Shells, Pelicans and cigar boxes?

This painting represents day 96 of the 100 days. It is another of the shell series I have been doing on 10 x 10 canvases. The colored paintings on white backgrounds are selling well and I am pleased to offer them again this year. 

Nautilus 10 x 10 Acrylic on canvas, Day 96 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

Days 97 and 98 are Pelicans on a new series offered for the first time this year. I started painting on reclaimed cigar boxes, both as a way to recycle and a way to have something unique to offer my customers. I have painted 14 so far, with more of them threatening to take over the studio. I am pleased to say, they are selling very well as a novelty and gift item.

Cigar box pelicans I and II, Acrylic, Days 97 & 98 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

Day 99 found me teaching a class to my Scripts & Strokes small group at my church. We do paintings based on scripture, and this one has to do with God taking care of even the birds of the air.

Birds of the Air, acrylic on 16 x 20 canvas, Day 99 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

More cigar box paintings filled my day 100. Getting ready for the National Shrimp Festival is a chore in itself, with packing and trying to remember everything necessary for a show. Even with a list, I forget to bring things and we have to modify parts of the tent to allow us to put on a show. 

My husband Chris, did a great job making a french wall insert for "his" tent so we could have a sales area behind. He has such a wonderful way of being able to make what I envision. He is also an invaluable help before, during , and after the shows, silently (mostly), quietly(sometimes), listening (I think he is hard of hearing) to me as we set up, break down, and pack up. I could do the shows solo, but it is much more fun with a husband that is so supportive and loving. 

To you Chris, I dedicate this last day of the 100 paintings, for the meals missed, the ability to cook, (or at least "make" dinner by taking us out), for tolerating my grumpiness at yet another show with no "award" but many sales, rejoicing, laughing, traveling, making new friends, but most of all, believing in me enough to support what I love doing. I am so lucky to have a life partner that believes in me and sweats with me doing this thing called art!

Day 100 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings, Acrylic on cigar boxes. 

Shells, Longitudes, Latitudes and Clowns!

Sand Dollars are a rarity along the coastline now, although my mother told me you could find them all over when she was younger. I have found literally dozens of tiny baby ones early in the turtle nesting season. It is a joy to see them, but also tinged with sadness. Usually by the time they wash up onshore, they are most likely no longer alive. They will live on in my paintings because I will never tire of painting them!

Sand Dollar Day 90 of the 100 days 10 x 10 acrylic on canvas.

Turbins, I have always called them this, because of the way they coil onto themselves. I love to paint them, draw them, and find them. Some day I will get the shell collection from my parents home and display the treasures from the sea that fill my childhood memories

Turbin, acrylic on canvas, 10 x 10, Day 91 of the 100 Days

I have always called these cones, because they resemble the cones shells in the Philippines. The cones in the ocean there are deadly poisonous, so I learned to never pick them up. My father once tried desperately to save a girl that had been stung, but sadly she died. He held me a little tighter after that experience, because she reminded him of the fragility of life.

Cone Shell, 10 x 10 Acrylic on canvas, Day 92 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

Horsehead Conch, so called because of it's shape. I have not been lucky enough to find one here, but I have found them in Florida. Sanibel Island is the best place for shelling in the United States. I plan on going back one day and staying on Coya Costa, primitive camping in a cabin, and just unplugging from the world.

Horsehead Conch, 10 x 10 , Acrylic on canvas, Day 93 of the 100 Days

Enough said, Longitude and Latitudes for our local area. I plan on distressing these before they make it to shows on the coast. I am also putting them on Cigar boxes as a different way of storing items. I may add a compass rose and coastline map as well, still sketching in my mind!

Longitudes and Latitudes, each one 3x9 inches, acrylic on canvas, Day 94 of the 100 Days

Wanting something happy to paint, I started a series of Clownfish. I have joyous memories of Clownfish, as they were one of the fish dad brought home from his dive trips.

Clownfish 1, 16 x 16, Acrylic on canvas

Actually a rework of one of the paintings from last year, This Clown has had more anemone added and fins made more black. 

Clownfish 2, 16 x 20, Acrylic on canvas

This guy was fun and happy to paint! I could watch them for hours, playing among the anemone. They have a wonderful relationship with the Anemone, helping to guard them and clean them.

Clownfish 3, 16 x 16, Acrylic on canvas

The completed set all together. 16 x 52 inches. Each one is a stand alone painting, but I hope someone wants them all!

Clownfish Trio, Acrylic on canvas, Day 95 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

Too Many days to count! 22 to be exact!

"Satisfied", Acrylic, 12 x 24 canvas, Day 68 of the 100 Days

"Baby Turtle", Acrylic cigar box, Day 69

"Bubble Shell Minis"Acrylic 4 x4s Day 70

Mahi Mahi, Cigar box Acrylic Day 71

Pelican , Cigar Box Acrylic Day 72

Nautilus, Cigar Box, Acrylic Day 73

Redfish, Cigar Box, Acrylic Day 74

Starfish, Cigar Box, Acrylic, Day 75

My Point of view, Cigar Box, Acrylic, Day 76

Red Sky at Night, Acrylic 4 x 12 Canvas, Day 77

Great Grays, Cigar Box, Acrylic, Day 78

Surf Strut, 12 x 12 Acrylic on canvas, Day 79

Artichoke Study, 5 x 7, Acrylic on canvas Day 80

The path well Taken, 16 x 20 Acrylic on canvas Day 81

Painted with Scripts & Strokes class, based on Micah6:8 Walk Humbly with your God

Middle Bay 1885, 20 x 20 Acrylic on canvas, Day 82 

Bubble Shell, 12 x 12 Acrylic on canvas, Day 83

Turtle Walk Starfish, 12 x 12 Acrylic on canvas, Day 84

Starfish Study I, Acrylic on canvas 12 x 12, Day 85

Starfish Study II, Acrylic on canvas 12 x 12, Day 86

Starfish Study III, Acrylic on canvas 12 x 12, Day 87

Starfish Study IV, Acrylic on canvas 12 x 12, Day 88

At the Bottom of the Sea, Acrylic on canvas 15 x 30, Day 89

Finally caught up to today! This one has been done for a while although I tweaked it just a touch. It actually is intended to hang lengthwise as you can see from the name in the corner. I love painting them and will never tire of the lovely starfish. Starfish take me back to the Phillipines when I was little, my parents scuba diving below me and Tony in the Bonka Boat. One day, I saw a starfish on the bottom, and Tony free dove to retrieve it for me. It was the most glorious blue I had ever seen.We took it home and placed it in our ant bed to clean it out. Several weeks later, we dug up our treasures and I was disappointed to find my lovely catch was not even a hint of blue! I insisted in my childish mind, to paint it back to its original color. It graced my bedroom for many years. I think it may even be packed with my parents collection in the attic, Some day, I will dig all of them out, and properly display the shells for everyone to see again.

Fall show season begins this weekend with our first one in Daphne, Alabama. I am worried about the weather, but God has a plan.  I know he will take care of the crazy life we call art here in the Raccoon Retreat Studio.

Scallop & Butterfly~Oh my!

Scallop is a 12 x 12 painting that was really fun to paint! I love all the colors that are on shells and they make great subject matter as well. I will be painting a lot of shells I think for the fall season. My husband has nudged me into purchasing 43 wooden boxes for the show offerings to the patrons that frequent our booth. They are all sanded and primed with multiple sea glass colors, patiently awaiting their various decorations over the next few weeks. 

Scallop 12 x 12 Acrylic on canvas, Day 66 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

Today's offering for the 100 Days is a butterfly fish. If you have been on a reef at least snorkeling, you have missed a real treat. We have one of the largest reefs in the United States at John Pennencamp (sp?) in the Florida Keys. You can take one of the many boat trips down there to see the coral, fish, and maybe spot a turtle, shark or lobster along the way!

Butterfly fish 12 x 12 ,Acrylic on canvas, Day 67 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings 

Did you say something? I & II

One of my bucket list things to do is to go to a jubilee. Jubilees happen in two places, the East coast of Mobile Bay and I have heard on the coast of Africa (not sure where). They may happen in other places,but we have them commonly around here during the late summer and fall. The fish, crabs, flounder, eels and everything that relies on oxygen in the water come rushing to the shore in a free for everyone catch all you can, then you either clean it or give it away. Fortunately, I have a neighbor that gives it away! We have been on the receiving end of her jubilee catches, buckets of crabs, and coolers full of Flounders. I want to watch one more than catch the bounty, to photograph and to paint the endless gifts from the seashore.

This beautiful crab is from one of those boundless catches. I photograph them before I cook them, so as to have an endless supply of references to paint. This lovely lady is part of a cabinet that Chris and I collaborated on for a Habitat for Humanity fund raiser to be auctioned off this coming Thursday, hopefully at a premium price!

Did you say something? I 10 x 20 Acrylic on canvas day 64 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

This lovely painting started as a demonstration for a watercolor class. She is large and more colorful than the photo. 

Did you say Something? II, 10 x 24 watercolor on paper, Day 65 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

available at Fairhope Connections in downtown Fairhope, Alabama

Wow! What a week!

       Is it possible to take a breather? Not when you live the artists life. We are constantly bombarded by the world that surrounds us, bringing us images that take our breath away, and inspire, no compel us to create.

       I have had people ask me how do you find 100 things to paint? I ask how do we not? I have a folder that is crammed with items I want to paint, some one a day, some for classes, some longer pieces that are more complicated. I imagine I will never run out of ideas, or not be asked to stretch my art in ways I never dreamed would happen. I the past few months I have taken on set design and execution, worked abstractly, worked realistically, created furniture from trash, (more on that in a later post), started a business teaching with a girlfriend, and built a turtle nest from clay, foam and sand. I love the act of creating and I am extremely grateful to be able to pay for supplies to help me create even more! I am even more grateful for the blessings bestowed upon me by my creator in the various forms of my talents.

       Fall shows are coming up and I could not be more excited. This painting shows what I put my hope in every day! My faith is strong, and I am hungry to learn more. This is one of three pieces celebrating the God who supports me and allows me to set my sights high. I know that there is more to come, and the horizon is bright. The other two pieces are hope and love, two things I live and thrive with every day.

These paintings are going to be available for Art Party to You. The fun part is, they can be customized to the colors in your home!

Faith,Hope, Love, each 5x7 Acrylic on gessoboard. Days 54,55,&56 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

Fleur De Lys are some of my favorite things to paint and this simple one was an enjoyable evening spent curled up on the couch while hanging out with my husband, Chris.

Day 57 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

Rose I is part of the series I am taking to India for our daughters wedding later this year. 

6x6 Acrylic on canvas Day 58 of the 100 Days ~100 Paintings

Rose II 6 x6 acrylic on canvas day 59 of the 100 Days

Rose III 6 x 6 Acrylic on canvas day 60 of the 100 Days

Rose IV 6x6 Acrylic on canvas day 61 of the 100 Days

Rose V 6x6 Acrylic on canvas day 62 of the 100 Days

Rose VI 6x6 Acrylic on canvas day 63 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

If you have managed to get this far, you are probably a regular reader of the blog and I apologize for not having posting daily. The past week has been filled with set design, set painting, tree building, furniture design, sanding and priming 43 cigar boxes for painting. I have also cleaned in the studio, condensed paint in preparation for classes as well as creating pieces for sale! The internet problems seem to have finally been repaired on a permanent basis. I just simply have been slammed with various things making me so tired at the end of the day that I have not been able to open  the computer and compose my thoughts on the keyboard. I will be doing a better job at this now that I am not completed frustrated by an internet connection that was spotty at best. 

Back at creating, composing, and craziness at the Raccoon Retreat Studio in Fairhope, Alabama!