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