, some pics, and
some old jewelry. and an "explore" sign.
I think they all turned out really well, and they
said they really enjoyed the process.
We also enjoyed some lunch in the cafe when the projects
were all finished. 

good day

Friday, May 18, 2012

Pet Portrait Final

This is "Drake", a pet portrait gift for the
dog's owner from his mom.  This is the
last stage before I did the background.

Here is the finished painting.  I did
some dark blue and brown washes
around the outline of the dog.  And then
I used some white acylic paint to add
some whiskers.  Happy dog!

sheltongail@hotmail.com
For info on Pet Portraits:
email me or call the gallery
318-628-3560