Happy New Year

I know I haven't posted in awhile...busy with all the Christmas activities!
Now things are settling down, and I have had time to start on
a drawing.  This is just the start...still have a ways to go.
I will keep working on her hair, more shadows on her face,
and her clothes.  I hope her smile makes you hopeful for
a happy new year!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

"Come and Sing to our Silence"

There are so many things to get done during the Christmas season!
The decorating, the shopping, cooking, wrapping gifts,
and addressing and sending cards.  It can all be sort of
overwhelming.  And it is easy to become apathetic and
disillusioned.

We sang our Christmas program tonight.  It was filled with
encouraging messages of hope, peace, and joy.  It
 warmed my soul as I sang the lyrics
to the beautiful music.  One song spoke to me: 

"Lord Jesus, come and shine in our darkness;
come and speak to our longing; 
come and sing to our silence..... 
Let Christmas begin." 

I believe if I can hold onto the real meaning of this season...
preparing for Christ's return to our hearts
and our lives, then the discouragement and
despair will disappear. 
My "to do " list will seem joyful, and making preparations for
my family and friends will bring a sense of gratitude.  I am grateful for
our Savior and a season each year when we celebrate His birth, and
remember why He came.  Let Christmas begin...in each of you.
And God bless us all!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Vintage Photo

This is one of my last commissions before Christmas.  The client wanted
this old photo drawn in pencil.

I am almost finished!

sheltongail@ Hotmail.com

A Direct Path

This is the scripture photo that I finished for a customer.  It is
a Christmas gift for her husband, who is a pastor.  She said he
has always wanted to visit the Rocky Mountains, so she thought
he might enjoy a mountain scene.  And she liked the barn...they
live in the country, and enjoy it.  And this is his favorite scripture.
So, all in all, he should like it, and should be surprised. (I am pretty
sure he doesn't view this blog!)  I will get this framed, and
wrapped up....one more off my list!

For info on scripture photos (they make great gifts!)
Email me or call the gallery:
sheltongail@hotmail.com    318-628-3560

Lennon

!

I have been tweaking some more on this drawing...just about finished!
The checks are complete at least...whew    Her hair needs a little
work, and the shading on her face needs some touch-up.  Now that I look
at the photograph, I am able to see what needs doing.  So,
back to the drawing board one more time.

sheltongail@hotmail.com
 

Dog Inspired

I got up early this morning, and decided to give this dog
another try with colored pencil.  I am happier with this
one, and I will ship it today.  It is a small drawing, about
8 x 11, and I will mat it to a custom frame size. 

If you would like info on pet portraits, just email me, or give
me a call at the gallery.  At this time, however, I do not
think I could have it by Christmas!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

A Checkered Present

This is always such a busy time of year for me.  I am not
complaining...it is a good problem to have! 
But I always end up with several projects to finish
before Christmas for customers.  I am still working on this portrait.
The gingham pattern is very tedious!  It still needs some
tweaking on the face...not quite right yet.

And I am trying to do this dog this week.  It is a bittersweet story.  This is
my cousin Linda's dog, and she had asked me to draw him as a gift
for her husband, I think.  It was awhile ago.  Anyway, I believe the dog
is no longer alive.  And my cousin passed away last week as well.
She was suffering from cancer, and it just proved too much for her.
Her sister had asked if I could finish it quickly...the memorial service is this Saturday.
I started on this watercolor.  I may try to tweak it some more, or do a
quick colored pencil drawing.  This is the only photo I have..

I hope to have something to send by late tomorrow! 

sheltongail@hotmail.com