This weekís Kentucky artist is Theresa Shelton.

by Arlene Wright-Correll

Growing up on a small farm in Hardin County, KY gave Theresa Shelton the time to nurture her artistic abilities at an early age. Many of her subjects reflect a passion for this rural life.

Theresa was lucky to have a mother who observed a creative side to her daughter and she was encouraged at every opportunity.

Theresa says, “At the age of 10, I received a Jon Gnaggy drawing set for Christmas and faithfully copied every exercise.” So began a life long dream to become an artist.

Self taught during her early years, Theresa has expanded her techniques by studying under such renowned artist as Cheng Khee Chee, Gerald Brommer, Robert Hoffman, Dean Davis and Charles Gruppe.

Through the years, Theresa has not moved far from her roots. She married Tim Shelton in 1978 and six months later they purchased Haynes Greenhouse in Vine Grove, KY where they have enjoyed working together for the past 26 years.

The greenhouse gave Theresa an outlet for her creativity and subject matter for her paintings. Looking at her art, the viewer will see that she finds pleasure in creating pieces that are tranquil and soothing to the eye.

Working in a realist style, her favorite mediums are oil and pastel. She regularly spends time painting ëen plein aireí, depicting scenes from her hometown and the surrounding area.

Working on location gives her a personal connection with the subject. Even when the final piece is created in the studio, the experience of being up close and personal with the subject adds emotion to her paintings.

A founding member and past president of the Central Kentucky Art Guild, Theresa finds inspiration and growth by surrounding herself with other artists. Members of the Central Kentucky Art Guild voted Ms. Shelton ëArtist of the Yearí for 2001.

She is also an ëExhibiting Memberí of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen, a juried participant in Kentucky Crafted, ëThe Marketí and a juried member of Oil Painters of America.

Winning several awards in juried shows, her paintings hang in public and private collections throughout the United States and abroad.

Question, “What was the first medium you worked in?” Answer, “When I started painting in the early 70ís, the first medium I attempted was oils and to this day it is still my favorite. There is something exhilarating about working with all that soft mixable paint. I love to work wet-in-wet, letting each new brush stoke blend into the last. Through the years I have modified my approach, going from very realistic to a little more impressionistic. As an artist, I feel my technique is a work in progress, always trying to improve. Stagnation is not inspiring. Working from real life is my preferred method.”

Question, “How do you feel about painting on location?”

Answer, “Going out on location to paint is such a learning experience compared to working in the studio. This past summer I took a trip with 3 other artists to Colorado for a week. I packed up my little pochade box with water mixable oils and stood out in the mountains painting. It was great.”

Question, “Do you use photos prior to painting?” Answer, “I always take photos of the places that interest me for reference to use once I get back to the studio, but I have my memories of being there to help interpret the scene. A painting shouldnít be just a copy of a photo; I strive to paint my feelings into them. In summer, I stroll through the farmerís market in search for fruit and flea markets for interesting objects to use in still life setups. That gives me actual forms to paint instead of using photos.”

Question, “Do you work in other mediums other than oil paints?”

Answer, “I also work in watercolors and acrylics, but the most recent addition to my painting tools is soft pastels. I find they work similar to oils, but I get a sense of drawing when working with them. They have quickly become my second favorite medium. They are more immediate, with no mixing or any brushes to cleanup. They just sit there on the table waiting for me to have a few minutes to amuse myself with their multitude of colors. When I get involved in a painting, I loose track of time and forget all else around me.”

Theresa says, “Creating is something I have to do! Itís part of who I am.”

You can see Theresaís work by contacting her at 270-877-5853 to make an appointment to visit her studio at 645 Highland Ave. Vine Grove, KY 40175 or email her at tsstudio@theresashelton.com  more of her art work may be viewed by going to her website. www.theresashelton.com  

(Contact Arlene Wright-Correll at 270 524 9567 or email her at askarlene@scrtc.com if you want to be next weekís column of Whoís Who in KY Artís and Crafts©)

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