Gail Vail has been an avid painter and writer for most of her life.  She started painting in oil in the sixth grade and has spent the majority of her life honing her skills.  She earned a B.A. in Business and pursued a career in marketing and human resources with IBM. Her career ultimately brought her, husband Hugh, and children to Atlanta. Raising a family, combined with a professional career, sidetracked her love of painting for a time, but upon retirement she picked up her brushes and it felt like the light bulb was turned on again. She is now a prolific painter. Her favorite subjects are animals, birds, flowers, still life…and, well, just about everything. In total, her paintings are included in seven published books.  Her first published book, “Seasons on Lake Oconee” includes writings and paintings by 40 area authors and artists. Her second and third published books, “The Seasonal Heart” and “Turning Leaves” are collaborations with area author George Heiring. Her paintings are in three local commercial galleries; The Artisans Village Art Gallery in downtown Eatonton, Genuine Georgia in downtown Greensboro and Dress the Walls/Art of Oconee.