Meet the Artist

“Art is when you hear a knocking from your soul—and you answer.”

~Terri Guillemets

Gail-Newman-ArtistAfter many years in the corporate world denying my heart I am now a freelance artist, which gives me more time to experiment and work on my own art. I never imagined that my love would eventually become my profession, and I am so grateful for that opportunity. Because of the freedom of freelancing, my life today is much more creative, interesting and fulfilling. I am still experimenting with most of my work so I hope you will join me on my journey.

Colors and shapes have always made more sense to me than numbers. I love to watch the play of light and shadows and how they change throughout the day and through the seasons. I try to capture this in my outdoor or plein air paintings. Lighting also makes for a much more interesting portrait. Color adds an element of fun and takes a drawing from the realm of a photocopy to a work of art. Or so I’ve been told.

show-piecesIt seems like I’ve been drawing and painting for most of my life. I got my first lesson in perspective and began my artistic journey by drawing the scenes that I saw from the front window while waiting for the kindergarten bus. In grade school friends wanted me to draw pictures of animals and wildlife for them. Then later there were requests for drawings of pets and children and new homes.

In college I studied languages and business but used my electives for art classes. Here I was captivated by graphite, architecture, and still life details. I learned that watercolor and I will never be great friends but that I could achieve some success with oils. When I discovered pastels I fell instantly and forever in love with the colors and the feel and sounds of chalk on paper. It has been my medium of choice ever since. Over the years I have discovered a variety of other drawing surfaces as well as an array of pastel types. I’ve even made up with watercolor—at least as far as using it for an under painting for drawings. Lately I’ve been dabbling in acrylics and love using the pure, bold, colors.

Since making Georgia my home in 1997, I’ve been privileged to study with many of Atlanta’s great teachers and pastelists who have encouraged me to continue my journey. I’m a member of the South Cobb Arts Alliance, the Southeastern Pastel Society, and the Artists Guild of Northwest Georgia.

Gail’s Awards and Recognitions

Red Cockerill Gallery, Juried Art Competition, Special Award, 5/2011

Red Cockerill Gallery, Garden Party Juried Competition, Second Place, 7/2011

Red Cockerill Gallery, Red White and Blue Juried Competition, First Place, 8/2012

Artist Guild of Northwest Georgia, 5th Annual Show and Exhibition, Third Place, 10/2012

South Cobb Arts Alliance, World of Art, Juror’s Choice, 4/2013

Red Cockerill Gallery, Barnyard Bounty Juried Competition, Special Award, 8/2013

Artist Guild of Northwest Georgia, 6th Annual Show and Exhibition, Third Place, 10/2013

North Cobb Artists League, Fall Juried Art Show, Second Place, 11/2013

North Cobb Artists League, Fall Juried Art Show, Third Place, 11/22/2013

Red Cockerill Gallery, Mini Rainbows Juried Competition, First Place, 3/2014

South Cobb Arts Alliance, Destinations, Juror’s Choice, 8/2014

Paulding Fine Arts Association, Fall Juried Art Show, First Place, 10/2014

Artist Guild of Northwest Georgia, 7th Annual Show and Exhibition, Honorable Mention, 10/2014