The late 19^th and early 20^th centuries were a time of great development in the United States.  It was during this time that America truly began to develop an artistic style distinct from the work of European artists.  During this time, many American artists brought Impressionism from Europe and began making it their own, forming art circles and colonies and establishing a collective identity in a sense.  American Impressionism was more cosmopolitan than European, highlighting qualities of America’s new urbanization.  This style paved the way for realist painters such a

Gail H. Shelton is an artist based in Winnfield, Louisiana.  Inspired by her love for travel, Shelton creates portraits, wildlife, and still life works from photographs taken on her trips.  The works in this exhibition are created using layered colored pencil, often using solvents to lend a more paint-like appearance.  In addition to colored pencil, Shelton also paints with watercolor.