ArtWalk is proud to present its newest artist, Jean Skelton from Durham.

Skelton's cards and prints contain a variety of images from nature rendered in watercolor or colored pencil. Her autumnal series includes ruddy leaves, dried spiky seed pods and vibrant Indian corn. For winter, she has images of both red and white poinsettia, as well as Christmas cactus. And for summer and spring, Skelton has a wide range of floral compositions, including hydrangeas, lilies, sunflowers and many more.

Another series is comprised of still life arrangements that include baskets, Native American pottery, turtles, butterflies and other items from nature.

Skelton's education in art began with classes in painting and drawing, which she managed to work in to her busy life, despite having a career, as well as children, parents, and a home to care for.

Skelton spent time at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, where she studied under Redenta Soprano, a scientific illustrator. This influence can clearly be seen in her current work, where precise, crisp and clean detail is balanced with bright, lively color.

Skelton is greatly interested in natural objects, even the ones we take for granted on a daily basis. Therefore, she tries to present them in a way that draws the viewer's attention to the natural beauty in their details.

As part of her love for nature, Skelton contributes to environmental and conservation groups. She has also been asked to donate her pieces to charity auctions and is an active member in her church.

Jean Skelton's artwork is located on ArtWalk's lower level. With three and a half floors and more than 300 local, regional and national artists, ArtWalk is located at 611 W. King St. (across from Mast General Store) Boone, N.C. 28607. Though ArtWalk is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m, customers may shop all the time at the gallery's online store. ArtWalk continually welcomes new artists of all media and ages to inquire about individual gallery booths for rent. For more information, call (828) 264-9998, email artwalkboone@yahoo.com or visit www.artwalkboone.com.

Gallery Times
Gallery Times is a weekly news feature of the Focus section of The Mountain Times, featuring short news items submitted by local galleries.

For more information, contact entertainment editor Frank Ruggiero at frank@mountaintimes.com or (828) 264-6397.