Artwork, travel, and musings by artist, Gail H. Shelton.
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| During my walk last Sunday, I watched all these bees on the wild blackberry vines... |
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| ...they were "busy as a bee!" |
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| I marvel at God's provision, and perfect design. Without the bees, the plants do not survive, and the whole is more than the sum of it's very small parts...praise be! |
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| Kate is spraying her finished tile with sealer. |
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| Samuel working on his tile |
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| This is one of my examples for them to see |
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| In class today, just my two, did colored pencil on a piece of tile. They found it harder than they thought. It was hard to get enough color on the tile. Then we used the Gamsol to work the pencil into the tile. And the last step was to seal it was a clear spray sealer. They had fun, even though it was hard work! sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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| Just heard from the CPSA International Exhibition, and this drawing made it in! I am pleased, because it is very hard to get into this show. There are entries from all over the world, and the talent is amazing. You just never know what the judge is looking for. Last year when I attended the convenion, I remember the juror stating that he looks for drawings that will complete his vision for the show. He selected pieces in certain catagories..florals, landscapes, people, etc...until he felt there were enough in that catagory?! Anyway, I feel that all the best work should be in...no matter what the subject matter. But I guess that is why he was the juror and I wasn't!! But I am glad that the juror this year thought mine was worthy of selection...woohoo! sheltongail@hotmail.com This piece will be on display at the Pea Patch Gallery in Winnfield until I have to ship it to the show, if you would like to see it up close. Thanks! |
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| Here is my finished poster design for the Pecan Festival. They have a contest every year for their festival poster, and the winning entry is published and sold during and after the festival. The artist signs and numbers the posters, and the winning artist gets a check! I will deliver this down to Colfax, LA soon, and then cross my fingers! sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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| This is a pastel drawing that I did awhile back, and I sold it this week to a collector. I did this during a garden tour, where I was painting on location. |
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| These are some geraniums on my patio, and I thought I would do a little painting on location at home! |
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| This is my finished pastel drawing that I did while enjoying the beautiful weather outside today. Generally, I work from light to dark...and as it starts to take shape, it is made up of only the light values...the paler colors. It never really looks complete, until the darks are added. It is the contrast that adds the final touches. It is not a complete design without the darker parts. As I thought back over this incredible week, the loss, the sorrow, and the heartache from so many tragedies (here and across our nation), I could not help but take notice also of the heroism, the outpouring of compassion, and the unity of spirit among so many as well. It was like the light and the dark existing side by side...like in great artwork. So it is, that life is not truly experienced except when we face both good and bad, highs and lows, true joy and great sorrow. And it is our God who never forsakes us or fails us...no matter what the situation. I pray that you have been able to find His peace in some small way this week. I know I have. sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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| Near our home is a little woodland creek. Because of the recent rains, there is water in it! Thought I would walk down late today and take a look.(There is a brown lizard in this photo; if you can find it, and tell me where it is, you will get a free dessert in the cafe!) |
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| I saw these on the way. These are blackberry vines... there will be lots of juicy berries sometime in June. Time to make some blackberry cobbler...yum |
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| And of course, Huey, Dewey, and Louie had to come with me. (that is not the order they are in!) Huey is in the back, and Louie is in the lead. |
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| When it does rain really hard and fast, this little creek really rises. The rushing water erodes the banks away from these roots. It makes some interesting patterns. |
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| These ferns grow wild all along the banks in the shade. I wish I could get them to grow in my yard! |
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| When we got back, Huey was tired. |
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| Louie was tired too! I really enjoy being outside, and we have had some beautiful weather this week. I hope it is nice where you are, and you can get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and the "re-birth" of the earth. "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" Psalm 27:13 |
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| Second sketch for the Louisiana Pecan Fest Poster. I added the guitar on the side, and shifted a few things around. |
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| And this is the first stage of the poster. It is acrylic paint on watercolor paper. It is time to do more lettering (not my favorite thing!) I will also add some outlines here and there. Will keep you posted ! sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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| This is Jordyn...my Senior Project student this year. She finished up her watercolor study this week. |
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| This is her final painting of some petunias. She learned a great deal, and was working very independently by the end of our time together. I think she liked it...she is a young lady of few words! I enjoyed teaching her, and will miss seeing her every Tuesday! sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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| Kate and her drawing of a chickadee |
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| Kate (yes there are two of them!) and her drawing of a bluebird |
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| And this is Samuel's drawing of a bluebird as well We had a "bird" day in art class today. I just had 3 students, and they all drew a bird in colored pencil. Kate and Samuel used my recent photos of the bluebirds in my yard. The other Kate used a bird reference book to find the photo of the cute little chickadee. Tweet, tweet! sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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| I am sure some of you are tired of looking at spring flowers! these are some delphiniums in my yard...this would make a great drawing. |
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| And a beautiful sunset tonight at the house as well. I spent part of the day at the local nursing home, giving an art presentation to the residents. I took several of the Peru art pieces, and told them about the process of painting and drawing, as well as some details from the trip and Peruvian facts. Lots of interaction and questions..fun! I am working on the Louisiana Pecan Festival poster... not enough to show you yet. I will post when there is more to see! sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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Still enjoying the flowers of the season...took a walk late this afternoon aound the house and the fields. Most of these are growing wild in the woods...all except the iris. And Huey accompanied me today...he will follow me anywhere. Who needs a dog?! |
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| "Swan Song" riddlepic |
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| "Knight Owl" riddlepic Here are some of the pieces from the "For the Birds" art show. There are some pencil and colored pencil drawings, watercolors, collages, and some photography. There are birds of all kinds...hopefully, some of your favorites! Come by when you get a chance, and check it out. sheltongail@hotmail.com |
