Monday, December 31, 2007

Hannah-completed


This is the finished drawing of my daughter, Hannah.
I hope to do a few more pencil drawings in the next few
days.


It is cold outside, and the three cats are wanting to
come inside. They can see me at my drawing desk
through the window, and when they see me get up,
they go and line up at the back door. That's Huey,
Dewey, and Louie, from right to left.
www.peapatchgallery.com
sheltongail@hotmail.com

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Back to Basics

There is nothing more basic in art than drawing with a
pencil. It was my first love, and I still enjoy its simplicity.
I have been enjoying doing some pencil drawings just for
fun. This is my daughter, Hannah, when she was about
3. (she is 24 now). I guess the end of another year has made
me sentimental. And I thought if I had drawn my friend's
child, I should draw my own!

I recalled a song I know about getting back to basics, and
the lyrics are perfect for a new year, too.

"We need to get back to the basics of Life:
a heart that is pure, and a love that is blind;
a faith that is fervently grounded in Christ;
a hope that endures for all time."

I don't know everything the new year will hold,
but these are good goals to start with. I hope to
work on them, as well as some artwork in the coming
days.

Happy New Year! sheltongail@hotmail.com

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Portrait of Mattie Claire

I have been taking a break from my artwork,
but certainly haven't been resting! As any woman
knows, we "do" Christmas. Between the shopping,
wrapping, decorating, grocery shopping, cleaning,
cooking, and entertaining, I haven't exactly had a
minute to myself. But we all had a great time, and
celebrated the Savior's birth well.
I have been working on this portrait of my good
friend's little girl, Mattie Claire, for a few days.
It is just in pencil, which I love to work in. Her
hair is done mostly with an eraser. This is the second
drawing I have done of her; they own the first one,
a gift from her husband for Mother's Day. I wanted
to do this one to use as a competition piece in some
shows I have coming soon.

I have to take some work over to the gallery in
Natchitoches, LA on Saturday because I am the
featured artist for the month of January. You can
check out their website:natchitochesartguild.org

For info on children's portraits, email me:
sheltongail@hotmail.com

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Jonquils in December

This is another Christmas gift for someone.
This is her favorite flower, and her sister
had me paint them for her.
I love flowers. They are just remarkable,
and there are so many varieties. They
are just one more reminder of how awesome
God's creation really is.
For info on commission work: portraits of
children, animals, houses and buildings, etc
www.peapatchgallery.com
sheltongail@hotmail.com

Saturday, December 8, 2007

A Time to Sign




I just got back from spending a couple of days in
the little town of Boerne, Texas. I was selected
to draw their annual Christmas Festival Poster,
and I went out there to make an appearance,
and sign some posters.
Boerne is a small town about 30 miles north of
San Antonio. I grew up in San Antonio, and had
been to Boerne several times. They have really
worked hard on their historic downtown, and
today, it is a charming and wonderful place.
Those of you who follow this blog will remember
that I worked on the poster for a couple of weeks.
I spent most of Friday meeting and greeting the
merchants up and down Main Street and signing
their posters. And then Friday evening, I signed
some more in the Gazebo in the park. It was a
lot of fun, and I made a lot of contacts.
Those other photos are of Main Street, and a
little string ensemble playing along the street.
I am holding a poster, and resting my hand!
For more information, you can go to their
(My website: peapatchgallery.com has been
down for a couple of days, but the problem
has been addressed, and they assure me it
will be back in a couple of days...sorry for
the confusion. Please try it again in the
near future!!)
sheltongail@hotmail.com


Monday, December 3, 2007

a little tweeking...

I thought I was finished with this portrait,
but decided to tweek some more. I darkened
the shirt, and the background, and worked on
his features a little more. I think the likeness
is pretty good, and I hope they will like it.

I am going to Boerne this weekend to sign the
poster that I did for them. You can see the
finished poster at:www.ahillcountrychristmas.com
It should be a lot of fun, will keep you posted.

for info on all kinds of portraits:
www.peapatchgallery.com

Friday, November 30, 2007

Another Christmas present...

Finished with this portrait...this one is for
the grandparents.
I have a few more to do...

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Portrait-early stage

I started on this portrait of this little boy tonight.
Someone asked me once where I start. I almost
always start with the eyes, because if the eyes
are not right, then the whole thing will not work.
I like drawing the eyes; the expression is usually
captured in them. "Windows to the soul"...
This little boy has some beautiful brown eyes. I will
continue on him tomorrow.

You can see my finished poster for the town of
Boerne's Christmas festival on their website:
www.ahillcountrychristmas.com

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Pansy's Dog completed

This is the finished drawing for Pansy. She wants
to give it to her husband for Christmas. He was
very attached to this little dog, and it passed away
earlier this year. I hope he will like it.

for info on portraits: www.peapatchgallery.com
or email me: sheltongail@hotmail.com

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Pansy's Dog

This is Pansy's dog who also passed away recently.
I will be finished with this drawing sometime
tomorrow.

I've never been much of a dog person. I have
always had cats, though. And I have grown very
attached to some of them. Pets can really become
a part of the family. Right now we have 3 cats
that I got as kittens. They are all brothers and
they are named Huey, Dewey, and Louie. They
are hilarious, and keep me entertained.

For information on portraits: pet, house, or
children...go to the website:
www.peapatchgallery.com
or email me:
sheltongail@hotmail.com

Monday, November 26, 2007

Maddie Finished

I am finished with Maddie, and will start on
another pet tomorrow. Hope you like it,
Terri!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Cocker Spaniel-Maddie

Started drawing Maddie this weekend. She
died recently, and the owner wanted a
portrait of her. I will be finished with this
drawing soon.

for info on pet portraits:
www.peapatchgallery.com
sheltongail@hotmail.com

Friday, November 23, 2007

Final House

This is the last house for this client in
Atlanta, Georgia. They have been
fun to do, and I hope they will make
people really happy this Christmas.

Now I have a couple of pet portraits
to do, so I will change gears, and start
on those. I do them in colored pencil,
so it will be a whole different technique.

For information on either house or pet
portraits, as well as children's portraits,
go to the website: www.peapatchgallery.com
or email me: sheltongail@hotmail.com

Thursday, November 22, 2007

A Day of thanks

We have been sending out a photo Christmas
card for years, and it has been our tradition to
take the photo on Thanksgiving day.
We usually have to set up the tripod, and
I have to run and get in the photo.
(this has led to some episodes of
laughter from time to time) This year
however, my daughter's boyfriend was
with us, and he had the honors of taking
our picture.
I am very thankful for these two people.
My husband and I have been married for
29 years, and it just gets better and better.
My daughter is a delight, and the joy of my
life.
I hope you had time today to pause and
be thankful for your blessings. God has
indeed richly blessed us as I hope He has
blessed you. Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

More Houses....



Two more houses...almost done.
Just one more for this client...
I see the light at the end of the
tunnel.
(May not draw tomorrow; may
be too full of turkey and pumpkin
pie).

Monday, November 19, 2007

House Painter


These are a couple of the finished house
portraits. They are coming along; have
four done, and four to go.
I have a couple of pet portraits to do
after I finish these houses. Still have
some time if you are interested in
something for Christmas this year.
Let me know asap!
Info on portraits:
www.peapatchgallery.com

Sunday, November 18, 2007

More houses....


Been inking all day...my hand is tired! Two
more houses done, and waiting to be painted.
I will probably paint them tomorrow.
stay tuned...

Saturday, November 17, 2007

At home, drawing homes

Still recuperating, still drawing these homes.
This is the second one. Nice house, will be
pretty when painted. I am drawing several
before I paint them.
For information on house portraits:
www.peapatchgallery.com or email me
sheltongail@hotmail.com

Friday, November 16, 2007

Surgery

On Monday, I had surgery (hysterectomy). It was
my first real experience in a hospital in a long time
(my daughter is 24...). I did ok, but it was all a
little bizarre. I learned all about pain meds;
some are good, and some are too much!
I learned all about nurses; some are good,
and some are too much!
I am at home recuperating now,
and glad it is all over. I am feeling stronger
every day, and should be all better before long.

Will be working on houses soon....

Sunday, November 11, 2007

No Place like Home....

I am back from the LSU game...what
a rout! It was lots of fun; great food,
good time.
I have started these houses I have to
do for Christmas gifts for people. This
is a modest little house, and I have
finished most of the ink, and now I
will watercolor it. This client has
7 homes she wants done. So there
will be a lot of happy family members
this Christmas!
For info on house portraits, you can
check out the website:
www.peapatchgallery.com

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Mission Accomplished








Well, the "Palms to Pines" show is officially
open. We had our annual downtown
Christmas Open House on Thursday nite.
We had huge crowds, and a very successful
evening. I sold 4 of the paintings, and one
print. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
The carolers are a group of men from our
First Baptist choir, (my husband is the one in
the jeans), and they strolled all around town
singing carols. They sounded terrific, and added
such a flair to the event.
Our dessert contest was a hit, too. Martha
Jordan's Cheesecake Delight won the $100,
and now we will prepare it once a month for
the next year in the cafe.
All of the dealers did well, too. We had some
record sales, and we were all very pleased.
I am glad it is over!! It is always so much work!,
but well worth it.
I am off to the LSU game today, and will be
home again tomorrow. I am still working on
house portraits, and will have some finished
soon.
Boerne received the finished poster, and they
are pleased as well.
Life is good. To God be the glory.
sheltongail@hotmail.com www.peapatchgallery.com


Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Having a ball..


It is neccessary every now and then to
create some art that is not exactly "fine
art". I have been painting these glass
ornaments for the "Palms to Pines" show
opening on Thursday. These are the
flamingo ornaments, and I also did some
with a beach scene, a mountain scene,
some seashells, and some moose!
Anyway, they were lots of fun, and I hope
to sell a bunch on Thursday. Then, I will
start on the house and pet portraits...
flamingo ornaments available at the
Pea Patch gallery: 2 sizes $12, and $15
www.peapatchgallery.com

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

"In the Pink"


This is the other demo painting I did for the group
yesterday. It is watercolor on a 9 x 12 canvas.
I added some permanent black pen, and some
colored pencil.
I love flamingos. I like to photograph them at
zoos, and I have taken pictures of them all over
the nation. I watched some at the Audubon zoo
in New Orleans build their tall mud nests, and
sit on their single large egg.
In our little town, there is a group that uses the
tacky plastic pink flamingos to raise money.
They put a whole flock of them in your yard
overnight, and then you have to pay them
money to have them removed. The best part
is that you can specify whose house they go to!
"In the Pink" orig watercolor on canvas 9x12 $50.00

Monday, November 5, 2007

Watercolor on Canvas demo


Today I drove to Shreveport, LA to do a demonstration
of watercolor on canvas for the Shreveport Art Club. It
was so much fun. There were about 30 there, and I
did two paintings in two hours (not fully completed),
but it gave them the inspiration to want to try some
watercolor on this new surface. I painted this parrot,
and then a flamingo which I will post tomorrow.
Watercolor on canvas is a great new thing. I do the pen
and ink drawing first, and then wet the canvas, and do the
wet-into-wet washes first. As it dries, I add a lot more
pigment so it will be intense. I enjoy adding lots of
mixed media on top of the paint; in this case, some
colored pencil, pastel, and tulip slick puffy paint!
The painting will be added to the Key West section
of the "Palms to Pines" art show opening Thursday.
"Polly Who?" original wc on canvas 16 x 20 $200.00

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Home Sweet Homes

I do a lot of house portraits, especially
for Christmas gifts. These are just 3
of the 8 I have to do right now. I do
them in pen and ink, and then hand
watercolor them. Most of them are
either 8 x 10, or 11 x 14.
I will start on these tomorrow night.
And I will post the results as I go.

We are getting ready for our big
Christmas Open House this
Thursday night. All the downtown
shops stay open, and serve refreshments,
have specials, etc. We do a dessert
contest every year; the customers
sample and vote for their favorite.
The winner gets $100, and we fix
their dessert in our cafe once a month
for the next year. I can taste the
sugar already!

Info on House Portraits:
www.peapatchgallery.com
sheltongail@hotmail.com

Friday, November 2, 2007

Poster Complete

This is the finished poster for the city of
Boerne. It is drawn in pencil first; then
drawn in pen and ink, and then painted
with watercolor. The snowflakes are
done with acrylic. I will send it off to them
on Monday.

I have 8 house portraits to do for people for
Christmas, and one pet portrait! So I will
be working on them for the next several
weeks. Keep you posted.

sheltongail@hotmail.com
www.peapatchgallery.com

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Boerne in Color

Just a color option on the poster design.
Will paint once approved. keep you posted...

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Pen and Ink poster-finished

I haven't been posting everyday because I have
been working on this piece. This is the finished
pen and ink part of the poster for the Boerne
Christmas festival. It is fairly large, 17 x 21, and it
has taken me several days to finish all the ink
work. Now I will run several copies and do some
color schemes that will be approved, and then I
will do the final painting on the poster. It will be
a challenge because they want it to portray the
festival at night, so that the lights on the buildings
will show up!? In watercolor, there is no white
paint...so I am not sure how I am going to pull it
off. I think I can do the lights in colored pencil;
it is waxy and will resist the watercolor. So there
will be some glow saved around the image.
We'll see!!

I tried tonight to view the new website that is
posting the Last Supper by Leonardo. My little
computer was not able to bring up a clear image,
unless there is something I don't know to do.
If anyone knows, let me know.
I went to Italy over a year ago, and visited Venice,
Florence, and Rome. I was able to paint on location
in all three cities, and my show last Christmas at the
gallery included all the work from the Italy trip.
I may start posting some of that work during this
Christmas season. From now till then, I will be doing
lots of commission portraits for gifts.

Thanks for viewing. I sold two of the Alaska pieces
this week, before the show even opened. One of the
customers was from England, and she bought a moose.
You never know....

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

cross hatch city

When you draw with pen and ink, you make
a series of small lines that build up to make
the values of light and dark. If you cross
them over each other, it is known as
cross-hatch. If you use small dots,
it is called stipple. I will be using lots
of pen and ink techniques on this poster
for the city of Boerne. I just started the pen
and ink tonight...I have been drawing it off
with pencil first. Will take me several
nights to finish this.

I have been hanging the "Palms to Pines"
show at the gallery in preparation for
our annual downtown Christmas Open
House. The show will open that night
(our biggest crowds of the year). It is
shaping up. Feels good to see it all come
together.
www.peapatchgallery.com
sheltongail@hotmail.con

Monday, October 22, 2007

Portrait-3 Siblings

I finished this portrait this evening.
They are very cute little kids.
The client wanted them done in regular
pencil, and then tinted with colored
pencil.

Will be working on the poster from
now on...!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Boy #1

I've started on these children. too cute... I love the
freckles on this one.
more as I go.....

For information on portraits of children, pets, or
homes, please visit the website:
www.peapatchgallery.com
of email me:
sheltongail@hotmail.com

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Lots of kids

Today was a day filled with children. At the
gallery, we had a children's photographer set
up to take Halloween costume portraits. We
had some pirates, a mermaid, a couple of
pumpkins, and some tears and some smiles.
We also had Sarah who does ceramic plates
with designs made from children's feet and
hand prints. The children have to put their
feet in some wet glaze and step on the plates,
and then she uses that to make the design:
reindeer, butterflies, frogs, etc. You just have
to see them to understand. I don't know her
website, but I will post it.
I was teaching in the studio, and we could hear
lots of activity in the front of the building. I think
it was enjoyed by all.

Staying in the children mode, I have to do this
portrait of these siblings. I am starting it tonight,
and will post as I make some progress.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Finished Portrait

I believe this is the finished portrait of Scotty.
I hope his family likes it. I will be working on
the poster for the Christmas festival for the
next few days.

(If you are interested in a children's portrait,
you can check the website for examples and
prices:www.peapatchgallery.com)

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

More Scotty


I have been working on this
drawing of Scotty all day
today. I have redone his
features several times
(thank goodness for
erasers) I think I have the
likeness well now, and I
will work on the background
and his clothing next.
Should be finished
tomorrow.


I am doing a presentation tomorrow at a
church in Natchitoches, LA. Several
years ago, I had done a series of artwork
with a teacup theme...a kind of "my cup
runneth over" show. A good friend was
helping with a women's tea down in New
Orleans, and she asked me to come and
speak to the group, and my "teacup ministry"
was born. I give an inspirational talk about
dealing with adversity, and sell my art
and t-shirts, etc. God has really blessed this
ministry; I have spoken to large and small
groups all over the state in the last several years.
If you are interested in me addressing your
group, you can email me.
sheltongail@hotmail.com www.peapatchgallery.com

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Scotty


I do a few children's
portraits. I can't say
that I enjoy doing
them; I enjoy them
when they are finished
and I can present
them to the client
and they are pleased.
The drawings themselves
are never easy.
Anyone that does
portraits knows that
unless you have it
exactly right, it will not look
like them. And you can't always
put your finger on what isn't
right.

I had a woman and her parents come in the gallery the other day with a little girl about 3, and a boy in a wheelchair about 13. The boy was unresponsive, and obviously severly handicapped.
They had an envelope with them, and she wanted me to do a children's portrait. She pulled out a photo of a little boy in a huge black cowboy hat. She went on to explain that it was Scotty, her son, before the accident. And it was one of the only photos she had of him at that time. I was heartbroken, and certainly agreed to do it.

This is part of the drawing of Scotty that I have just started.


Scotty original colored pencil SOLD

Monday, October 15, 2007

Poster Sketch #2


This is a more finished sketch for the
Christmas poster for Boerne. This
is what I spent most of my weekend
doing. After a few changes, I will
draw the final one in ink, and then
watercolor it, and add a border.
I think it will turn out nicely, and
captures the feeling of the little
town. I will attend the festival one
weekend and sign some of the
posters, and meet and greet.
Should be a lot of fun.

Boerne Christmas sketch NFS

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Finished Horses

It is a beautiful fall day here in Louisiana. It is
cool and crisp, and clear.
I finished these horses this afternoon. They were
fun to draw. I do a lot of animal portraits, and I
always enjoy doing them.
I am looking out the window onto the back porch
and patio. Our three young cats, Huey, Dewey,
and Louie, are sleeping on the picnic table. Their
fur is fluffed up because of the chill in the air.

I will be working on the poster for the Boerne
Christmas festival the rest of the weekend.

Finished Horses commission-sold 11 x 14

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Things to do...

I have several commission pieces to do
for clients for Christmas gifts. This is
one of a mare and colt. This is the second
drawing I have done of this horse for this
couple. They were pleased with the first
one, and this is a different colt, and they
wanted another drawing. This is just the
start...it will take me several nights to
finish it.

www.peapatchgallery.com
sheltongail@hotmail.com

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Christmas poster sketch 1

At the art show in San Antonio, I met a man that
was interested in me doing the Christmas poster
for the town of Boerne, TX. I met with him in
the quaint little town, took some photos, and am
in the process of completing some sketches for him.
This is one that I picture in layers featuring some
of the elements of the event.
You can find out more about their wonderful
extravaganza at www.ahillcountrychristmas.com
I will keep you posted on my progress.

Monday, October 8, 2007

On the road home again!


I have
finished the
show in San
Antonio; it
went well;
made some
sales and
some contacts,
saw some
family and
old friends....
it was good.
On the way over, I stopped at this fruit stand somewhere
near Brenham, Texas. They had a whole wagon of
pumpkins out front that caught my eye, so I stopped and
took some pictures. I did this painting while I was in
San Antonio.
I drove all the way home today...it's about an 8-9 hour
drive. The weather was beautiful, and the ride smooth.
Thanks to all the family and friends that came out and
supported me! I appreciate all the help from my brother
and sister-in-law...they were troupers.
It's good to be home.