Artwork, travel, and musings by artist, Gail H. Shelton.
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| A cross between a horse and a zebra...a zorse! |
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I went with my daughter and my two grandchildren to a safari park near our home today. It was such a fun experience...for the kids and for us. They had a wide variety of animals, and we were able to feed them as they came close to the bus we were riding in. Got some funny photos too...lots of fun. sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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| Finished another little watercolor of a Louisiana subject...a great egret perched on a stump in the swamp. There was a time when I wouldn't have ever painted something like this. When I first moved to Louisiana from Texas, I painted and drew the local landmarks and I did a lot of wildlife, mostly ducks and deer. I thought the "white bird in the swamp" was a little cliche'...a LOT of artists in Louisiana did that kind of painting. I believed they did not need one more. I did not want to do such an over-worked subject, and felt I had nothing to add. Over the years, I have grown to love the swampy parts of this state, and the beautiful birds that live there. I have taken numerous swamp tours, and spent lots of time photographing these graceful birds. I have done lots of paintings and drawings of them...and I enjoy doing them. They do sell well, and most people who walk into the gallery, are looking for Louisiana subject matter...often the "white bird in the swamp"!! So, there will be some more paintings like these...so if you like them, great. If you don't, maybe they will grow on you. Just give it a little time! sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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Did a little "Louisiana" painting tonight...a snowy egret, and a shrimp boat. I usually sell these down south at the Louisiana Marketplace. It's time to take a few more down there. I took the photos in south Louisiana awhile back. I went hunting the boats...found some around Houma and Bayou Teche. I still have a few more photos I like...will try to do them soon. I have LOTS of egret photos...I take them all the time. This one is the smaller snowy egret...he's a little fluffier. Snowy Egret watercolor 10 x 6 $45 Shrimp Boat 10 x 6 $45 sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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Got word today that these two works were accepted into the Bosque Conservatory juried show. I am very happy about it....I have been rejected from the last three shows I entered! It's gets very frustrating sometimes. I know that when you put your work out there, you open yourself up to scrutiny, and judgement. And the jury process is so subjective. It simply comes down to the juror's preferences, and what kind of show he or she wants to put together. But I'm glad I passed the test this time! I will share details about the show when I receive them. Woohoo! sheltongail@hotmail.com "Bike Shadows" Watercolor " Not So Angry Bird" Colored Pencil |
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I have been growing grapes for awhile, but I never seem to be able to take any pics of them.. the birds or possums beat me to it! Anyway, late this afternoon, the light was perfect, and I managed to take a few...enjoy! sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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When I travel, I always complete a sketchbook journal during the trip. It includes pencil sketches, pen and ink drawings, and watercolor paintings done along the way. When I get home, I upload the images in the journal to Shutterfly, and make a digital copy for the other members of the group to purchase. I am happy to say that I have completed that copy online, and they will be ready to order soon! I have ordered one copy to make sure everything prints well, and then I will make it available to others. It is 40 pages, containing most of the original pages plus lots of my photographs, and several new paintings. It has a leather cover, and is 8 x 11. It will cost $100, and I cover the shipping costs. Let me know if you would be interested in buying a copy. I can take credit cards by phone, or you can use PayPal. Thanks!! sheltongail@hotmail.com Pea Patch Gallery 318-628-3560 |
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| He was channeling his inner "Dali", and wanted to know when he could start selling his work! |
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| These boys were really interested in learning how to paint. They were so proud of their paintings from today. |
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| These three girls are sisters, and they all got to come to the art camp. They had fun painting, and were very proud of their birds and other paintings they finished today. We finished up the art camp today. I have to admit that the preparation and traveling took a toll on me. I have been retired for 14 years! And I am not used to teaching every day. But it was also very rewarding. These children have very little access to any kind of art or culture where they live. They can travel to larger cities in our state, but go there mainly to shop, eat, or go to the movie. Most of them were very appreciative and told me that they learned a lot (even one of the boys!). Hopefully, they will remember some of the things I taught them about art, and maybe they will continue to paint a little on their own. I told them to come and visit me at the gallery this summer, and some said they would. Neat experience. I have been asked to do a presentation on colored pencil for the 60 Art teachers in Lake Charles, Louisiana as part of their inservice before school starts. I'll start preparing that now that I am finished with these children. More on that to come...busy, busy! sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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Another day teaching at the Art Camp. Today, they did some more abstract paintings. They used some clear wrap layered over the paint, and then found some shapes in the design. Their other project involved masking tape and some wet into wet technique. They had fun, and enjoyed dipping their fingers in the abstract world! One more day tomorrow! sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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I get asked to do all kinds of things. I do a lot of commissions; I do some demonstrations; and I teach. A few months ago, I was asked to come and do an art camp for the kids in Olla, Louisiana....a little, bitty town about 30 miles from where I live. It was only 4 days, and I love teaching watercolor, so I agreed. We started today. I had the older students, ages 9-15...which in layman terms, means (the dreaded) Middle School...! I had about 13 students, boys and girls that showed up. Most of them have absolutely no Art is school. They have very little access to anything Art related...when I say rural kids, I mean RURAL. Anyway, we got started, and they seemed to really like it. I don't think they have any idea who is teaching them...the director introduced me as a professional. They had blank looks on their faces. But I am just there to expose them to some techniques and materials, and let them have some fun learning a little about watercolor....stay tuned. The week should be interesting. (I will take some better pics...I was busy today, and couldn't take very many!) sheltongail@hotmail.com |
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"Bridge of Sighs" Venice Original Watercolor 5 x 8 $45
Enjoying this holiday, and a day away from work! Just finished
this little watercolor of one of the famous landmarks in Venice.
This old bridge connects the hall of justice with the prison,
and convicted prisoners had to walk across it, "sighing" as they
went. A bridge of sadness....despair....chains.
As we celebrate the birth of our nation today, we cannot
take our freedom for granted. Just as these prisoners
rejoiced when they were finally set free, we should rejoice
and be grateful for the freedom we experience every day.
Happy 4th of July!!
sheltongail@hotmail.com
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I love playing around with splashy watercolor. I did this small painting last night. The background was "wet into wet", and then I used a straw to blow some of the dribbles. I usually do several of these at a time, and see which one turns out the best. Then I painted the sailboat in acrylic paint over the background. This is one that I photographed during our boat ride to Cinque Terre in Italy. It is small, about 10 x 6, and $45.00. Thanks for looking! sheltongail@hotmail.com |
