I see you!

I see you! is one of the paintings created at the National Shrimp Festival on Friday October 14th. I am really having a good time at Shrimp Festival and am looking forward to the next couple of days as well.

Friday was nerve wracking because I had not even made booth fee by the end of Thursday. This year is made even more trying with the addition of a license for the city of Gulf Shores that has added to my expenses.

Friday morning dawned with me in high hopes for a better day and making booth fees. The day passed with cards sold, and one giclee' totaling only about $80.00. I was not optimistic by late afternoon and was trying very hard to keep up a brave front. During the day, I had painted three paintings and wanted to varnish them. I tried to remove myself from the crowds and after spraying 2 of the works was asked to stop as it was blowing into the food booth several dozen feet away. I was crushed, no income to speak of, and now I could not varnish either. It took me a while to recover, give it all to God and put on a smile because my nerves were shot.

We stayed after 6 pm and the night crowds started to pick up. I was still trying to put faith in myself and the fact that God always, Always takes care of me, but I was beginning to waver. We finally had a customer that had purchased at Cathedral Square Gallery come in and become delighted with the shell minatures. After a few moments she had decided to purchase the group of 5 paintings to put between a doorway and wall. At the same time, another woman walked in and fell in love with my large Nautilus. She had just arrived, and wanted to look around asking how long we would be there. I told her she could have first right of refusal if she would give me her number and I would hold the painting until 12 on Saturday. We told her we would be there until 7pm (about 25 minutes) and she rushed away. We started packing for the evening and she rushed back in and said I'll take it, I love it and I want it, so I am not going to wait.

Within 30 mins I had made booth fee and finally was in the the black. Now the show is looking more promising with hopefully Saturday being a big day! I know better than to doubt that I will be taken care of by the master. He has a plan, although sometimes we wonder what is he thinking! I was tested Friday, hard! I am so glad I passed the test!

I see You! 12 x 12 acrylic on canvas

Dock Invader

"Dock Invader" completes the 100 days~100 paintings series! This watercolor is part of a demonstration for a student that is fishing up her class in watercolors. I have really enjoyed teaching her and I hope she has enjoyed the classes. In answer to several requests, I will begin teaching in November. Details to follow shortly!

I am still toying with the idea of daily painting and blogging still. It may not be a painting a day, but it will be lots of paintings because the sepias are selling rapidly. I also sold Rosetta's Jubilee I and II this week. It is still kinda sad when a painting leaves the studio, but there will always be more! Rosetta's Jubilee will live on as well as they are now in print. I have no less than 5 new prints to offer at the Festival and am looking forward to the results.

We are set up for the National Shrimp Festival as of this afternoon. The tent goes up easy as you please now. (Especially when you set it up that morning while checking poles and roof supports.) I am using the aluminum poles with the top and sides purchased a few years back. We use these poles because of the significant weight difference between the two. (One is Steel the other Aluminum) Our neighbors seem to be nice and there is an excitement in the air down at the gulf. The booth placement was extremely tight and we stayed to help our neighbor with a new tent that was very similar to ours. We also stayed in case there was a problem with the booth placement. The area where we are has several booths in a row and exactly 10 feet in which to place our little corner of the planet. My booth number is 119 in the fine art division. Maybe I'll see you there!

Dock Invader 9 x 12 watercolor on paper

Toe the Line~detail

"Toe the Line" is my attempt to paint something for the Alabama Fans in my life. I am always trying something new and different and this one will prove to be achallenge I am certain! The canvas measures 36 x 36 and actually has three elephants total, They are rushing out at you and will be a combination of color and sepia. Sepia works perfectly for the elephants and will be a beautiful work to leave my studio!

"Toe the Line"~detail acrylic on canvas 36 x 36

Rustic Crab

Painted while teaching this week for Paint and Pals, this painting was worked on during the class. It is not quite finished because I helped the rest of the group. We had 17 people and no two crabs were alike! It never ceases to amaze me that my students will all start out with the same drawing but never end with the same image. Color choices, brush strokes, techniques all are different and make for an interesting evening of teaching! I will never tire of teaching and love to watch the people that come leave pleasantly surprised that they have a painting that they can hang and say, I did it myself!

Rustic Crab 16 x 20 acrylic on canvas

"Crab Invasion II"

"Crab Invasion II" is another in the sepia series to leave my brush and the studio. I will never tire of painting crabs and with a neighbor like Rosetta, I will never be at a loss for subject matter. That reminds me, she said she was going fishing! There will be more to paint!

This painting represents day number 97 in the series!

"Crab Invasion II" Acrylic on Canvas 10 x 10

Crab Invasion

"Crab Invasion" has similarities to one of the paintings completed recently. Rosseta's Jubilee. I wanted to see what they would look like in the sepia series, so here we go!

This one was painted at the Grand Festival in my booth.

"Crab Invasion" 10 x 10 acrylic on canvas

Who's got Attitude?

Painted during the Grand Festival, "Who's got Attitude?" is one of many crabs to leave the end of my brush. It probably won't be the last either. Our coast gives artists many reasons to paint the local creatures and areas that surround and never ceases to astound me.

This painting represents day 95 in the 100 days series. I am still painting and am looking forward to the next challenge that arises from the studio in Fairhope.

"Who's got Attitude?" 4 x 12 acrylic on deep edge canvas

Winged Flight II

The second half of Winged Flight shows more of these beautiful birds as they take off from the waters off Coya Costa. The photography there is fantastic with multiple chances for remarkable pictures. I hope someday to go back and stay awhile as there are primitive cabins on the island and showers available. I can hardly wait to see the beaches again! The best part is spending time with Chris and just having the quiet beauty surround us. We may have to see if the "girls" (our dachshunds) could go with us and enjoy it all too! Day number 94 in the 100 days~100 paintings series.

"Winged Flight II" Acrylic on canvas 6 x 12

Winged Flight I

Followers of the blog now know that I have a special passion for the silent ones, the animals that can't speak for themselves. I am constantly painting, photographing, or researching about the animals I know and love.

When I was younger, I wanted to become a veterinarian to the point of doing research on the college of choice, Auburn. Little did I know that in 1976 when we moved home to Alabama I would be so close to my dream of attending college and taking care of my beloved creatures. But, life takes a few twists and turns and I abandoned the notion of becoming a Veterinarian and instead switched gears to nursing. That notion left my head when I figured out college was not for me! I had met the love of my life and married him 6 months later and have never looked back! God has a plan for me and us and we are still happily following that plan!

This painting is part of the series of Ibis I photographed in Florida on the island of Coya Costa. I hope to go back there, to walk the beaches, paint and photograph the animals that call the island home. I highly recommend it, it is indeed a beautiful place. This painting marks number 93 and is for yesterdays entry.

"Winged flight I" Acrylic on canvas 6 x 12

Silent Swimmer

One of my 'bucket' list items is to some day swim with turtles and dolphins. I really wonder sometimes if I was a fish in a former life. I am very much at home in the water. I also try to get into the ocean as much as possible. This summer, I spent more time there in the wonderful waters off our coasts than I have in a long time. Last years oil spill in the Gulf reminded me how important our nearby waters really are to our society as a whole.

What concerns me the most is the silent ones, the ones who cannot speak for themselves. The animals in our waters and near our beaches. While traveling this past May, we had an opportunity to see a turtle nest in person. I someday want to see and photograph the 'boil' that happens when the baby turtles come scurrying out of their nest and fly to the sea. This is of the reasons I teach children to be careful what they do with plastics as they are one of the top killers to our sealife we know and love.

Silent Swimmer 6 x 12 acrylic on canvas

Herons Song

This painting is another of the series inspired by the heron behind the condo in Orange Beach. I don't think I'll ever tire of painting him, but I do think I need more in color.

These past few days I have been helping out a group of friends to re-work the Fairhope Connection Galley in downtown Fairhope, Alabama. There have also been several artists lending many willing hands put to task. This re-arranging has been an adventure, to say the least. It has required more work than I ever thought possible and it has been good for all of us. I now have several new Artist friends, and I have a much closer relationship with the owners of the gallery. Sometimes I actually get to paint as well!

Herons Song 6 x 6 deep edge acrylic on canvas

Beauty in Flight

This small painting is a study for a larger one at a later date. I love the challenge of photographing osprey as they are fast birds.

I took the shot of this one while off the coast of Florida in May. Our "photo safari" was a great success with lots of wonderful material for many paintings to come!

This painting is part of my sepia series and is small in size, but not in impact. Anyone who has seen these magnificent birds in flight and in hunting mode have had a real treat. They can be quite vociferous when they feel threatened. They also will sweep away with a brush of their beautiful wings as they take flight. I will never become tired of watching and photgraphing this wonderful Raptors.

This painting marks day 90 of the 100 days~100 paintings and also celebrates my 51st birthday. I will spend the rest of the day moving the Gallery at Fairhope Connections in Fairhope, Alabama. It is one of a wonderful pair of galleries~the other is Fairhope Connections at Orange Beach, Alabama that shows and sells my work! The Fairhope store sold three of the sepias just yesterday! I am very grateful to have a talent that allows me to make a living doing what I love. I am also thankful to have the support of Chris Chavez a loving husband that lets me have my own wings to fly! I LOVE YOU CHRIS! I am very blessed to have family and friends that support me in my endeavours too! I love you all very much as well!

Beauty in Flight 4 x 12 Acrylic on canvas

The hunt for Mussels~minature

This painting is indeed a repeat of an image not too long ago. This is from a photograph I took while on a "photo safari" this past spring. I obtained lots of images for paintings and will indeed be finishing them years from now! I made this minature becasue lots of people are wanting smaller paintings to put on easels or in small spaces. The first one was 10 x 10 and will be in the bird show at Fairhope Connections at First Friday Artwalk October 7th in Fairhope, Alabama. I may put this one in my booth at the Grand Festival, October 8th and 9th. The Grand Festival is in Fairhope, Alabama as well and is a small show, easy to travel and sponsored by the Eastern Shore Art Center. Maybe I'll see you there!

The hunt for Mussels~minature 6 x 12 acrylic on canvas

Magical Pair~miniature

If this looks too familiar, it is one of the first paintings in this series of 100 days~ 100 paintings. I painted them much larger on day 4, July 8th, 2011.

Painting minature is fun and is becoming easier for me! I love to paint small and these are the sizes that travel well with me and are easy to carry and paint while at shows. Quite frequently, I will sell the one in my lap that I am working on! There is no less detail on the little guys than on the bigger paintings. The smaller ones are just a bigger challenge!

I have several requests for smaller, inexpensive paintings that people can place on an easel, above a doorway, or any small space they chose. My collectors love these small paintings, both for their affordability and ease of travel. They love them because they fit into a suitcase or can be easily shipped.

Day number 88 in the series and I am still having a great time!

Magical Pair~Minature 6 x 12 Acrylic on canvas

Sand Dollar

A special request from a client visting Orange Beach Fairhope Connections. This sand dollar is one of several given to me by my daughter and will be part of a larger painting on down the road. I have also chosen to show the shadowbox frame that is so difficult to get! I buy them from Michaels and paint the unfinished wood in two seperate sessions to give them the sepia effect. The frames are not always in stock and last year, I had to have 35 shipped from California. They are the perfect frame though.

Sand Dollar 12 x 12 in Shadowbox frame Acrylic on canvas

The hunt for Mussels

This painting began with our trip to Coya Costa off the coast of Florida in May. I have never seen so many Ibis in one place. They were a delight to watch and photograph. The water off the Florida coast really is this pretty, clear and colorful. The water was too cloudy for snorkeling so I began photographing. I got several shots of this marvelous group of birds in action. They are colorful and bright, active and apparently hungry for mussels. It is a very comical sight seeing them chase each other for the "prize" when one of the birds catches a tasty morsel!

"The hunt for Mussels" acrylic on canvas 16 x 40

Nautilus my Nautilus

Todays entry is a request by a woamn at the Jubliee show last weekend. Her college days spent in a "new" house for the sorority group she was in has a Nautilus as it's symbol. It is their tenth anniversary and the alumni are redecorating the house for the girls living there now. She asked if I could paint one larger for the common area when she saw the sepia nautilus that was only 12 inches. She also wanted it in color. I told her I would have it completed by Grand Festival in Fairhope October 8th and 9th.

This painting completes day 85 of the 100 days and I am still loving every minute of the process!

Nautilus my Nautilus Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 30

Let's play who's got the mussel?

Todays entry is number 84!

This group of birds was fun to watch! When they are on the beach, and the waves are coming in, there is an almost endless supply of their food source found in mussels. They follow the waves after they come in dipping and diving their beaks deep into the sand, hunting........ Finally, one of them is successful and comes up with his prize! Too late! the others have spotted the mussel in his beak and the race is on. They scramble and chase, trying to get the tasty morsel that this bird worked so hard to snatch from the waves. I never was able to see if they remove the mussel from the shell, or swallow it whole.

Soon everyone is back to the water, dipping and plucking from the waters their hard earned prizes.

"Let's play who's got the mussel?" 10 x 10 acrylic on canvas

I'll go my way.....

"I'll go my way....." is the companion pice to "You go your way". These birds are incredibly beautiful and I really can't wait to paint them in color! With their red legs and faces ending in a black beak, they are a study in crisp, pure color. When I them to the clean, clear, Florida waters off the coast of Coya Costa, I am certain that there will be a lovely painting produced. I was amazed at the amount of these birds just hanging out together and hunting for mussels in the crashing waves. The flock was no less than 15 birds although they moved so much I will have to count them using my photos. I was able to get several great shots of them on the beach and in the water. I look forward to putting brush to canvas and seeing what comes out! This painting catches me up for the weekend! Number 83 in the series of 100 days~100 paintings.

"I'll go my way....." 6 x 12 Acrylic on Canvas

You go your way.......

Named "You go your way...." because when one of the birds would turn, they would all eventually follow. These Ibis were so beautiful to watch! I had never seen them with more than one or two at a time and here was an entire flock of them. I also had never seen them surf fishing. Well, surf musseling at least. These guys were virtually unaffected by the people on the beach. They would simply walk away because they did not want to be seperated from their quest for fresh mussels. It was such a delight to see them dipping, diving and going back and forth in their hurried hunt for seafood! This flock feels right at home on Coya Costa Island off the coast of Florida. Only accessible by boat, it is well worth the trip to see the vast assortment of birds, shells, turtle nests, and fish that call the island home.

You go your way....6 x 12 acrylic on canvas

Terns Turn!

I am always surprised by the behavior of these funny little birds. Sandpipers find their way into several of my paintings, together and seperately. This guy was the brave little fellow that came within inches of my sandwich while begging. He never even hesitated picking up the small pieces of bread tossed to his eager beak. The only time he would move was if I moved too suddenly while trying to photograph him in such close quarters. I really enjoyed his visit! This painting is number 81-It hardly seems I have started at all!

Terns Turn! 10 x 10 Acrylic on canvas

Long legs = Fast bird!

Have you ever noticed how the shore birds always seem to run away from you on the beach? This guy was no exception on Costa Coya. While a little less wary than our birds in Gulf Shores, Alabama he still kept a close eye on me as I walked the beach. They are lovely birds to look at with beautiful vermiculation on their heads. They also fly quickly when threatened, but not very far because they might miss the next mussel in the waves! This painting is for Thursday and marks number 80 in the 100 days!

This weekend he will be at the Jubilee Festival in Daphne, Alabama Come and see 10-5 Saturday and Sunday September 24th &25th 2011

Long Legs = Fast Bird! 10 x 10 Acrylic on canvas

Free to be Me!

Turtles are always going to be a favorite of mine to paint, and this one was just plain fun! I really enjoy their expressions and those beautiful all knowing eyes. I once had a turtle follow me at an aquarium and I don't know if he felt Iwould not hurt him or if I looked like one of his handlers! One of my goals in life is to go to the beach in Hawaii where the turtles swim ashore. I want to lay in the water with them and photograph!

Free to be me! 6 x 12 Acrylic on canvas

Catch of the Day

Crabs are always a favorite of mine to paint. Catch of the Day was the result of my neighbor bringing me a mess of crabs to my kitchen one fall afternoon. I put them on the dock in a large container. love the colors on these animals, they never cease to fascinate me. This painting catches me up to present on the series for 100 days.

Catch of the Day 20 x 20 Acrylic on Canvas

Gliding Along

Another of the series of Turtles passes beneath my brush. We went o the Turtle Hspital in Marathon, Florida this past spring in May. I really enjoyed that trip, camping and photographing the vast areas and animals of Florida. This one was painted while on the cruise as well, sitting by the pool in the bright sunshine.

Gliding Along 6 x 6 Acrylic on canvas

A different Point of view

This turtle was being held when I snapped this picture of the green turtle baby. Thus the different point of view. He was fun to paint! This one was painted on the cruise as well number 76 of 100 days for September 18th entry.

A Different Point of View 6 x 6 acrylic on canvas

I'm ready for my close up!

This turtle was painted on my recent cruise. I find painting while on vacation relaxing and plan on continuing to do so at every opportunity! This guy was another of the turtle at the hspital in Marathon, Florida. They do great work there, saving turtles that are injured, have a virus that causes tumors, wrapped up in fishing line, or have a belly ache that is caused by any number of items ingested. They rescue,rehab,release as much as possible.

they are going to carry my cards as a donation in their gift shop as soon as I can get them shipped and sent! This painting is number 75 in the 100 days~100 paintings series. September 17th's entry!

I'm ready for my close up! acrylic on canvas 6 x 12

Joey

Joey was one of the residents at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida. The hospital has been there for several decades and is really a great place to visit. Very educational and informative. They have several permanent residents, but Joey was not one of them. He was there long enought to make sure he was healthy and able to forage and feed on his own. In the meantime, he was used as a turtle travler to the schools. Theis little guy obviously loved his handler, following him around the pool as he walked and talked to the tour. He constantly was reaching toward him with his flipper, trying to get out of the pool.

Joey 6 x6 deep edge canvas acrylic

Baby Green

Baby Green is one of the larger paintings. I painted this while working in the church office at Celebration Church. Chris and I found this church online and I think we have found a home for worship and praise. The people are friendly and helpful and the new campus is awesome! If you don't have a church home on the Eastern shore towards Fairhope, consider this one, always a surprise waiting around every corner!

Baby Green 13 x 20 custom made deep edge canvas acrylic

Starfish Study

Starfish Study was painted on the cruise as well. I spent many a happy hour by the pools on deck painting to my hearts content. I am really happiest when I am with my beloved Chris. I missed him while on the cruise he gave me for my birthday. Painting in my studio or out in public comes in a close second. I am getting ready for the fall show season and the paintings are easy to create. The hard part has been stopping long enough to post! I appreciate the patience of the people following the blog, waiting for the next creation to come out of the studio!

Starfish Study 4 x 4 acrylic on canvas

Sand Dollar Study

This is another of the series of studies for a larger painting in the works. I love to paint sand dollars and this one was no different. I painted this one while on my cruise recently.

Sand Dollar Study 4 x 4 acrylic on Canvas

Conch Baby

Conch Baby is basically a repeat of a painting done earlier this series. When I went on a cruise recently, we found a small conch while snorkeling at Cozumel. I love to snorkel, and my new friend, Amy does too! It was delightful seeking out and showing each other the different things we found while in the cool, clear waters off the coast. I spent more time in the water than out while we were there at the resort for the day. The conch we found was only about 5 inches and really clean and pretty. We both took pictures with it and Amy put it into her backpack. She has found a conch on each of her trips to Mexico and I was glad we found it!

Conch Baby 4 x 4 acrylic on canvas

Channel Marker 7

Channel marker 7 is located near the boat dock on the way to Coya Costa, Florida. This guy was chillin out waiting for the day to begin. Our boat ride was early and he was drying out after an early fishing expedition. I love to paint pelicans andI painted this one while on a cruise out of Mobile, Alabama. People are always amazed that I paint while on vacation or at shows. I cannot sit still and do nothing, so I paint! I am surrounded by people reading books and I find it very relaxing. It also gives me the opportunity to talk with people about my websites and blog. I also hand out cards to anyone who asks. I really enjoy talking with the public while I am out and about, so if you happen to find me painting don't hesitate to have a chat!

Channel Marker 7 acrylic on canvas 4 x 12

Pelican with Attitude

This pelican resides on the Fairhope Pier. Chris and I walk the pier frequently as do several residents, tourists, and locals. On any given night, when the fish are biting there may be a couple dozen folks fishing for anything from croakers to white trout. I have even seen a small 3 ft shark brought up from the depths of our Mobile Bay. The fishing techniques vary from cast nets, expensive rods and reels, to bamboo poles. All are effective at bringing in the bounty from the sea.

This guy hangs out hoping for a hand out and the fishermen don't disappoint! Quite frequently he is tossed the smaller catches or bait fish that come in. I have seen him steal bait fish as well from the cast nets that come onto the dock.

Pelican with Attitude 6 x 12 acrylic on canvas

Coya Costa Shorebird

This little guy was rather funny to watch. He snuck up, hoping to cage chips and bits of bread from our lunch. He calls Coya Costa home.

Coya Costa is a state park off the coast of Sandia Island, Florida. It is only accessible by boat and is well worth the trip. Chris and I had several lovely hours basking in the abundant Florida sun, walking the beach, and photographing the many types of birds that reside there. There are cabins on the Island with primitive ammenties and they all were full. I wonder if Chris would be game to go there and stay with our dogs for a while?

This bird was very happy to stay just out of reach, but close enough for me to get really beautiful photos extremely close up. I loved it and the island and I hope to go back for an extended stay.

Coya Costa Shorebird 10 x 10 acrylic on canvas

Herons Flight

Another in the series of heron paintings from the trip to Perdido Key. This large bird was so aggressive in his stance. Confident he would be fed, he did not hesitate to fly to an out of the way piling to get away from people and dogs. He did not leave, just waited for the next opportunity for free fish!

Number 66 of the 100 days ( September 8th)
Herons Flight 6 x 6 acrylic on canvas

Nautilus

The Nautilus shell has always fascinated me. The cruise I went on recently had me loving them again. The inside is a beautiful spiral, starting from the creatures earliest beginnings.

I will alway love painting them! Another in the sepia series, this one is available at Fairhope Connections in downtown Fairhope, Alabama. This painting is a catch up, sorry for the delay on posting for those that are keeping up! Number 65 (September 7th)

Nautilus 4 x 4 acrylic on canvas.

Mighty Tiny

I really enjoy painting small interesting little canvases. This shell is larger than life on this canvas. In real life, this shell is only about an inch in size. It is green and speckled with lovely bits of brown and white. The inside is pearled and so pretty to look at.

It is a baby version of a shell I got in the Phillipines when I was about 7 years old. Tony and I were in the boat while my parents were diving. When I was not swimming, Tony would point things out below and sometimes would bring up whatever I had spied. That shell is one of my most vivid memories from that special time in my life. It is still a lovely shade of green and brown and I have the 'door' that the animal had to close it's home. It resides in my studio now. Reminding me of childhood................

Mighty Tiny Acrylic on Canvas 4 x 4 inches Day 64 of 100 days

Starfish Starfish

We are feeling a bit water logged right now as we are still feeling the effects of Tropical Storm Lee. This is the 5th straight day of rain. While we had a deficiency of precepitation around here, I did not want to make it all up in one episode!

Starfish are always a favorite of mine to paint and good thing too! Last year I had no less than 3 seperate people wanting the same painting of a starfish within 10 mins! Some it is just a remembrance, others honeymoon bliss, some just collect them or think they are pretty. I just know my mother and I were both shocked when that happened at the Peter Anderson Show last year.

It has made me firm in my commitment that if I see something I like and want, I purchase it right then and there! I have been disappointed myself when something was not there when I came back to get it.

If you happen to be at one of the shows I am in and see something, ask me to hold it for an hour, I will be happy to oblige! Many was the time I have held something and had others come back to buy it only to find it gone or on hold. I once even had a guy leave his number just in case the first person did not show! Turned out well for him, he got the prize he wanted for his very happy daughter! This painting marks day 63 of the 100 days~100 paintings.

Starfish Starfish Acrylic on Canvas 4 x 4

Upward Conch

The conch is always a favorite of mine to paint. It is a very interesting shell. I love the spikes on the top that show the growth of the animal inside from a tiny creature to the large shells that they become.

On a trip to Horn Island in 2004 with the Ohr museum I had the pleasure of blowing one of these shells that had been made into a horn. The sound is really beautiful on the beach and it was what we used to call everyone to dinner. You have to 'buzz' into it like a trumpet to make the sound. It is very rich when done properly, not to mention a lot of fun! These little paintings are all available at Fairhope Connection in Fairhope, Alabama.

'Upward Conch' Acrylic on Canvas 4 x 4 $35.00

Downward Conch

One of the things to try in the Keys is Conch. There are advertisements for Conch Fritters on virtually every menu in the keys. My husband and I had never tried them, so when they were offered on a seafood platter we were excited. Let me tell you, they are a workout for your jaws! They are extremely chewy, tough and the flavor was, well just not there for us. Maybe it was the people cooking the conch, but we will never try it again. Now Calamari, that's a whole different story!

Downward Conch Acrylic on canvas 4 x 4

Bubble Shell Front

Even more interesting to paint is the front of the Bubble shell. It has a lot more visual interest because of the opening where the animal used to reside. I really enjoy minature paintings and I hope it shows. This little guy is a part of a series of small paintings that are affordable and fun to hang in tight spaces such as between doorways. This painting is number 60 in the 100 days~100 paintings.

Bubble Shell Front Acrylic on Canvas 4 x 4

Bubble Shell Back

These little shells are a challenge to paint because there is so little color on them. It does not make it any less interesting to put to canvas though! The challenge is magnified by the knowledge that this little guy is on a 4 x 4 canvas! Fairhope Connection has been so supportive of my works ever since I have moved to Fairhope. It is a great little Gallery located at 7 Section Street downtown Fairhope. They are also located in Orange Beach. Helen is a wonderful person to work with as is Joe. We are currently redesigning the store in Fairhope with a new floorplan and more upscale look. I am pleased to say that they are now carrying my sepias as well at the Fairhope store and Orange Beach.

Bubble Shell Back Acrylic on Canvas 4 x 4

Nautilus II

This view from the side of the Nautilus shows a little more of the creature itself. They really are a remarkable design created by our God to give us something new to look at. I wonder when naming the creatures, how would Adam have looked at this animal and not have shuddered. There would have been no fear at that time though, so I can only imagine what went through his head. I know now that many movies have made these beautiful animals into monsters, seemingly morphing them into gigantic size. I am really glad in reality they are small and capable of being handled in the water.

Our oceans really contain some of the most beautiful creatures on our planet. We really need to pay attention to what we are putting in our waters and ultimately, our own bodies as we eat from the bounty that is the sea. This painting completes todays entry number 58 of the 100 days~100 paintings.

Nautilus II Acrylic on Canvas 12 x 12 Shadowbox frame

Nautilus I

I love the Nautilus shell and it's appeal seems to be universal. Most people don't ever see the creature that lives inside. It reminds me of a squid or Octopus, only with a hard shell outside. It has multiple arms and really is quite beautiful when swimming in the ocean. My parents never actually caught one while in the Phillipines, but my mother did buy one to add to their collection. Of the many shells in our collection this one is one of my favorites because of it's uniqueness and beauty.

Nautilus I Acrylic on Canvas 12 x 12 shadowbox frame

Polkadot Starfish

Having snorkled with my parents in the Phillipines, I have seen many starfish. I really enjoy watching them move along the sea floor. I was also fascinated in Biology class to see how they eat. They don't move very quickly though, and frequently become victims of other predators. The unique thing about them is that they can regenerate an arm if it becomes removed due to stress or injury. At one time, I think they were being studied to learn how they can regrow a limb in an effort to help people with spinal cord injuries. I hope that someday we can decipher the code that makes that happen. Our God is an awesome planner and when he made the starfish, he did not spare either color, details, or beauty. This marks day 56 of the 100 days and covers Monday.

Polkadot Starfish Acrylic 12 x 12 Sepia with shadowbox frame.

Just Catchin a Wave

I have fond memories of surfing as a child, what little bit I got to do as I did not own a board. I loved the way this guy was working so hard to perfect his technique and stay on his board. His board is really a skim board and not a long board. I photographed him early this Spring at the Fairhope Beach. It really was beginning to get warm in the air temperature, but I am certain that the water was still very cold. He just could not wiat for warm weather to try out the skim board.

I enjoy watching others trying out new things. I was really pulling for the kid that was learning to water ski behind our condo recently. The father was yelling directions, but in the long run, the only way you can get better at something is to practice. (It also helps to have someone teaching you with patience!) I felt bad for her because the advice the dad was giving was weird. Somehow, she finally popped up out of the water and I cheered inwardly because I remember the feeling of satisfaction when finally "getting" something. Have you tried something different and out of your comfort zone recently? I find myself challenged on a daily basis, either with something entirely new or a new way to do something I have never done before.

Just Catchin a Wave Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 36

My Fascination

I can't promise that there won't be more Liofish but as you can tell they are one of my fascinations. I love the way they move through the water with grace and quiet. That is, until they see prey then they become the hunter. I sure would not want to be the prey!

This painting gets a number of 54. I really have to get better at posting these things on time! I can get them painted, just the photographing and posting is getting my goat! Thanks to my followers for patience!

My Fascination Acrylic on Canvas 12 x 12 Shadowbox Frame

Forward Motion

Forward Motion is another in the sepias series of art. The sepias are still a very popular item in my booths at the art shows. Neutral and beautiful, they are in collections all over the United States. People love them because they are able to go on any wall color. I have even had collectors take pictures of them on their walls! I really enjoy doing them and hope you enjoy them as well.

Another Lionfish to be sure, I don't know if I would like this fellow swimming toward my mask underwater!

This completes the 53rd day of paintings with many more to go!

Forward Motion Acrylic on Canvas 12 x 12

A Skewed Point of View

If you have not realized it by now, I get on "runs" of certain things! This past week seems to be the infamous Lionfish. They have become quite the problem, from the Florida Keys to the Outer Banks. Just about everywhere they have a bounty on their heads dead or alive. Down in the Keys, they even want to know the GPS location if possible! No doubt a beautiful fish, but also a deadly killer as it eats other fish! They have poisonous barbs and they also encircle their prey with those fins.They seem to take over anywhere they are found and muscle out the native species. Such it is when man steps in, they get too big for the fish tank, they eat the other fish and so man decides to "harmlessly" release him to the ocean. Not so harmlessly it seems!

A Skewed Point of View Acrylic on canvas 12 x 12