Saturday, June 30, 2012

The Art of Dip-ity Do


We had a "first" in the cafe today...a kid's cooking
class!  Mrs. Carolyn Lang taught the children about
nutrition and servings.  And they all got to dip
some goodies in some yummy chocolate...
nothing better!
There is another class in July;
Call the gallery for info

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Friday, June 29, 2012

Point of View






I took these today of a nautillus shell that I ordered
online.  They cut the shell in two...revealing the intricate
and delicate construction inside. 

It looks really different in the different light.  The first two
are in the morning, and the last two are late in the afternoon.
I read somewhere that you should only take photos before
10 in the morning and after 4 in the afternoon.  I believe that
is good advice, based here on the variations achieved.  I plan to
use this along with the thistle photo, in a series of circular
objects. 
If you think of something else I could include, email me or
leave me a comment.  If I use your idea, I will send you a free
photo!

thanks!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Sketchbook Copy


When I travel I complete a sketchbook journal
that documents the trip and preserves the memories.
In the last couple of years I have been scanning
the original book and making digital copies for the
other travelers to buy.  I have not been able to do the
Peru book until now.  I am busy scanning and uploading
paintings and photos from the trip to add to the digital
copy.  I hope to be through soon and will let you know
when the copies will be ready.  If you think you might be
interested in a copy...just let me know.  You can also let
me know if you are interested in going with me to China
next summer.  Email me and I can give you more details.
It'll be great!

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Satisfaction

Rachel, in Victorian mode

The inspiration for the portrait

I finally got to meet with the client who commissioned this
unusual portrait project.  She loved it (thank goodness!)  She
just wanted a couple of changes: the length of her hair, and the
tone of her skin.  So I fixed the requests, and this is the
finished piece.  I will finish framing it tomorrow because
she wanted it by the first of July.  So, I am in under the time
limit, and she is satisfied with the project...woohoo!

sheltongail@hotmail.com
I have had some feedback about the China trip.  There are several people already
interested,  so if you are too, let me know!

Next Destination: China

Great Wall of China

Happy Panda

I am in the process of planning my next trip...and I think I have decided on China.
Go Ahead Tours has a tour that lasts 15 days, and covers all the highlights of
this fascinating place.   I am looking at July 24, 2013.  I would like to organize
another group, so if you think you might be interested, let me know.  You
can go to Go Ahead Tours and check out the whole itinerary, pricing, details,
etc.  I will be doing some sketching, photography, and some painting during
the trip.  But non-artists are always welcome!  
So, get your calendars out, and check the dates, and then save the
date for a trip to China!

Speaking of Go Ahead Tours, they contacted me about featuring some of
my artwork and photography from the Peru trip on their blog.  I am very
excited about getting to share some of my work on a different venue. I will
have to let you know what they decide to feature.

Let me know about traveling to China... I look forward to hearing from
some of you

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Saturday, June 23, 2012

At the Park in the Market

Park Hill Showroom   Dallas,TX

I am still in Dallas at the wholesale gift market.  This is Park Hill, one of my favorite
showrooms.  They specialize in rustic, re-purposed furnishings and decorative
accessories.  The corn stalks, tomatoes, and potatoes are all real, and they
add such a warm touch to everything in the showroom.  We ordered lots of
items here today, and they will be in our shop very soon!  Can't wait
to get to show all of you just what we picked out, and how it can
look great where you are!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Glory Bee Graphics


Peace like a River     Yellowstone National Park

Wings as Eagles    Pair of Bald Eagles Lake Martin, Louisiana

Be Still            Egret  South Louisiana

Shadow of Your Wings      Snowy Egret   South Lousiana

Grace is Amazing    Narcissus   Louisiana

No Fear    Blue Agapanthus Flowers   California

Glory Bee Graphics
Here are some of my finished scripture photos: the framed print and the matching photo on canvas.  I am very excited to see them all together!This is the collection that I plan to wholesale at the gift market in Dallas (hopefully in January).  Now I am in the process of getting the matching note cards printed.  I have the blue agapanthus cards already, and the narcissus ones are on the way. 

Speaking of market, I am leaving later today to go and order some
Fall and Christmas items for the shop.  I will be buying some jewelry, clothing, decorative accessories, and maybe some vintage things. It will all work together with these images for our Christmas season in the shop that will go up early in November.  Planning ahead!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

All of these items are for sale.  The 11 x 14 canvas prints are
$45.00 each.  The framed ones vary...you can email me for
prices.  Most of them range from $150.00 -$275.00. 
All of these would make great Christmas gifts,
or inspirational decorative accent. Come by the
gallery and check them out!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Nuts and Bolts

Airfloat Box for shipping

The drawing ready to be shipped

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On his way to Kentucky

I didn't know if I mentioned that this colored pencil drawing was accepted into the CPSA International Show, being held in Covington, KY this year.  I was in the process of shipping it today, and thought some of you might be interested in the nuts and
bolts.
First of all, I had to mat and frame the drawing.  The mats have to be white or off white so that the show looks uniform.  The framing must be unobtrusive, plain and simple.
Since I do my own custom framing, I ordered the mat and frame.  It had to be under plexiglass, however, and I have to get that locally from the glass supplier, who cuts it to size for me.
Once framed, I ordered the special box from Airfloat Systems, a manufacturer that specializes in art shipping crates.  They come with the 3 layers of foam that are perforated, so you can punch out the desired size, and the artwork
"floats" inside the box.  If you need a re-usable shipping box, they are great!
Now, to FedEx where it will be shipped to arrive next week.  The exhibition director will have someone to uncrate, catalog, judge, and then hang the exhibit.  I plan to attend this year, and see all the other wonderful work that made it into the show.
I bet you never knew what it takes to get the art to a national juried show.  Well, now you do!  There is a lot involved, and I have been doing it for a long time.
It can be very rewarding, and it is quite an honor to be among
some of the best from time to time.

sheltongail@hotmail.com


Airfloat Systems  Mississippi
www.cpsa.org


.

Monday, June 18, 2012

20th Anniversary Celebration at the Gallery


Pea Patch Gallery   20th Anniversary

We are getting ready for the 20th
anniversary of the Pea Patch Gallery!
It is hard to believe, but 20 years ago in
August, we opened the gallery in order to
have a place to display not only my
work, but the work of my students.

I have been trying to think of a way to
celebrate, and I think I have decided.
I would like to have a Student Show by
anyone who has ever taken a class under
me...in school, workshop, or private lesson.
Each student can bring one piece, ready to
hang, any medium, any size.  The piece can
be something completed with me, or any piece
you may have done before or since.
The work can be delivered to the gallery,
shipped or hand delivered, by July 28th.

I am excited to see some of your work!
And delighted that I can celebrate this milestone
for the gallery showcasing work that I have
helped you to create!  So, get the word out,
and tell your fellow classmates to get something
out, dust it off, and drop it by...can't wait
to hang it all up.

for info:
sheltongail@hotmail.com
318-628-3560

I would like to have a reception...maybe
around Sept 1...will let you know

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Encounter with A Thistle

It begins with an observation...I noticed this dainty
thistle blooming...This is the first photograph...
very plain...very boring


So I touched the thistle and some of the petals flew away...now it is more interesting...
but could be more dramatic

So I crop and take away the color...now it is getting very interesting

This one has some distortion...some "noise" as they call it.  I would like to add some
text but I have to think about it some more. 

Just a few insights as to how the mind of an artist works! 
Hopefully I can turn this random encounter with a thistle into
something worthwhile.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Rachel: Victorian pastel portrait

I worked some more on this drawing tonight.  I am going
to try to let the client see this tomorrow, and let me
know what she thinks. 
Combining the colored pencil and pastel was the
surest way I knew to make a soft, blended
drawing, that resembled the Victorian print that she
wanted me to copy.  I hope it is what she had in mind!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Art Camp











Daniel Rockett, the art teacher at our middle school,
held an art camp this week at the Pea Patch Gallery.
The students learned about art around the world, 
working on Japanese folding screens, African masks,
and Egyptian pyramids.  They will finish up on Friday,
and take all their creations home with them!  I think
they have all had a fun and educational time in Art 
Camp!

sheltongail@hotmail.com
For info on Art Lessons:
318-628-3560

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Pastel Portrait



I am continuing to work on this portrait. 
Made a little progress tonight.  Once I
get it all blocked in, I am going to let the
customer look at it.  She may not want me
to go any darker in the shadows, etc.  But I
will let her decide.  Hopefully, she will like
it, and I can be finished! 

Flower Photograph Evolution

There are some blackeyed susans down by the creek....

As I prepared to photograph them, I suddenly had some help from Huey

I tried a back lit shot up close...

Then, a different set up....


I wanted a blurrier background.....

And of course, the last one I took is my favorite!


I love blackeyed susans...the simple wildflowers that blooms along
our roads here in the South in the summer.  I had been wanting to
photograph some before they went away.  So, I stopped several
places along the highway (risking getting run over by a log truck!).
I wasn't able to get what I wanted, so I drove on home.  And then
I spotted some flowers right along the creek that winds through
our land, so I picked some and took them to the house.
I moved them around outside, trying different effects, etc,
(and with a lot of interference from a certain four-legged
friend).  I finally liked the very last one I took...isn't is always
either the very first one, or the very last?!

Hope you are enjoying a simple and beautiful summer where
you are.

sheltongail@hotmail.com