uring high school at Long Beach Poly, Gillis continued drawing and painting as the request grew for his work from teachers, friends and family. He then took several art classes including advanced art, which gave him the opportunity to enter art contest in the Long Beach area were he won several awards. However, most of his awards came from basketball during high school and in his senior year he was offered a full 4 year Athletic Scholarship to play basketball at Hawaii University, on the Big Island. As his journey continued through college, Gillis was recognized by the University for several of his art pieces which were displayed in various locations on campus. After graduating from college with a BS degree in Business Management, he entered the corporate world but his love for painting remand true, which lead to an inspired art piece called “Knowledge is Game”. A local art gallery displayed the original for feed back and comments, which caught the eye of local L.A. artist Kenneth Gatewood, who is regarded as one the best watercolor artist in the world. Gatewood decided to published the image and the rest has been a path way of opportunity to share his creativity and mind through his art. Shelton was encouraged and inspired by his parents Stanley and Shirley each in their own special ways. Gillis explains, “My family members on all levels have truly been supportive of my art from a young boy until this very day.