Newsletter from the studio of Gail Guirreri, May 2025

Happy Spring from Virginia horse country!

Last year at Upperville Colt and Horse Show you filled out a card with Gail Guirreri, oil painting artist and fabric entrepreneur. After the show I went to work designing more fabric patterns, developing my web site back end to handle the future data expansion and continuing to paint commissions and teach out of my studio in Unison, VA. These things, especially computer code, always take much more time than expected. As a creator I wanted to touch on many ideas as I developed the store front. I also spent most of the year on my largest commissioned painting to date, 62”x92” (5 feet 2 inches by 7 feet 8 inches). It was covered in Middleburg Life’s December issue and can still be read online.

Wrapping paper has been a favorite find! What better way to test different color options than with something that can be used? I am all about more choices in color than one could ever find elsewhere. Don’t see the color in a particular design you are wishing? I have been a graphic artist since early 90’s and can work with color requests. Wrapping paper is sourced from an American company.

Full coverage glassware, oh my! As a vendor I can find many companies that sell glassware with something dyed on but only from UK have I found full coverage top to bottom with matte, gloss and some frosted surface finish options. Beer, whiskey, highball, vodka, tequila, water glasses, flower vase and tea candle holders are available in any of my designs. These are higher priced but then I do have good taste. This is not flea market glass.

In repeating fabric designs I currently have 'Show Hunter I', 'Show Jumper Warm Up I', 'Hunting Hounds I', 'Equestrian USA' and 'Limoncello'. No different than my paintings, each design lends towards a color in mood. I pay close attention to the feel of the design calling the colors forward no different than a room desires a canvas. I start my repeating design in a square scarf. Currently I have 'Iris I' and 'Upperville, Hunter Side, I' on the easles. Follow me on Instagram or Facebook to watch the process and check out the Shop Products page for the reveal.

Last year a client wore a stunning lime green and navy dress I hand painted for the leadline class on Saturday at Upperville. This year a dress has been ordered in the repeating melon hunter fabric with matching bows for her daughter. I shopped many dress patterns, digitized the pattern for large format printing, mocked up the fabric color directly on the sewing pattern and have found a fabulous seamstress for sewing a perfect fit. There are over 100 fabric options for my designs. I’ll have 12 of my favorite swatches this year at my booth.

With options galore I will continue solely with on demand and custom orders. Please visit equestrianfabric.com/shop-products.htm to see some of the latest uploads. Feel free to contact me on my cell (available to logged in users). I will continue to process each order over the phone to be completely at your service. I can take credit cards, Zelle or personal check. Apple Pay is coming. I am happy to extend the 20% discount to all that filled out the card last year in thanks for your patience.