A Sign of the Times

Been doing a little painting on these cute canvases...

getting ready for Christmas Open House.  They will be

at the gallery soon!  

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Opening a Show

This is my dear friend, JoAnn, a wonderful artist herself.  This
was during my reception for my colored pencil show down at
the Alexandria Art Museum.  JoAnn paints in acrylics and oils,
but has come to several of my watercolor classes in the past.  She is always
so supportive of my work, and manages to show up every time!

This is a little canvas for the upcoming Open House on November 13th.
The canvas is burlap, with white gesso on it, and then the red lettering.

Another one....these will be for sale the night of the Open House...
make plans now to come.

Christmas Open House
November 13th   5-9 pm
Downtown Winnfield, Louisiana

Oregon Trail Part 2

I haven't been able to post...having some computer difficulties.  Anyway,
here are a few more Oregon pics.  It was simply breath-taking.  I love
water, rocks. and trees...and there was plenty of all three.
The leaves had not changed as much as we would have liked, but
there was a little color here and there.  

I don't know exactly what I will do with all of these images, but I
am so glad I went.  Time spent with an old friend is precious, and
we had a great time, just driving around, taking pics of the scenery.
Good company, good food, good times.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Time to Shirt UP

Just got this proof back from the t-shirt printer...for this
year's design.  The shirts are khaki colored, and long-sleeved.  
They will be ready for Christmas Open House on November
13, from 5-9.  We are busy getting the shop ready for
the big day!

The Oregon Trail

Just a few pics from the trip to Oregon...more laterTrail

Nothing to Dread...finally

Finally finished with this drawing!  It is colored pencil, and I added some
pastel on top for some of the highlights.  This man was in the market
down in Otavalo.  He was playing the flute and the guitar at the
same time.  I liked the composition, and the lighting...the two elements
that always make a great work of art.  I like it, I guess.  I really like
that I am finished!!  On to the next project!

Yesterday I took my 16 colored pencil pieces down to Alexandria to drop
them off at the museum.  I will have a show there from Oct 13- Nov something.
It is in conjunction with the Louisiana Art Educators Association annual
convention.  I am the featured artist for the convention, and have to
teach a few workshops and give the keynote address?!  Anyway,
I have a lot to do to get ready for that.  And I leave Monday for 5 days
in Oregon...nothing like a getaway in the middle of chaos.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Red Light District

There's a tradition around our little town that says Fall
has finally arrived when you see these red spider lilies blooming. I have
been seeing them all over town lately.  These happen to be on the
front of our property by the highway.  We didn't plant them there...I guess
the birds dropped some seeds.  The light was beautiful this afternoon,
and I thought I would stop and take a few moments to admire
these delicate creations.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Happy Fall Ya'll!

Peterson, and Re-Peterson

Pen and ink drawing

My watercolor palette...kinda messy

The watercolored drawings


I am still in commission mode...trying to get all these done for clients for
Christmas deadlines.  This is the Peterson house, which I have done
already once.  These are two more 8 x 10's: I still have to do one more 11 x 14.
AHHHH!  I really don't like doing the same subject over and over...it gets really
boring.  So I changed up the angle of the house and driveway on these
two.  And I will probably do the last one a little differently too.  These are for
the son, who grew up in this house, and for his two children.  I already did
the one for the daughter, and then the brother saw it, and wanted one!  So, I guess
it is a good thing.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

T-Shirt with Heart

Started sketching today on my Christmas T-shirt...using
a line from a Christmas hymn.  "O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for you."
Still playing around with the lettering and placement.  Will add some
color soon, and get it shaped up.  I am going to try a different
tshirt printer this time..someone online.  Hope they work out well.
Will keep you posted.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Progress

Got a chance to work on this drawing a little more....I think
I have the hair done..yea!  The hands are the next challenge.  I may
have to use a ruler on those guitar strings.  And I am going to make
them dark instead of light.  

This is a house portrait that I have been working on for awhile.  I have
had to make several changes, and add a few things.  I will email her this
photo, and see if she is satisfied.  Hope so!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Gratitude and Light

Just some pretty light illuminating the grasses
in the front yard....Fall has such beautiful light...more golden,
more dynamic...stronger.

I get a treat in a couple of weeks of going with my photographer friend
up to Oregon to take pics around the gorge and the forests.  We may even
see some snow!  I have never been, so when she asked me, I said yes.

I have also been going through the Galapagos photos and getting some
of them enlarged on canvas.  They will be stunning...some of the landscapes
were awesome.  I am putting together a small show from the trip.  It will be all
up around the first week in November.  Our annual downtown Christmas Open House
will be the second Thursday from 5-9 pm.

I have also been selected to be the featured artist and speaker at the
LAEA (Louisiana Art Educator's Assoc) convention this fall, later
in November.  I will have an exhibit at the Alexandria Museum of Art, and
teach a workshop for the educators, on using colored pencil in the classroom.
I am very honored and grateful for this recognition. Should be a lot of fun.

Lots of busy times ahead...a lot to be thankful for, to reflect on, and to
capture in pencil, paint, and film...the life of an artist is so
amazing.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

A Time for Pressure!

Painted signs for an upcoming wedding...just the lettering

House portrait...Baton Rouge

I am soooo busy trying to make a dent in these commissions I have
piled up.  The house portrait is almost done.  I just have to do the watercolor
painting.  I am waiting on the client to let me know some more
info on certain parts.
I was asked to do the lettering on these boards just yesterday...they need them
this Thursday! So, I got those done this afternoon.  I still have at least four
houses to do.  I also finished up a portrait for someone this week.
I am trying to stay focused to meet all the deadlines.  At least I work well
under pressure!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Galapagos Book Ready

I have been trying to finish up the Galapagos Photo Book, and I think
I am done.  I have ordered a copy for myself to make sure everything looks
good.  It will be here next Monday.  If it all looks ok, I can order the rest for the
travelers who are interested.
If you would like a copy, they are $100.00, payable to me.  The books are 43 pages,
and include most of my sketches from the original book, and lots of photography and text.
It will be a treasured momento from the trip.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Colored Pencil This and That

I haven't had a chance to draw very much; I have had lots of company,
and have spent most weekends with my daughter and that cute
grandbaby!  But I made a little progress on this...still trying to figure out
how to do that hair?

I received some good news about this crazy piece again...
it was a finalist in the Animal Category of the Artist's
Magazine Annual Competition this year.
It will not be printed in the magazine, just my name.
But that's something I guess!

And I am still trying to get these in a show.  I entered them
both in the American Artist's Professional League show in
New York.  I will be notified of acceptance (or not!) later this
month.  Will keep my fingers crossed.

I am taking in some commission pieces now for
Christmas.  If you are interested in a house portrait,
children's portrait, or pet portrait, please let me know
asap.  There is still plenty of time.

sheltongail@hotmail,com

Brides and Babies

Finished this name canvas, and got it delivered to the customer.  She
was pleased.  I hope the mother-to-be likes it too!

I also had to do something for a bride-to-be as well.
I painted the hydrangeas. leaves, and colored in the parts
of the design that were already printed on the
invitation.  This is a gift from my niece for the bride,
one of her friends.  I hope she likes it too!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

It's All in a Name

Trying to get this little tri-canvas project done today.
It is a gift for a baby shower this weekend, commissioned by a
client.  I like the soft colors, and her long name will be
stretched across all 3.  I will seal it all, and add hangers on the back.
And it will be ready to go!

If you would like something similar, or want a custom painted
treasure..just let me know.  I can design something for you!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Tri-Canvas Name: $60.00

A Face in the Crowd

Making a little more progress....still needs work on the face.
Will keep going...when I have time!!