 In 1939, Sheldon's nude self-portrait titled "Portrait in the Country" was accepted for the "All-American" biennial show at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington D.C., where it was displayed for six weeks.While these two shows were considered big breaks, she disparaged these accomplishments, saying that "only second rate painters sold" and she preferred to keep her works at home.By 1940, Sheldon felt she had mastered all the techniques she needed and was ready to choose her subject matter.