Tabatha Goodwin/Herald-Tribune-- Scherry Talbott, Sheldon area artist, looks at prints of her artwork from Penny Lane Publishing.

She sits in her small, simply decorated art room, at her kitchen table or on the back deck of her house with her sketch pad, a look of tranquility on her face, as she sketches out plans for new art projects. This is right where she wants to be.

"I just believe that God put me here to be an artist," Talbott said. "I'm happiest when I'm sitting here painting. I couldn't imagine doing anything else." Talbott, a self-taught artist from Sheldon, has been fond of art since she was a child. She works in acrylic paints, with a focus on folk art and French country.

Talbott, who has been painting for 20 years, has art pieces across the world, from her days in a wholesale and retail business with her parents, Ron and Anna Ring. Over the years, Talbott has painted a variety of things ranging from gourds and landscaping rocks to antique market finds.

Talbott carries a sketchpad with her at all times because she never knows what will inspire her. She has a finished picture in her head before she ever starts. She draws and paints everyday, some days for as long as 15 hours.

Talbott, at 39, came to a point in her life where she felt ready to submit a portfolio of her work to publishing companies. "I felt I was being led to go to a different level with my artwork," she said.

She sent a CD of her work to Penny Lane Publishing, one of the top fine art and licensing companies in the United States.

She received a quick reply from Penny Lane, who offered her a five-year contract.

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Talbott is known for her snowmen, which happens to be her favorite thing to paint. Penny Lane recently informed Talbott that Target Stores picked up the snowman design for boxed Christmas cards that will appear in stores this winter.

"I was just thankful and excited to think my work would be all over the country in Target stores," Talbott said.

Although excited about selling her art, Talbott does not toot her own horn.

"God gave me this talent," she said. "I give Him all the credit for it. It really is amazing. It really is a God thing. It's like He gives me a Polaroid in my head."

Talbott feels herself transitioning to more inspirational and Scriptural themes in her art. She believes that she can bring people to God through her work.

"It's perilous times and people need uplifting," she said. "I want my artwork to make people happy. Art speaks to people."

Talbott finds inspiration from many things, but she is greatly inspired by her faith. "God created everything," she said. "He is the supreme artist.

Look at all the handy work we have to look at." Talbott hopes that her art will encourage people. "I believe that God has a plan and a purpose for everyone," she said. "He gives us gifts and talents.

I believe that if we have faith in Him and give our gifts and talents to Him, He will do miraculous things with that. The possibilities are mind-boggling. We cannot comprehend what He can do. The gifts you have, you should use them to be a light in the world. Those gifts and talents will bring you peace and joy like nothing else can." Talbott knows that without her faith in God, she wouldn't be where she is today. "I'm just humbled that God would give me the opportunity to serve Him in such a fun way," she said.

Talbott is also thankful for the support from her parents, church family and her husband, over the years.

Talbott's husband, Tracy, helps her with prep work for her art projects. "He has been a great supporter and encourager," she said.

Talbott has encouraging words for other artists looking to release their art into the world.

"These companies are always looking for new talent in the art world," she said. "Whatever it is you're doing, work toward a portfolio, do the best work you possibly can. Start submitting your work, just get it out there. You might not get it the first time, but just keep trying."

Talbott reminds everyone that whatever you do, do it well. "Do your work with a spirit of excellence. Work hard and you need to believe in yourself," she said. "Never settle for where you're at. Keep on going."

Talbott's work can be seen at her mother's shop, Midwest Products, south of Sheldon, and on the Penny Lane Publishing Web site, www.pennylanepublishing.com.