Art Blog - Gail Butler

This is a painting I created as a tribute to the Sandy Hook tragedy, and to all the victims of the senseless violence which has occurred in 2012. My heart was broken, this was my way of dealing with it. Here is my poem./.... Global is the crisis, Of shattered innocence, Young lives taken all to soon, It simply makes no sense, A season meant to celebrate, Disrupted by the horror, Angels called to comfort, Such a deep, deep sorrow, I pray the innocents laughed, As they marched into heaven, When Jesus greeted them, And thanked them for what they'd given… Continue reading… 1 comment

Happy New year to all! I hope each of you had a wonderful evening! I start 2013 with the news of my acceptance into 'The Upstream People Gallery's 15th Annual All Media Juried Online International Art Exhibition'. My piece 'Cultivating The Arts' won 'Special Recognition'! I am delighted to be part of this beautiful exhibition, and honored to be recognized. Please take time to visit at www.upstreampeoplegallery… Continue reading… 0 comments

Seasons greetings to all! Opening night was a wonderful evening! The gallery was filled with beautiful art from many different artisans, great food, good friends, new friends, and a festive atmosphere. It was the perfect way to kick off this holiday season! The painting I have pictured here is the one I did of the lovely ladies at Art Works, I call it 'Cultivating The Arts'. They all work very hard at 'growing' the careers of the artists in their care! I hope those of you in the Richmond Virginia area will come see my collection of 'characters' and enjoy a few moments of whimsey! The paintings will be on display until January 20, 2013… Continue reading… 0 comments

I picked up the postcards for my "Casting Call" show on Friday. The show is 1 month away...I can't believe it! It doesn't seem like its been a year since I signed up to do this! Currently I am working on my self portrait...then I'll be ready. While some have been more challenging than others, each work has been a delight to create. I plan on delivering a festive experience on opening night, as my characters 'walk' the 'red carpet' for their audience… Continue reading… 0 comments

Greetings! I am posting this later than I should have, but "art" has been keeping me busy! This is one of the many photos of flowers I have taken during the summer of 2012. It is a sunflower I grew from seed, and its opening was highly anticipated! While I was admiring its beauty, a little goldfinch snatched one of my flower's petals. I quickly grabbed my camera and took this photo. A smart move, because by the end of the day the petals were all but gone! I posted the photo on Artid, where it was seen by a very lovely lady named Nina Ulloa, publisher and editorial director of The Showcase Magazine. She chose my photo for the cover of her magazine!!! It is a beautiful publication and she has been delightful to work with. Check it out at www.theshowcasemagazine… Continue reading… 3 comments

I painted this piece last year. While at first glance it looks like a lovely country scene, there's a lot going on. I hope you enjoy reading my poetic description! The big white house sits on the hill; It's occupants discussing each proposed bill; Today is wash day, clothes hung on the line; Let's see who's hung out this time.; There's a maids dress and a blue collar shirt; Overalls,an apron,"Keep that flag off the dirt!"; The basket is full of those who've cried foul; And some who threw in the towell.; Her pockets are stuffed with special interest groups; And lobbyists seeking personal loops; The rat at her feet has a loan to sell; He knows it's no good, but what the hell… Continue reading… 2 comments

Greetings! I hope this post finds you doing well! I am hosting a show at the Chester library during the month of February. The reception will be this Saturday from 3 until 4:30 in the Maud Hurt Meeting Room at the library… Continue reading… 0 comments

Greetings all! This is a painting I created for the "Dog Days of Summer" show which is held at Art Works/Richmond each year. I am dogone happy to tell you it won second place in the show! The opening night for the show is this Friday from 7 untill 10.If you live in the Richmond area you should come down and see all of the amazing dog and cat themed work, watch the pet fashion show and have a great time! Go to artworksrichmond 0 comments

Hello all! The heat of summer has reached EPIC proportions in some areas of our country (mine included), so here's a little something to help your brain think of cooler things! Let's all go to the waterhole; On a hot summer day; Bring along your furry friends; We'll frolic and we'll play. As the temperature rises; We'll escape the summer heat; We can completely submerge; Or merely dip our feet. Our pups can chase a ball; Or fetch a well thrown stick. We can swim or take a nap; You can take your pick… Continue reading… 0 comments

Hello everyone! In honor of the begining of summer my next post is based on my 'Crab Pickin' piece. This painting was recently purchased by a loving father for his daughter's room. He told me he wanted something happy and bright, and this piece filled the bill!( I gave him a copy of the poem to go with his puchase.)I hope you enjoy the poem! The family gathers by the shore, Beneath their bright umbrellas; To reunite and socialize; To discuss the other fellas. They brought their coolers and their floats; They brought fishing poles and kites; They've settled in for some fun; To last into the night… Continue reading… 0 comments

Greetings everyone! As promised, here is poem number two! I hope it makes you smile! The water splashes upon the rocks, With a gentle soothing beat, It gurgles and it sparkles, A cool relief from all the heat. The wind sings a joyous song, Through the leaves of the trees, And joins the gentle hum, Of the bugs and buzzing bees. Butterflies dance and float, As does the hummingbird, When Trumpet flowers beckon, With honey coated words. The bobcat surveys her woodland home, With a careful eye, Soon she spies the wiley raccoon, Who holds his cellphone high… Continue reading… 2 comments

I have been told by so many people that my work is very illustrative in style. With that in mind, I have decided to write a poem to accompany my "Wordplay" pieces. So far I have come up with six fun little poems. I would love to share them with you as I complete them, and welcome your feedback! The first one I will share is based on my "Alley Catz" piece. The shadows lengthen in the alley, Where the resturant resides, Whoose waitress,dear young Sally, Greets the box with open eyes. She can have her pick, he grins, They're nearly eight weeks old, How about the one who's climbing out, He's lively,and he's bold… Continue reading… 3 comments

Generally, as fans of my work are aware, I create pieces that represent the brighter aspects of life. However, creating art IS a means of working through our life and dealing with what comes our way. I created this piece as a tribute to my husband of 20 years, and all of the other hard working Americans who have been swept away in the financial collapse which has occured in our country. The company he worked for closed,unexpectedly, and 500 individuals were out of work. This happened two years ago today, which is why I elected to post this on this day. The figure in my piece is a steel-blue, his jaw is strong, his hands are broad, his shirt sleeves rolled up, ready for hard work. He gazes down at the fragments of his broken dreams in his hand, and is surrounded by them… Continue reading… 3 comments

Greetings everyone, I hope all of you had a wonderful New Year! I am very new in the world of blogging so forgive me for not posting to my blog sooner,I was unaware that I should continue with what I started! My first show was a wonderful experience, the support I received was stellar and the feedback very positive. While I didn't sell any of my pieces I did sell some prints and in these economic times I consider that a success. Fueled by the adrenalin my solo show produced and encouraged by freinds to 'Get your work out there!' I entered some online competitions. 'Fishy Business' won a Peoples Choice award and was a finalist in the Myartcontest.com fantasy competition, it is pictured in their new online magazine. 'Dog Days of Summer' won 100.00 on Fanartreview… Continue reading… 1 comment

Opening night for my first solo show is tomorrow! The paintings are in place, postcards are mailed and flyers are made. I welcome anyone who can come to please do so! The exhibit is at Art Works in Richmond ,Va. The body of work I am presenting is titled 'Word Play'. Each piece in the show represents a play on words… Continue reading… 3 comments