It's a Wrap

He was channeling his inner "Dali", and wanted to know when
he could start selling his work!

These boys were really interested in learning how to
paint.  They were so proud of their paintings from today.

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

Abstract Fun

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

Art Camp

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

Freedom Remembered

"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

                                             Just got word that this one is SOLD!!

Whatever Floats your Boat

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

On Two Wheels

I love bicycles.  Got to see many different ones in Italy.
I added a bicycle page in the journal, with a quote:
"Life is like riding a bicycle; in order to keep your
balance, you must keep moving forward."

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Italy Watercolors

Finished these two little watercolors today.
They are 10 x 6, and $45.00 each.  Would look
great framed side by side!  Email me if you
are interested:  sheltongail@hotmail.com

Thanks!

Burano...land of Lace

This was my favorite location besides Venice..this is Burano.
The colorful houses were adorable.  I was told that the sailors painted
them in bright colors so that they could spot them from
their ships as they returned home.

The artist and I are in her studio in Burano.  She loved looking 
at my book, and her art was wonderful....colorful and fun.
I got to paint there, and had fun visiting with onlookers as I
worked.  

This island off the coast of Venice, is known for its' lace manufacturing.
It all used to be made by hand, and you could see the women
making it in their homes.  I didn't get to see that this time, but there
was a lot of lace for sale in the shops.

I plan to do some more watercolors of this charming location.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

A Little Work

A page from my travel journal on Verona..the town of Romeo and Juliet

A page all about gondolas...we rode one...
a whole lot of fun!

Page 2 of Gondolas

A page on Burano...beautiful

Some small watercolors..just inches actually.  These
are for sale, and you can email me if you are interested.
The top right one is done with John Singer Sargeant's painting
as inspiration.  The rest are my original compositions....they are
cheap if you think you would like one!!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Artsey Shots

These are just some of my favorite shots from our
Italy trip...enjoy!!

sheltongail@hotmail.com