Art of the Day

They're all in the Band

2012-02-01T23:06:00.000-06:00

Here's a sunflower band that can reach around a cup,

or canister, etc. I will keep adding to this set of designs

for products (journal, notepad, notecards, tote bag). I

also found a company that packages sunflower seeds

to plant, and the art becomes the label...too neat. I hope

to do a whole "garden/flower/bird" theme. Back to

the drawing board...any feedback would be appreciated!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Painting the Sun

2012-02-01T00:34:00.000-06:00

First phase...light colors

the finished painting

Decided to do a little watercolor painting tonight.
This is a theme I have done many times. I am
looking to do a print with red, yellow and blue
as the focus colors. This one is the first of
many tries!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Back to Work

2012-01-30T23:30:00.000-06:00

Shell Sketches

I got back to work today on some artwork,
for licensing or manufacturing on some products.
I got away from the birds and played around
with some shells. just fun....

Show Time at the Barnwell

2012-01-29T23:24:00.001-06:00

Mardi Gras show at the Barnwell

Some of the carnival costumes...

My friend, Karen Harrington, with one of her colorful pieces

A jazz ensemble added their musical touch
to the reception

Another one of Karen's paintings

I really like this one of hers

Me and the Sunset at Lake Martin photo

The opening reception for the Mardi Gras
show at the Barnwell was today. Shreveport
artist, Karen Harrington and I are the featured
artists in the main gallery. The show will run till Feb 25.
The Barnwell Center Hours:
Tuesday -Friday 10-5
Sat 10-3 Sun 1-5

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Louisiana Saturday Night

2012-01-29T09:16:00.000-06:00

White Chocolate Bread Pudding..yum

Roast Pork with Creole Mustard
and Honey Plum Glaze

Our dinner guests

Mardi Gras decorations

Blackeyed Peas and Jalapeno Grits

Shrimp Remoulade

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

The "Night in Louisiana" dinner party and gallery talk

went well last night. Pete and Hannah prepared some

great food from all around the state. The guests enjoyed

it all. I finished the evening with a short presentation

about my photography and artwork from the Louisiana

show, and my trips down into the swamps and plantations.

We can't wait to do another one!

A Bird in the Hand

2012-01-28T00:54:00.003-06:00

Still playing around with the whole bird theme...

These two little watercolors are teamed up with

some teal damask..will keep working on them.

We are busy getting ready for the dinner party/gallery

talk tomorrow night. Hope to see you there!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Eye on the Sparrow

2012-01-26T23:51:00.000-06:00

I am still working on these little sparrow paintings.

I did the bird in watercolor, then scanned and assembled

the little collages. Still tweaking them...will post some

more.

We are still doing the dinner party/gallery talk this Saturday

if anyone is still interested. Please let me know asap is you

would like to come.

"A Night in Louisiana" Dinner Party Gallery Talk

Pea Patch Gallery Winnfield 6 pm $30.00

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Grace

2012-01-25T10:22:00.000-06:00

In addition to some of my scripture photos, I am

planning to print some of my art as well. Here is one

that I put together last night. I will do a companion

piece, too. I did the bird in watercolor and the nest.

I painted the stripes. I scanned them all, added the

background, and arranged them all together. These

will make nice prints and notecards.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Barnwell Pre-View

2012-01-24T00:44:00.000-06:00

I was in Shreveport today to deliver some of these
Louisiana-themed artwork for an upcoming
exhibit there.

They are preparing a "Mardi Gras" exhibit for the
month of February. These costumes, etc are
going to be in the center of the exhibit, and the
artwork will be around the edges.

Downtown Shreveport is decorated with lots of colorful
murals. This one is beside the Revel grounds
and depicts some of the area activities

more of the same wall mural...

On my way home from Dallas, I dropped off this artwork.
The show will open this Sunday, with a reception from
2-4:30 at the Barnwell Garden and Art Center in
downtown Shreveport, LA.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Black Swan

2012-01-23T09:27:00.001-06:00

This beautiful black swan was among the birds that I took the
other day in City Park in Baton Rouge. I am always interested in
the reflections in the water. In the top photo, he was swimming
near the bank, and the dark areas in the water are the trees
and shrubs along the bank. In the second photo, he had moved out
into the open water, and just the blue sky is reflecting in the
water, along with his own reflection. So, depending on
what I want in the photo, I can wait while the bird
moves around, and get different outcomes from the same
photo op.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Creative Finds

2012-01-22T23:10:00.000-06:00

These great little reclaimed sculptures were done by
Gloria Burson. She had them for sale at the Vintage section
of the Dallas Market. I wanted to buy one, and they
were already sold! You can see more on
her blog: www.amodernglo.blogspot.com

I also loved this booth. Her name is Nancy Elaine Davis
and her business is called "Ella Elaine". She also does
some reclaimed items as well. I bought a little sign from
her that spelled out "joy" in re-claimed bits and pieces.

I had a great time at market in Dallas. I learned a lot from several
other vendors and had a chance to meet with the leasing department.
I got a feel for some of the best selling items in the art arena,
and I have lots of ideas. I will be home later tomorrow, and
will get to work!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Art at the Market

2012-01-20T22:21:00.000-06:00

I am at the gift market in Dallas, and wanted to

post this booth I found today. The artist is Mary

Gregory, and this is her line, Fig Marmalade. She

does these adorable oil paintings, and then prints

them on tea towels, canvases, pillows, and aprons.

I am going to try to meet with her tomorrow and

get some ideas about marketing. I love her whole

look here, and I am interested in trying to do

something similar with my artwork.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

January "Blossoms"

2012-01-20T09:34:00.000-06:00

The Susan K Black Foundation "Blossoms" show

is opening in Florida today. This is the show that I

entered that made me eligible to attend the workshop

in Dubois last fall. The show has been at the Norton

Gallery in Shreveport for the last couple of months.

It is a beautiful exhibit, and you can view some of it

online at: susankblackfoundation.org

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Forging Ahead

2012-01-18T21:15:00.000-06:00

I am moving forward with my efforts to

produce and sell some of my art this

summer at the wholesale gift market in Dallas.

I met with my cousin who has connections

in this field, and he is helping me to finalize

some of the canvas art pieces. These are

the first two I have finished today. I have

been having to re-size, re-work the text,

etc to get them in the correct format to be

printed as 16 x 20 canvases.

I like these scriptures; I think they will

"speak" to people, and the color schemes

go well with some of the current decorating

trends. Hopefully, some retail gift shop

owners will agree!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

A Day with the Endangered

2012-01-17T20:48:00.000-06:00

We started the day in Kaplan, LA at the
Sunnyside Motel...it was not sunny

White Lake in south LA;
home to the whooping crane project

Me, Mr. Bob, his son, Mark, and Lee all went to
see the cranes

With Sara, the crane coordinator of the project

We arrived at the site, and these young cranes soon
appeared...breathtaking

As the landed, you can see their leg bands that
identify them. These young birds still have some
of their brown feathers. When they mature, they will be
all white

This is an adult male from the program last year. He
still stays around the compound

These are the blinds that we observed the birds from...
very nice. We had to be quiet and fairly still so we
would not disturb them

Sara donned her "crane habit" and entered to restock their
food. They eat a pellet with all the nutrients, etc that they
need. They are making every attempt to keep the birds as
wild as they can.

This is the adult male again, preening. They develop
the red marking on their head when they mature. He
was about 4-5 feet tall.

This was our transportation coming and going, very
nice ride

Mr. Bob had always wanted to see the whooping cranes in
person, and planned to go to Aransas Pass, Texas. When
he learned that this new program was here in the state,
he was able to arrange for us all to go. They are not necessarily
letting many people in there, but were considerate enough
to allow us today.
These cranes come from Maryland, where they are hatched, and
then transported here to White Lake. They are acclamated inside
the marsh enclosure gradually, and begin to venture out as they
mature. This is the second year of the experiment. The goal is
to establish a non-migrating flock. There are only about 300
living whooping cranes in the world. When I was growing up
in Texas, there were only 15! They have made some great strides
in trying to help this species recover. It was thrilling to get
to see them, and encouraging to know that passionate people
are there trying to help them.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Black, White, and Blue

2012-01-16T23:00:00.000-06:00

Favorite shot of the day...this small snowy egret standing

on the submerged log. I was dicussing with a business

partner today about the reactions to art:

some are intimidated

some are inspired

some are insulted

some are intrigued

And we were also discussing the difference in interpretation:

This photo could mean "peace" to some..."solitude" to others,

"loneliness", "isolation" , or "stability" and "security". Each

viewer brings their own feelings and meaning to the table...that

is part of what makes Art such a fascinating thing. Many people

can see the same thing, and all see it differently.

I see "peace" and "simple beauty"....symbols of God's perfect

creation and His infinite creativity. I enjoy finding these quiet

moments and capturing them for others to see as well.

Let me know what it says to you!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Birds of a Feather

2012-01-15T23:31:00.000-06:00

Great White Egret

A few white pelicans....

goose gossip....

more pelicans on the shore

sundown over the Mississippi

must be husband and wife...not speaking

Started on my whooping crane photo trip today...
just the first leg. I am in south Louisiana, and I
took these today on my way through. The
white pelicans only come south for the winter,
and you can find pockets of them staying together.
I wanted to get them out on the lake, but
they were all on the bank. I like the
egret shot in the tree limbs...would be fun to
draw or paint.

I meet the other photographer and friends
tomorrow. We won't get to go into the reserve until
Tuesday morning, and it looks like rain. We will
try to make a decision tomorrow.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Among the Clutter

2012-01-14T23:25:00.000-06:00

I don't know about other artists, but I tend to

be slightly unorganized. I spent the better part

of today straightening out the studio at home

and the studio at the gallery! I think the Christmas

chaos took its' toll, and in my haste to get things

done, stuff was stacked and pushed aside. Now

it is time to "de-stack", and I found all kinds of

things!

I came across the little oil painting shown above.

It was painted by the young man in the photo during

my week in Dubois at the SKB workshop. His name

is David Yeager, and he lives in Colorado, and is

college age. He is quite the musical and artistic

prodigy. He did the painting of the area known as

Horse Creek, in the photo above also. I did not see

him paint it (I was in the watercolor class, not the oil

one). However, at the end of the week, we all donated

some work for the silent auction, and I bid on his painting

and bought it! And I un-earthed it today in the studio.

I will try to get it framed and hanging on the wall, so

it will avoid being buried again. And I am enjoying

everything being in its' place...at least for the moment.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Next on the Drawing Table

2012-01-13T23:46:00.000-06:00

Early every year, there are several show deadlines that

loom. I enjoy entering several of the juried shows that I

have participated in for years, and they expect new work.

I have been going through some of my photos, and I like

these two. I would do them in colored pencil or watercolor.

I think about my friend Raelene when I see these. I took

the sea dragon photo at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, one

of her favorite places. And she always loved bicycle photos,

and had a whole series of them that she had taken. I will look

some more, but one of these may be next.

I have gotten a couple of really funny title suggestions for the

tiger drawing...keep them coming.

A New Adventure

2012-01-12T23:10:00.000-06:00

I am getting ready to go on another photo adventure

soon. My travel guide, Mr. Bob, has arranged for us

to get to see the Louisiana whooping crane population

down at White Lake. It is an experimental group that

has been relocated from Aransas Pass in Texas. The

Louisiana Department of Wildlife is trying to get a

group established here in south Louisiana to help
with the endangered species. This is the second year

they have been at White Lake. Several of the cranes

were killed last year, by predators and disease. They

are planning to add to the flock to replace the birds, and

the new ones will be introduced this spring.

There should be lots of other migrating birds there as well..

geese, ducks, and other shore birds. So, hopefully, the

weather will cooperate, and we will get to see some history

in the making! and some pretty white birds.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Time for Title

2012-01-11T22:48:00.000-06:00

I am happy to report that this drawing is finished!

Now it needs a title. It was going to be,

"Rolling through the Tide"...Ha! not a

possibility now :(

So, now I will take suggestions from the field.

I kind of like "Water for Tigers"

"Mike Takes a Swim" "LSU Reflections"

Anyway...I am open to some of your ideas.

Please leave me some comments or email them.

(Brian, I know you have some in mind!)

sheltongail@hotmail.com

It was the Best of Times...and the Worst of Times!

2012-01-11T21:19:00.000-06:00

I have been out of towm down at the BCS championship

game. We had a great time BEFORE the game...I can't say

much about what happened later! At least we were there

showing our support. And there will be another season

before we know it. Now, we can just pull for the Saints!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

The Difference between Day and Night

2012-01-08T22:54:00.000-06:00

This morning's early sun through the clouds....

....where I started earlier in the day on this drawing...

Where I am tonight.....

...and this evening's beautiful moon rise...

hope you all had a blessed Sunday

sheltongail@hotmail.com

New Year, New Plans

2012-01-07T09:10:00.000-06:00

As the new year begins, we are bombarded with

advice about goals, plans, and dreams. Artist Gwen

Fox advises to set goals and post them. Make a

plan and set deadlines. Think about "how" to achieve

them. She says, "A new year is a frest start to give

birth to dreams." Editor Kim Hall of Professional

Artist's magazine says, " Dreams are what drive artists

to see things in new ways and consider the possibilities."

I have some goals, and some dreams, and I hope that

I can work toward some of them this new year. I will

share some of them as I go, and hopefully, you can

watch me achieve some of them. Thanks so much for

following along on this artistic journey. I so appreciate

the support and encouragement. Happy New Year to

us all!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Still on the Draw

2012-01-05T08:37:00.000-06:00

Making a little progress on this drawing;

will start adding some of the blue on the

left of the photo.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

"A Night in Louisiana"

2012-01-03T17:57:00.000-06:00

We are planning another dinner party/gallery talk

this year at the gallery. This year's theme is Louisiana,

so we will have some great regional food, and I

will do a gallery talk on the Louisiana artwork. The

date is January 28, 6:00 pm. The tickets are $30

each, and the seating is limited. So, if you are interested,

you can call the gallery and make your reservation:

318-628-3560 We look forward to entertaining you!

"A Night in Louisiana" Regional Louisiana meal/gallery

talk Saturday Jan 28 6:00 pm $30 each

\sheltongail@hotmail.com

Into the Water

2012-01-03T10:33:00.000-06:00

I am still working on this drawing, off and on,

and I have started on some of the water. I have

to really study the reflection, and select the

corresponding Prismacolor pencils. Some of the
colored pencils are pretty exact for certain colors;

and other colors have to be mixed by layering

several colors together. The gold water is a

combination of about 4 colors: a light yellow,

a light umber, an orange, and a burnt umber.

It is fun for me to try to figure it all out...and I

love a challenge!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Gardens on my Mind

2012-01-02T12:46:00.000-06:00

I just heard from the annual Le Jardins Garden Tour

that is held in Shreveport every spring. They would like

me to paint in the gardens again this year. I told them I

would love to. And I just finished ordering the flower

bulbs above to plant now, so I will have some blooming

flowers in the backyard later this year. I love irises

and agapanthus, so hopefully some of these will thrive

and bloom. In the meantime, I am enjoying a day off,

by the fire, on a blustery, chilly January day.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Le Jardin Garden Tour

Shreveport, Louisiana May 5 & 6, 2012

Tiger Progress

2012-01-01T00:03:00.001-06:00

I am making a little progress on this tiger

drawing...will keep going.

Happy New Year to all!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Journey of the Journal

2011-12-30T23:49:00.001-06:00

My friend in San Antonio sent this little journal to

me. It belongs to a 5th grade student, Jacob, who

lives in California. It is part of a class assignment

to learn about areas of the US. The journal is sent

around to people to do a page about their area,

state, outstanding or unusual characteristics, etc.

You are supposed to put in some postcards, and send

one to the class. And then write a little about your

town and state. Above are some pages from Oregon,

San Antonio, and mine. Really cute idea. I am going

to try to share it with our 5th grade class here. cool

sheltongail@hotmail.com

I am still giving away a Daddy's Hands print..

leave me a comment.

And, I am up past 20,000 views on the blog...

very exciting!

Renewable

2011-12-29T23:12:00.001-06:00

I took the time tonight to add this scripture

to this photo. I have really been thinking and

praying about the direction of my art in the

new year. I would really like to market these

scripture images heavily this next year. I am

going to go to gift market in Dallas in a couple

of weeks, and I plan to talk to some of the temporary

vendors there about booth rental, etc. I would like

to find an artist who is doing what I want to do, and

pick their brain! I am really interested in selling

prints, prints on canvas, and note cards with a series

of the scripture photos on them. I would have to look

into wholesale manufacturing, and I have some contacts

in that area. Anyway, we will see where it all leads.

I will definitely need to renew my strength!

I am still giving away a "Daddy's Hands" print;

leave me a comment, and I will pick the winner this

Sunday, the 1st.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

"Birrrdy, It's Cold Outside"

2011-12-28T23:52:00.000-06:00

I love getting cards at Christmas, and I especially

love ones with original art. This one is from an

old friend that I grew up with in San Antonio. We

lived a few blocks from each other, but really got

to be friends in junior high school. We even sang in

a folk singing group together...of course, she was the

star in the front, playing the guitar...I was the slightly

off key back up singer in the back row! She went on

to have a great career in music, and is now enjoying

creating art. She is the award winning country music

singer, Holly Dunn. You can see more of her artwork,

and can purchase her music on her website:

www.hollydunn.com

On the website you can see our

collaboration poster for her "Daddy's Hands" song. I

drew the illustration, and her hand written lyrics are

beside the drawing. I also have some of the prints for

sale, if anyone is interested. In fact, I think I will give

one away. Post a comment, and I will draw a winning

name from the entries, on January 1st. Happy New Year!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Daddy's Hand Prints $25.00

Gotta Start Somewhere...

2011-12-27T23:52:00.000-06:00

Started on this tiger drawing tonight...around

the eye. It's as good a place to start as any, and

if the eye isn't right...ain't nothing right! So, here

is the "eye of the tiger"...hope it is good luck for

the Baton Rouge ones.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

"Here Kitty, Kitty.."

2011-12-26T23:35:00.000-06:00

All of the LSU fans are very excited about

the upcoming BCS championship game, including

me! And I am all caught up with my commissions

right now (whew), so I thought I would work on

something just for me. I took this photo last fall

of Mike, the LSU tiger, taking a dip in the water.

I have wanted to draw it since then. I am going to

give it a try. I need some other pieces for some upcoming

competitions. And this one would be a good one.

I will keep you posted. GEAUX Tigers!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Christmas Memories

2011-12-25T18:38:00.000-06:00

Every year on Christmas Eve, the family gathers

down at our home to enjoy good food and good times.

When all the children were small, I started doing some

kind of skit or play with them. This is one of the

first ones we did together...the Christmas story.

My daughter played Mary, my nephew Matt was

Joseph, his brother Andrew was a shepherd,

niece Katie, the angel, niece Dottie, the sheep,

and little Caroline held the sign for us.

I read the story from the book of Luke, and they

acted out their roles, quite splendidly for the rest

of the family audience.

I hope you were able to make some great Christmas

memories with you and yours this holiday season.

May God richly bless us all in the new year.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

"In My Little Town"

2011-12-23T21:27:00.000-06:00

When I was doing my student teaching (I won't

mention the year!), I had a student named Randy

Fenoli. He was quite the artist...very creative

and bright. I taught him to use watercolors that

semester, and we had a lot of fun.

Fast forward to 2011...Randy is the star of "Say

Yes to the Dress" on TLC, and the author of a

new book, "It's All About the Dress". He has been

an accomplished wedding dress designer for

years, and currently lives in NYC. He was in

Winnfield today, though, for a book signing

where he graduated from high school. Many of

his old teachers were there, and lots of family and

friends. It was a delight to get to see him (we have

seen each other a few other times over the years).

He signed a couple of books for me, and promised to

never forget where he comes from. amen

sheltongail@hotmail.com

"It's All About the Dress" Randy Fenoli

Available at most major bookstores and

Amazon.com

Christmas in New Orleans

2011-12-22T23:21:00.000-06:00

My daughter and I down in New Orleans earlier

this month.

We wanted to be sure and go by the Roosevelt

Hotel downtown to see their decorations in the

lobby. It is a tradition in the city, and there were

lots of families there taking pictures, etc.

This is a gingerbread city...with New Orleans

landmarks, and Santa pulled by alligators...too cute

Another view of the lobby of the hotel...

beautiful.

I have been enjoying seeing some of the

"tacky Christmas lights" blogs and reports

on TV, and it made me remember that I

had taken these pics earlier this month. These

would be in the "classy and elegant" catagory!

If you are near New Orleans in the next few

days, go by and see them yourself....wonderful.

I hope you are enjoying the sights and sounds of

the season where you are.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

On the Down Hill Slide

2011-12-21T00:41:00.001-06:00

I am closer to getting these portraits finished,

and I am sure the client will be glad to get

them by Christmas. I will be glad to!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Next!

2011-12-19T22:24:00.001-06:00

This one is on the drawing board tonight...

will post some progress as I go.

(you can tell she is the sister to

the boy from yesterday's drawing...)

sheltongail@hotmail.com

pencil progress

2011-12-18T21:46:00.000-06:00

I made some progress tonight on this drawing..
will tweak a little, and finish it up!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Next Portrait

2011-12-18T19:12:00.000-06:00

I have three more pencil portraits to do.

The customer did not necessarily want them

by Christmas (whew). I am starting on this

cute little boy tonight and will post some

progress.

Tigers Times Two

2011-12-16T23:40:00.000-06:00

I added this text to these tiger photos, and

they will be for sale at the shop. Our WSHS

tigers and our LSU tigers have both done

really well this year. If you want a player's

name or number, or some other custom

lettering, I can do that too. Go Tigers!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Decorated Invitations

2011-12-15T23:26:00.001-06:00

I worked on decorating this wedding invitation

tonight. It is a gift for the bride from a customer,

and I needed to finish it so I can try to get it

framed before the wedding (Dec 31st). I used some

pen and ink and some colored pencils to add some

ivy and swirls.

I heard from the Barnwell Art Center in Shreveport

this week, and they are interested in hanging my

Louisiana show in their gallery in late January and

February. I told them I would be happy to! They

have to approve the work and the board has to vote.

I sent some images today, and should hear from them

soon. I'm excited!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

http://www.barnwellcenter.com/

All Kinds of Art in the Store

2011-12-14T23:20:00.000-06:00

We have been REALLY busy at the gallery...

that is a good problem to have! Shoppers are

getting serious about putting something under

the tree...here are some more ideas. This is a

painted metal grouping by Round Top Collections.

It is called "Woodland Santa"...with the adorable

woodland creatures gathered around him. This

group would look great on a porch or patio, or

inside the front door.

Here is that finished photo collage on canvas that

I did of the plantation homes and oak trees. It looks

good with the metal scroll panels on each side...cool

I do alot of custom framing for customers. One brought

in this George Rodrigue print of Drew Brees and the Blue

Dog for me to frame, and here is the finished product.

I still have a few of my Christmas t-shirts left..just

a few, mostly XL. They are $25, and really cute!

And some of you probably watched as I worked on

this pencil portrait of a little girl named Molly. Here

it is framed before I delivered to the owner's home

and hung it on the wall...Merry Christmas!

We have lots of gifts and goodies all through the

store, and we would be more than happy to help

you select something special this year.

Pea Patch Gallery

109 S. Abel Winnfield, LA

71483 318-628-3560

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Streetcars, Homes, and an Ostrich

2011-12-12T22:39:00.001-06:00

The famous St. Charles streetcar decked out for

Christmas...and full of tourists!

One of the homes on the New Orleans Christmas

Tour was owned by some real animal lovers. This

young ostrich belonged to them, and it was loose in

the backyard! She and I got to know each other...

and she gave me a little nibble on my hand...ouch.

These are some of the exteriors of the homes.

We could not take any photos inside. All of the

homes were at least 100 years old. They were

amazing, and really put us in the Christmas spirit.

Touring New Orleans at Christmas

2011-12-11T20:38:00.000-06:00

I am still down in New Orleans, and today, my daughter

and I went on the Garden District Christmas Tour of Homes.

It was lovely, and each home was very unique. (I will post

some more pics when I get home tomorrow...).

A Day at the Dome

2011-12-10T07:56:00.000-06:00

Our high school football team has made it into the

State Final, to be played this morning in the Superdome

in New Orleans! They are very excited, and I know it is

a dream come true for most of them. The last time the

team was there was 1982, and I was there to cheer that

team on. The coolest thing is that there will be members

and coaches of that team there today to cheer this 2011

version on! We are just proud that they made it this far.

Go Winnfield!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Girls Times Two

2011-12-08T23:24:00.000-06:00

I am going to finish this portrait for this client

before Christmas. I am continuing to add some

shading and details a little at a time (in between

working fulltime at the gallery, Christmas shopping,

cooking, going to football games out of town!!)

Anyway, enough excuses...I just need to sit down

and draw. more tomorrow!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

One of a Kind Jewelry

2011-12-07T20:37:00.000-06:00

www.dphjewelry.com

I had the pleasure of meeting a gentleman on the plane

to Alexandria the other day. His wife designs and makes

one of a kind jewelry pieces. I told him I was very interested,

and he gave me her website (see above). I really like these...

he said she uses vintage and antique amulets, discs, etc and

strings them with various old and new beads to create some

really unique pieces. You can check them out on her website,

and you may find a really special gift this Christmas!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Mentor-Final Project

2011-12-06T22:40:00.000-06:00

I mentioned that I was participating in the

Senior Project again this semester (I serve

as a mentor to a high school senior to teach

them a subject they know nothing about).

Emily has been learning photography with me

this fall. It is time to turn in her final project,

and I am printing two of her images for her to

mat and use for her presentation. I love the horse

and boy image. She did both of these on her own

time, and then used Photoshop to alter and enhance

them. I think she did a great job. Congrats Emily!

I am sure you will get an A (if you don't, let me know...

I may be able to talk to your teacher!!)

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Gameday Animals

2011-12-05T23:55:00.000-06:00

This is the Georgia Dome....where the Tigers played

the Bulldogs....

There were some monkeys in the audience, too....

...and a honey badger doing his thing...

...and a concerned Tiger (just during the first half),

looking on from the sidelines. Just a bunch of animals

everywhere I looked!!

I was happy to hear that the Winnfield Tigers won

their game as well, and are heading to the SuperDome

to play this Saturday for the State Championship..

congrats to them too! It must be the "year of the tiger"

...little tigers and big tigers!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

What a Zoo!

2011-12-05T11:13:00.000-06:00

Lions, and Tigers and Bears, oh my!

I spent an amazing weekend in

Atlanta, Georgia, cheering on

the LSU Tigers to their victory

over the Georgia Bulldogs...it

was a nerve-wracking ride!

On Sunday, we were able to unwind

a little at the Atlanta zoo,

watching some of the amazing

animals there. They are one

of the zoos in the nation that

house Panda bears..and these

were more than happy to pose for the

camera. The lions were majestic

and reminded me of the "Lion King"

movie, perched up on this rock.

And then there were the Siberian

tiger cubs...I had never seen any

young tigers before. They are

twins, a girl and a boy, and they

are 6 months old. They played, and

ran, and tackled each other just like

the LSU tigers! It was a joy to

watch them all.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Got the Blues

2011-12-02T21:50:00.000-06:00

Another display at the shop...filled with

some blue items. There are several of

my photographs...two from Greece: the

sea and the mountains, and the

shepherd. There are some blue and white

cannisters from Mexico (Talavara pottery).

Some old blue willow plates and some

blue jewelry.

The agapanthus flower photo is from a

trip to California where they were blooming

all along the beach. I added the scripture.

So, if "blue" is your favorite color, we have

some gifts for you. Come in and browse,

eat some lunch, and get a start on your

shopping!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Cotton for Sale

2011-12-01T23:46:00.000-06:00

This is one of our displays at the shop. There are

some great candles for sale: "Sweet Tea" and

"Front Porch". The cotton garlands are fun,

and I have a couple of cotton wreaths, too.

There is a small holy family group there on the

first shelf that would make a nice gift.

This colored pencil drawing is also part of the

display, and the inspiration for it all. I tried to

tie in a lot of Louisiana aspects throughout

the shop this year. And cotton is certainly

an intregal part of our state. It all works

together nicely, and you could enjoy some of

it in your home as well!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Cotton original colored pencil

$75.00 framed

Candles $21.95

Collage Re-Connection

2011-12-01T10:29:00.000-06:00

I started on this collage several weeks ago.

The background is a canvas painted black,

there are two old porch ballisters and an

old window frame. I printed black and white

photos from the recent trip to the plantation

homes (Houmas House and Oak Alley) and

some of the large oak trees. And then I added

them into the window openings. This is the

glue drying that seals and attaches it all. I will

try to post a finished shot later today. A

customer saw it yesterday at the shop, and

is already expressing interest in it. woo hoo!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Putting his Stamp on It

2011-11-30T10:17:00.000-06:00

This is the new Louisiana "Forever" Stamp...a

commerative stamp put out by the USPS. The

photograph was taken by C. C. Lockwood,

a prominent photographer here in the state. He

has published several photography books, and

continues to work for the conservation of the

wetlands and other endangered environments.

He co-authored a book, "Marsh Mission:

Capturing the Vanishing Wetlands" with Rhea Gary,

a Baton Rouge artist who specializes in painting

the waterways of south Louisiana in bold, colorful

oil paintings. I have seen her work, and have always

liked it. And his photography is outstanding as well.

You can look them up, and let me know what you

think. And go out and buy some stamps!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

www.rheagary.com/book

www.cclockwood.com

To Draw or Not to Draw

2011-11-29T00:55:00.000-06:00

Trying to get back in the groove here...I have

several more drawings to do for people for

Christmas. These are two adorable sisters,

and this is for their grandmother. That is my

simple drawing desk...where all the "magic"

happens..ha! I sit there for hours at a time,

depending on what I am working on. It feels

like "home" to me, and I enjoy looking out the

window at the world outside. Maybe it will

keep me seated and focused!!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

For info on Children's Portraits:

email me

Gratitude

2011-11-27T20:03:00.000-06:00

"Come before Him with thankful hearts...

Let us sing psalms of praise....

For the Lord is a great God, the King of

all the earth....

He controls the formation of the depths

of the earth and the mightiest mountains."

Psalm 95

Enjoyed a great weekend with family, giving thanks

for all our blessings. Hope you and yours were able

to do the same.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

What a Day of Football

2011-11-25T22:56:00.000-06:00

As most of you know, I am an LSU fan, and there

was a very important game today! The LSU team

managed to beat the Arkansas Razorbacks today

in a very exciting match.

And then tonight, our local Winnfield Tigers were

in a playoff game as well, and they won in overtime!

Whew...I am worn out. It is just too much excitement

for an old lady!!

Geaux Tigers!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-25T09:07:00.000-06:00

I hope you all enjoyed a great Thanksgiving day

with family and friends. We always try to take our

Christmas card picture while we are together. This

is our selected shot for this year. We had a lot of

fun traveling around and posing in the beautiful

autumn woods around our home. I use the timer on

the camera, and then run and get in the picture...

which leads to laughter in itself quite often. I will

save those "out takes" just for us!!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

River Oaks Events

2011-11-24T19:45:00.000-06:00

I dropped off the artwork at River Oaks

today. They are also having a Porch Sale...

which involves art from dozens of local and

regional artists. It will all be on sale on Saturday

December 3rd from 9-3pm. Unique Christmas

gifts, ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry,

and lots more, on the porch of the Bolton home

and the studio annex building.

I also took a couple of watercolors for this

sale, too. It should be good fun!

River Oaks

1330 Main Street

Alexandria, LA 318-473-2670

Mini Show

2011-11-23T11:16:00.000-06:00

River Oaks Art Center in Alexandria sponsosrs

a miniature art show every December. I did

these little watercolors last night to enter in the

show. This year's entry had to include a quote.

I used two bird quotes that I am fond of:

"No bird soars too high if

he soars with his

own wings"

"The bird does not sing

because he has an

answer;

The bird sings because he has a

song."

I noticed that a lot of galleries sponsor miniature

shows around the holidays. I believe patrons are

more apt to purchase small works as gifts, and

these are more appropriate for gift giving.

You can check these out:

www.saksgalleries.com Small Gems

www.evergreenfineart.com Miniature Masterpieces

www.abendgallery.com Holiday Miniature Show

www.legacygallery.com Holiday Small Works Show

The show at River Oaks has an opening reception on

December 2nd from 5-7. The dates for the exhibit and

sale are November 29-January 14, 2012. Business

hours are 10-4 Tuesday thru Friday Saturday 10-2

River Oaks Art Center

Downtown Alexandria, Louisiana

Child's Portrait

2011-11-23T00:04:00.000-06:00

I finished up this drawing last night, and I talked

to the client today. She is coming to pick it up

early in December. I may still tweak a little!!

For info on Children's Portaits:

sheltongail@hotmail.com

11 x 14 Pencil Portrait $150

Can be custom framed

Go Tigers...plural

2011-11-22T00:40:00.000-06:00

I live in a town where the high school mascot is a

tiger. I also live in a state where the state school

mascot is a tiger. So, I can market and sell this tiger

print in two different color schemes!! The red is

for the Winnfield Tigers, who are undefeated, and

are in the playoffs; and I can also sell purple and

gold matted tigers for the #1 LSU fighting tigers!

So, all you tigers out there, get fired up! And do your

best this Friday. Make us all proud! And come in

and buy a print for your favorite tiger fan.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Tiger Prints Matted 12 x 16 $40

Loose Ends

2011-11-20T21:57:00.000-06:00

I can get so many things going at once, it can

become overwhelming. As the "token" artist in

town, I am "commissioned " to do lots of things for

people...like paint a grandbaby's name on a rocking

chair....

...this is for Kate for Christmas from her

grandmother....

..this old wooden box now is adorned with

a daughter's monogram...(that paint in the bowl

looks like a fried egg?!)...

...and now this old door is a chalkboard and corkboard

for someone's office.

I spent the afternoon finishing up these projects so I can

concentrate on the children's portraits I have to do!

My problem is that I can't tell anyone "no", and

this time of year, I just want everyone to be

happy. I do enjoy having a hand in someone's

special gift at Christmas...I think that is what

the season is supposed to be about!

For Info on any special ideas or projects

you may want done:

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Little Boy Blue

2011-11-19T00:22:00.000-06:00

I started working on this cute little boy

tonight. Will continue on the shirt (ugh, I

hate plaid!)...and tweak a little more.

For Info on Children's Portraits:

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Final Molly

2011-11-18T09:33:00.000-06:00

I think I am finished with this drawing, and now it

is on to the next one!

For Info on Children's Portraits

sheltongail@hotmail.com

A Time to Draw

2011-11-16T23:54:00.000-06:00

With Christmas fast approaching, I have to get

busy drawing several children's portraits for gifts

for several clients. I work from the customer's

photograph or take some myself. If it is a color

photograph, I scan it and print it out in black and

white. It is much easier to see the shadows and

draw them with a black and white subject.

It always seems like I get to this point in the year

with many to do! But most of the customers don't

think to commission me until the holiday season

turns their thoughts to portraits...so much for trying

to get them done in the summer!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

For info on Children's Portraits or Pet Portraits:

email me (can't guarantee Christmas delivery now)

Mentor Time

2011-11-15T18:47:00.000-06:00

I am sure I have talked about the Senior Project

class they offer in the high schools here in our parish.

The seniors select an area of study that they know

very little about, and then enlist a mentor to teach

them about that subject. They must meet with the

mentor a certain amount of time, and then they must

complete a project from the study. And they must

write a paper about the experience and the subject.

I think it is a great program, and I have been a mentor

for several students over the last couple of years.

I currently have another one. Emily wanted to learn all

about photography, and then do a finished print as her

project. We have been meeting for a couple of weeks

learning about the camera, photography techniques and

lighting, and composition. Sunday afternoon we were

able to get away for a little while and actually take some

pictures! Here she is out at the Kisatchie National Forest

taking in the fall foliage. I liked the ones of the trees

reflecting in the water, cool. Now we will get together

and edit some of these in the computer. ( I enjoy getting

to teach a little without grading papers or checking roll!)

sheltongail@hotmail.com

LSU and USA

2011-11-13T20:57:00.000-06:00

We had a great time down at the football

game over the weekend. The band did a

wonderful salute to the USA in honor of

Veteran's day, spelling out USA and displaying

the American flag. You can also see the

fine "eye of the tiger" that they paint on the

field. That is all the "art of the day" I can

share today! Hope you had a blessed

Sunday.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

LSU Bound

2011-11-11T22:28:00.000-06:00

The Tigers play at home again tomorrow night,

and hopefully I will be there to watch them win

another one!! Geaux Tigers!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

A Closer Look

2011-11-11T22:26:00.000-06:00

I have been studying and examining these swamp

photos trying to decide where to crop, etc. Look

what I noticed! Right there on that log is a water

mocassin, sunning himself a few feet away from the

egret. Luckily, it was very cool...so I am sure the

snake was moving slowly...not that he could swallow

that long legged bird! But he might like to try! yuk

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Homes, Oaks and Gardens

2011-11-09T23:09:00.001-06:00

We also had time on Monday to visit a couple

of the historic plantation homes between Baton

Rouge and New Orleans. This is Houmas House.

This is the famous Oak Alley, located near the

town of Vacherie. These oaks are close to 300

years old. wow

Houmas House has beautiful gardens, and this

lovely water lily was still blooming, even in

November

The water lily was near this Japanese water

garden and bridge

This is a different view of Oak Alley. I have

a customer who wants a large photo on canvas

of one of the plantation homes.

This is my friend and guide on the trip,

Mr. Bob Carroll. You can really see the scale of

the trees with him in the picture! They are quite

astonishing. There were lots of tourists there for a

Monday, and I had to wait a long time to be able

to take a photograph of the house without any

people. I managed to get a few in between tours,

and I hope the client will want one of them.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Houmas House Plantation Tours

Oak Alley Plantation Tours

Favorite Pics

2011-11-08T23:15:00.000-06:00

Here are some of my favorites from the

other day spent in the swamp....this

egret caught on the fly...

....this smiling gator who managed to

stay away from Troy...

...this balancing act performed by this

lovely heron ballerina...

and the cream of the crop...these two

magnificent eagles..a nesting pair that we

pursued through the swamp until I managed to

capture this moment on film (so to speak...)

I have begun printing these images and they

are all available for sale. Some of them

would make a great gift for the sportsman or

outdoor enthusiast in your life.

Prints:

Small 6 x 9 $35.00

Medium 11 x 14 $55.00

Large 12 x 18 $75.00

They can also be custom framed. I have

several examples at the gallery to choose from

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Falling for Cypress

2011-11-07T23:29:00.000-06:00

I wanted to visit the south Louisiana swamp

areas again this fall for this reason: the cypress

turn this beautiful rust color...

of course, some trees have lost all their

leaves, and found some birds...

the colors reflect in the water

all look really cool...

I just returned from the short trip, and here

are just a few of the landscape photos.

I love the colors in the fall, and these

display it pretty well. This was

early in the morning out in the water.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Basking in Victory

2011-11-06T20:50:00.000-06:00

Mike the Tiger and his fans

A little swim and a little sip

I hope some of you got to watch the

LSU Tigers beat Alabama last night.

I got a treat today...as I passed through

Baton Rouge on the way to the

swamp to take more pictures, I

found Mike awake and performing inside

his luxury condo. He was obviously

basking in the victory, and his adoring

fans were on hand to witness it.

Geaux Tigers!!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Pecan Festival Weekend

2011-11-05T21:17:00.000-05:00

the bayou right outside of Colfax

Greek food at a central Louisiana festival? hum....

and I did partake of a chocolate

dipped cheesecake...yum

I know some of you must think I am never

still...I'm not. I got up and drove around the

pasture early this morning taking those misty

photos; I went to the shop and taught 13 little

girls for the party; I decorated the shop all day

for Christmas and waited on customers; then

I drove down to Colfax to the Louisiana Pecan

Festival where they are selling my posters this

weekend! And I took those lovely photos of

the bayou on my way home....all in a day's

work! Boy, I am glad we get an extra hour

tonight...

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Birthday Party Fun

2011-11-05T20:59:00.000-05:00

We host a lot of different events at the cafe:

showers, birthday parties, receptions, banquets.

This morning we were host to an "Art" Birthday

Party. Haley, the birthday girl, told her mother

she wanted an "art party", so she got in touch with

me. The 13 little girls did a collage art project over

in the studio, then had cupcakes and punch before

opening presents.

You can call the gallery if you would like us to host

an event for you. 318-628-3560

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Another Misty Morning

2011-11-05T20:45:00.000-05:00

These are probably the last of the misty morning

shots...the time changes tonight! Don't know if I

will make it up early enough to see the sunrise

for awhile.

Thanks for all the compliments about the Louisiana

Life article. I have yet to see the printed version!

I have heard that the photos look really good. I

can't wait to see it.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

A BIG Canvas

2011-11-03T22:32:00.000-05:00

As we continue preparing for Open House, I

thought it would be a great idea to paint some

more specific advertising words on the side of

our large building. This side faces the busy

highway, and can be seen from far away.

This is Mr. Rockett, the art teacher at the

middle school and a former student of mine!

When you don't have time to do everything

you want to do, delegate! So I did. His students

helped make the stencils for the words, and

now he is helping paint. I made a contribution

to the school art department, and everyone is

happy! Now we just have to fill up all that

space?!

Louisiana Life Article

2011-11-03T09:56:00.000-05:00

Several months ago I mentioned that I had been interviewed

by one of the art editors at Louisiana Life magazine. I was

delighted to hear yesterday that the article is in the November

issue. I only have the online version, but the magazines should

be on the newstands this week.

We talked about my "Riddle Pics" at length, and he really

liked them, so here are a few more. The first three people to

leave a comment with the correct answers, will receive

some "Riddle Pics" notecards and several postcards.

Get busy!

Here's the link:

www.myneworleans.com/Louisiana-Life/November-December-2011/Pea-Patch-Gallery

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Morning Has Broken

2011-11-02T08:45:00.000-05:00

I have really been enjoying these beautiful

fall mornings. Since I don't usually rise

very early (ha!), these late sunrises have

been wonderful. This morning was breathtaking..

the fall colors are warming up; the morning

fog was burning off, and the sunbeams were

dancing in the trees.

"Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,

God of wonder, God of love."

Have a blessed day!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Welcome to my new followers! I am so

humbled to have you aboard. Stay tuned

for some giveaways soon!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T22:01:00.000-05:00

This is me with ghosts on my head, and that

is Crystal, one of my employees, having fun

handing out candy at our annual Trick or Treat

down Main Street! Oh, the things we do for

the community! Hope all your little ghouls and

goblins had a great time!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Sweet Home Louisiana

2011-10-31T09:17:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the show pics...this is the "egret

wall"! I love the metal pelican sculpture (not mine...)

These are some of the black and white pieces

hung all together

And here are some of the collage pieces with some

metal accents.

And these all have a "kitchen" theme

The rest of of the gallery is decorated with

the "swampy" Christmas theme with

lots of burlap, greenery, spanish moss,

and cypress knees. We are just about done,

and will have time to spare before the opening

day! yea!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Sweet Home Louisiana Art Show

Opens November 10 5-9

During Downtown Christmas Open House

Something's Fishy

2011-10-29T00:20:00.000-05:00

Thought I would try painting some fish on
some of these salvaged green boards...here's
a white perch. I am working on a largemouth
bass, but he needs some tweaking!

I am almost finished setting up and hanging
the Louisiana show. It is all coming together;
you always hope it will, but until you get out
the hammer, stepstool, and nails, you really
aren't sure! I will try to post some photos
tomorrow of the show as a whole.

sheltongail@hotmail.com
fish plank acrylic/wood $45.00

Start to Finish

2011-10-27T08:40:00.000-05:00

Finished collage with some Royal Street

motifs....from New Orleans. It is the street

known for its' antique stores and quirky shops.

I mounted a small canvas between the old

beaded ceiling boards, and then painted the

canvas. I collaged all the papers and photos

onto the canvas and the beaded board.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Royal Street Collage 16 x 16

$65.00

Raw Materials/Finished Project

2011-10-26T09:28:00.000-05:00

Just finished working on this Cafe Du Monde

sign. It is painted on an old drawer front,

complete with old green knobs. And there

are several more pieces of the old dresser,

drying after getting a good scrubbing. I plan

to do some more before November 10th.

The sign can be used to hold keys, etc in

your kitchen, entryway. Would be great in

a bathroom to hold hand towels...just a few

ideas.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Cafe Du Monde sign $50.00

Signs of the Times

2011-10-24T23:48:00.000-05:00

Two more little Louisiana painted signs:

Fresh Crabs and Tabasco. These are painted

on wood salvaged from an old green dresser.

The dovetail section of the drawer is across

the top. I will attach a hanging wire and they

will be ready to go. Look for them up in the

gallery with all the Louisiana stuff!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Finishing Touches

2011-10-23T22:19:00.000-05:00

Finally got around to painting the words on

this Community Coffee sign. I will distress it

a little more (looks pretty distressed already?!)

and then I will seal it. It is for sale, and will

be on display up at the gallery.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Community Coffee Sign

28 x 20 inches

Distressed Wood/Acrylic

$100.00

PreView

2011-10-22T00:08:00.000-05:00

Just a glimpse into the work we have been

doing at the gallery, setting up for Open House....

here's a few metal pieces....

The tree is coming together...

and here are some great little twig
deer all dressed up for the holidays!

Downtown Christmas Open House
Winnfield, LA
November 10 5-9

Canvas Photos

2011-10-20T22:23:00.000-05:00

I heard from my printer this week, and these

canvas photographs are ready. I will have to

go up to Monroe to pick them up. The top two

photos are about 30 x 40 inches. But the bottom

photo has been divided into three sections...a

triptych, and each piece will hang side by side,

completing the whole image. I can't wait to see

them...it is always fun to get to see them printed

so large. They are the last large pieces that will

be included in the upcoming Louisiana art show.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Sundown at Saline

2011-10-20T07:41:00.000-05:00

I stopped by Saline Lake the other day right

about sundown, and took a few pictures of the

lake. I have been waiting for the cypress to

turn that beautiful rusty red color, and they

are not quite there yet. I will have to plan to

go out there in another week or so. In the

meantime, you can enjoy these sunset shots.

I am participating in the Mentor program

again this fall with a high school student

interested in photography. We are planning

to go somewhere tomorrow and take some

pictures. This might be a good destination

for her as well.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Community Coffee

2011-10-19T10:26:00.000-05:00

I had put together these boards, and thought
I was going to paint a brown pelican on them.
But then I thought this coffee sign would be
better, so I am in the process. I have the
lettering to finish, and then I will add it to the
show.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Fall at the Arboretum

2011-10-17T22:40:00.000-05:00

I saw an article in Southern Living magazine about

the fall displays at the Dallas Arboretum. I came to

Dallas this week to pick up some things for the shop.

Here are just a few pics of the many pumpkins on

display...

That's a hungry squirrel...hopefully he doesn't plan

to nibble on that big one!

Lily pads in one of the water features...peaceful

Part of the pumpkin village..too cool

I had never seen white pumpkins before...

here were lots of them!

There's a princess looking out of

the window

And this lovely visitor ignored all the

big round orange things, and went

for this orange and yellow petaled

thing!

The Dallas Arboretum is located on Garland

Road, north of the State Fairgrounds, and

south of Loop 635. If you are in Dallas in the

near future, be sure and come by and

check it out. Or make plans next fall to

come and wander among the fall bounty. It

will be worth the visit.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Leaves have left the Building

2011-10-16T20:15:00.000-05:00

I had some people in the gallery Saturday that were

very interested in buying a piece. They were interested

in some of the colored pencil pieces so I showed them

several ( some tootsie pops, pinwheels, sunglasses,

and suckers). Then they wanted to see some of the

photos on canvas, and they looked at some of the Paris

images, Greek images, and finally, this Costa Rica photo

of some fallen leaves. And this is the one they left with!

I always like it when the viewer has some response or

reaction to the piece, and then they end up taking it

home. It is my hope that they will enjoy it for many

years, and feel good when they see it.

Most artists have a story behind their work, and if I get

the chance, I enjoy sharing the stories with the customers.

I believe it to be a selling point sometimes, because if they

relate to the story or like it, they will repeat it when other

viewers see the piece. They seemed to enjoy my story

about seeing these leaves in Costa Rica, floating in the

pond, artfully arranged by God. I stood on a bridge over

them, and photographed them. Then I reached down

and re-arranged them several times and took some more.

This image was the original, and the one I liked the best.

My feeble attempts to arrange them were no match for

the random pattern made when they fell.

I guess you could read some spiritual meaning into all

that....It is always much better when God arranges elements

in our lives instead of us. We just need to learn to recognize

His hand, and leave things alone! Hope you have had a

blessed Sunday.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Kid-O-Lanterns

2011-10-15T20:42:00.000-05:00

We had our "Pumpkins and Pie" art party

today, and these are the creative efforts of

the group! aren't they adorable?

Here are the class members hard at

work; sketching on their pumpkin faces

and getting started.

They didn't just use paint...they added push pins,

upholstery tacks, netting for hair, and a little

glitter glue here and there

matching smiles...

too cute...

a "bowhead" pumpkin!

and this is the push pin queen!

"and a good time was had by all"

sheltongail@hotmail.com

A Cup of Coffee

2011-10-14T23:36:00.000-05:00

We serve Community Coffee in our cafe, and the
company supplies these vintage signs to their
customers. I have two of them...one is outside as
you come in the door, and the other one is hanging
in the cafe over the coffee pot. I can't tell you how
many times I have been asked to sell that sign! And
I have SO MUCH inventory in the shop...everything
from original art, to jewelry of every kind, purses
and boutique clothing, antique furniture and collectibles,
picture frames and pewter...well, you get the idea. And
I believe I could sell 25 of these signs.

So, I think I am going to paint some coffee stuff for the
Louisiana show! I will add a small coffee section to all
the other Louisiana-themed areas
which we are busy arranging and re-arranging
now.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Posts and Twigs

2011-10-13T00:26:00.000-05:00

Thinking outside the box...or canvas. This is

a canvas framed with 100 yr old beaded board.

I will either do a painting or a collage..still thinking.

My daughter gave me these great porch

posts, so I thought I would think of different

ways to use them. Here I suspended the pelican

painting from one with a chain. I like the

white bird and white post, and the contrast in

their shapes.

And I have been saving these twigs and branches

as they fall to the ground in the yard. I knew I

wanted something "woodsy" with this one, so I

attached the twigs as a holder at the top, and

added some at the bottom to balance it out.

I am having fun putting all these concoctions

together. "out of the box" is my thing.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Pelican Post original acrylic ptg $50

Twiggy Egret original acrylic ptg $50

1300 and Counting

2011-10-10T23:28:00.000-05:00

1300....I thought you might think I was going to

say I had 1300 pieces in the Louisiana show!...or

that I had 1300 comments...no, actually, I have written

1300 posts! wow...they have all been fun, and I hope

you have gained something from at least a few of them?!

I am busy putting together a bunch of "junk" to paint

on. These boards came from a house that we tore down

(beside the Sonic!). I am going to paint a brown pelican

on them.

I also finished up this window collage today. The

top two sections are canvas that I attached in the

glass openings. Then I collaged onto the glass in the

bottom two sections. The fleur de lis and the

wooden scrolls are all glued on.

My daughter salvaged a great old green chest

of drawers, and I was able to dismantle it. I am

going to use the various pieces to paint on, etc.

Here are two that I did tonight...a white pelican,

and another egret. I am going to

hang them with some

wire and some twigs...too cool.

Vintage Wood Paintings / Scrap Art!

Pelican $40.00 Egret $40.00

Window Collage $150

sheltongail@hotmail.com

In honor of 1300, I am going to be giving away some

art this week...stay tuned.

High Cotton

2011-10-09T21:37:00.000-05:00

Just playing around today, and drawing some

cotton from some of the photos I had taken.

This is colored pencil. I will keep working on

it, and finalize some detail, etc.

sheltongail@hotmail.com