THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 27, 1996 TAG: 9610250235
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: 20 QUESTIONS
SOURCE: Frank Roberts
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 71 lines
Three years ago, Gail Saunders took a train to Florida.
She liked it, but she liked the stations even more.
Since then, she has specialized in pen-and-ink drawings of East Coast stations, including Suffolk's classic structure.
``I've done Ocala and DeLand in Florida, and I'm making my way north,'' said Saunders, who photographs each station from all angles, then sketches what she - and the camera - see.
``I sell mostly to train buffs and to people in the towns involved,'' she said. In the future are a picture book, tourist guide or calendar.
Saunders' year is filled with things artistic, including perspective drawing classes for children and adults at Rawls Arts in Southampton County and with the Suffolk Art League and teaching in elementary and middle schools in Southampton County through the Rawls Outreach Program.
When she is not teaching or sketching, Saunders, 45, is involved with art shows. She has won a dozen awards.
``I began painting about 14 years ago,'' said Saunders, who switched from doodling to serious painting ``when my family gave me a how-to-paint kit. I learned from there.''
Linda Bunch, Suffolk Art League administrator, describes Saunders' work as ``definitely realistic.''
The art seed was planted when she was a little girl - born in Richmond, in Suffolk since she was seven - and the family took weekend drives to the country.
``My daddy took us on family trips - looking at the landscapes. Now, kids go to arcades. They don't enjoy the good stuff,'' said Saunders, whose father, George Albright, was a state trooper in the area. Her mother, Edith, lives in Daytona Beach.
She will return to teaching in Suffolk and Southampton County after the first of the year.
Fondest childhood memory: Riding horses, and family.
Marital status/children: Married 24 years to Wayne; Woody, 17, and Stephen, 14.
Pets: Golden retriever, Sam, four rabbits and Mr. Turtle.
First job/worst job: First, a waitress at People's Drug Store. The worst - cleaning house.
If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? None.
What's your favorite hangout? Outside - anywhere.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner and night club.
Favorite food/drink: Everything but okra and raw oysters.
Favorite movies/TV show: ``Forever Young'' - any movie that makes me cry. ``The Young And the Restless.''
Book you wish everyone would read: Action - romance fiction. Dick Francis, Danielle Steele, Louis L'Amour.
Ideal vacation: Quiet days and fun nights - anywhere.
I can't resist: A smile, good music and pleasant conversation.
Few people know that I: Get irritated most with people with negative attitudes.
Most embarrassing moment: Splitting my breeches after being thrown from a horse, and having to walk home.
If you won the lottery, what would you do/buy? I'd make sure my husband never had to work again.
What is the best advice you've been given and by whom? ``Take time to smell the flowers'' and ``To thine own self be true.'' My daddy.
What's the best thing about yourself? Positive attitude.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would you be and why? No one.
What achievements are you most proud of? My children and my work.
Something you wish to say but haven't: People can do most anything they put their minds to if they only try, and not give up. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER by CNB