Seahorse

I love painting these seemingly whimsical creatures

This one was a challenge though, as I had to draw the outline, fill it in with lighter colored paint, then transfer the details.

Not too difficult, but time consuming for sure!

Well now on to the show results.

Another long day in the heat that is our Southern Alabama in September.

I was optimistic this morning when we opened the tent for day two of the show.

By 9 am there were people already walking the venue before church. 

We set up an awning out front of the tent, in an effort o cut down on the heat. 

We also put a fan up in the roof blowing downward.

The fan did surprisingly well, while it was not cool in the tent, it was cooler than in the sun.

The sun itself was in and out today and there was a nice breeze.

Overall, beautiful weather in spite of the heat.

The ice cream vendors did booming sales this weekend.

Me not so much.

I have had my first (and hopefully only!) 

ZERO, (yes $0.00!) show.

This has been about 20 years in the making folks.

Am I disappointed, yes.

Am I devastated, no.

I am confident of my pricing, painting, and preparations for shows. 

God has great things in store for me.

 I just have to have patience.

Patience that God will take care of me in his own due time.

I just have to be persistent and consistent.

Persistent in creating and consistent in my quality.

I also must become more humble of my talents that he has bestowed upon me.

I must remember that God has always provided for me.

Then, God will open the storehouse for me!

I am blessed, not stressed.

On to the next show!

National Shrimp Festival in Gulf shores, Alabama

October 10th -13th

Seahorse, Acrylic on poured background, 10 x 20 inches

Day 90 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Mystical Mermaid IV & V

Mystical Mermaids indeed!

Our day yesterday was rather hectic, so I was just too tired to post.

It started with us getting breakfast and walking the dogs for 30 minutes.

Once home, we kept pups inside and moved the van to the barn.

We flipped seats, made a cargo bed, added plastic from the roll around projects from Winn Dixie.

The large plastic sheets make it easier to slide the equipment into the van.

We put the shelf units in that we bought last year, making a raised platform for the tent, sides, and other show pieces into the van. 

We then moved the van to the front door, releasing the hounds after we shut the gates.

I moved on to bringing down the multiple bags of artworks into the living room and then outside.

We loaded the art into the van so that we still had space for more if needed.

We locked up the van and got lunch, Chris took a nap, while I painted the afternoon away.

At 4pm we went and picked up the packet for the show and I told them we would be setting up later.

After going home, I went back to the studio for a bit, and then got a shower.

At 6pm, Chris took me to church for a women's event.

It was a lovely time, and I hate that I missed the Worship portion.

At 8pm we headed to the show site, and just as we predicted most were gone and zipped up for the night.

We were able to leisurely set up, with our only issue being the darkness.

We put up the main artworks, then zipped down ourselves for some well deserved rest.

We got home just about 10pm and got showers again.

Bedtime was about 10:30.

I woke up at 1am then again at 4am. 

I gave up at that point.

It gave me a chance to read my Bible and other readings for today.

We headed down after breakfast and at dawn, to finish setting up before the show started at 10am.

Set up went smoothly, with us having fans to try and keep us cool.

The fans did not work so well in the cooling department.

Kinda hard to cool down almost 90 degrees!

It's September Lord, can't we have a little fall?

Apparently not.

The day wore on,

 with lots of people complimenting my work, 

telling me how gorgeous it is,

 how my prices are reasonable,

all this while the sweat trickles down my back.

I tried to keep upbeat as the afternoon moved on,

More people, 

more compliments,

me thanking people for coming into the booth,

me trying to engage folks in conversations.

I celebrate my neighbors having sales!

There are purchases being made!

Large paintings go down the walkway, under the arms of eager patrons.

Late afternoon, and the heat becomes more intense because the sun is beating down into the booth.

I move my chair as I don't relish a sunburn this weekend.

More people, except now all of the Alabama and Auburn fans have melted away to game day parties.

Everyone is eating ice cream, drinking cold drinks, iced coffees, lemonades and other things cold to drink.

I myself have downed several bottles of water, a bottle of tea, and a soft drink.

Meanwhile, I talk to folks coming in, trying to steer the conversations away from the heat.

Why do I tell you this so vividly?

I want you to know something that most artists keep a secret.

We are frustrated trying to figure out pricing, what to paint, how to paint, etc..

All the months of labor, lovingly packed and hung for people to see.

Booth fees, jury fees, and other expenses.

Today saw this woman have not ONE single sale.....

I have prayed this afternoon for others to have been more fortunate.

I found out at the artists reception that there were others not making anything either.

God always watches out for me, he watches out for you too!

We are to turn to him in times of trouble like this.

God is testing me for sure!

The heat, no sales make for one unhappy artist at times.

I ask God, what are you teaching me?

Patience.

Persistence.

Provision.

Lord I hear you!

He's got my back, and I know he's got yours too!

Happy swimming!

Mystical Mermaids IV & V, Acrylic on poured background, each 4x12 inches

Days 88 and 89 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Mystical Mermaid III

Mystical Mermaids continue!

Today finds the backside of one swimming away!

I really enjoy painting these.

What I don't enjoy is conflict.

I posted something that two people disagree with 

on a popular website.

Your first guess on the website is probably right!

Anyway, I seem to have ruffled feathers with the Global Warming post about Greta. 

For the record, I believe we need to do something, 

anything to help out our planet.

Yes the United States is working on it, but we could still do more.

Yes Children today grow up differently from how we did.

We grew up drastically different from our parents and grandparents!

We are slowly but surely destroying our planet with our garbage, chemicals, and lack of sound conservation practices.

On the other counts, I guess I'll have to respectfully disagree!

I am ready for the show this weekend.

I hope to see some of you there, even if just to look!

Mystical Mermaid III, Acrylic on poured background, 4 x 12 inches

Day 87 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Mystical Mermaid II

The mermaids are just plain fun!

This one is primarily orange and coral with turquoise accents.

Another one based on vintage photos!

Today found the studio absolutely covered in paintings all over my large table.

Today was varnishing day!

When I get to this point, I know I'm close to a show.

There are still several paintings to create because we have not even begun shows yet.

There are also galleries to swap out artworks with on a regular basis.

I try to keep my works fresh and clean, sometimes even painting over them in an effort to sell them.

Painting over them usually works too!

After varnishing, we left to get lunch and some lumber for a project Chris is working on for a friend.

I stopped in at Hobby Lobby and purchased another roll of canvas.

 I have 6 more shadowboxes to stretch, made with the Restore stretchers we got for free.

Chris combined two together, then built the central box from wood in the shop.

The edges of the 24's are more rounded while the 27's have a larger opening in the middle.

Once stretched, I will need to paint them white.

Hopefully I'll sell enough this weekend to buy a gallon of white Liquitex acrylic from Dick Blick.

Hopefully I'll pay myself back some booth fees as well!

Coming back home after lunch, the varnishing from this morning was dry. 

I spent the next couple of hours putting hangers and wires on them.

There are several bags of already packed paintings ready to go now!

The first show will be beautiful, with lots of color in addition to the sepias on white. 

We will probably bring the pop up tent, because the weather is supposed to be nice.

THAT will make Chris really happy!

Lot easier to set up and break down, but it is a fair weather tent!

Ah Show season!

I LOVE IT!

Mystical Mermaid II, Acrylic on poured background, 4x12 inches

Day 86 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Mythical Mermaid I

I hope you are not tired of mermaids!

I started a series of 5 mermaids on the poured backgrounds.

These are small originals created just for fun.

They are just lovely on their watery sea like canvases.

I look forward to the rest of them.

Today was a busy day for both of us!

Chris started his day by going to men's coffee while I did my bible readings for the day.

When he came home, we were supposed to go look for a campground 

to stay at during the shrimp festival in October.

What he didn't know was I had been on the computer and phone, searching for a campsite.

By the time he arrived, I had information about a place we stayed at 

years ago that we are going to give a try again.

This campground had seen better days the last time we came by, but the reviews seem positive.

Here's hoping we end up a winner, and not a dud!

Any way, as excited as I was about the campsite, he was more excited about something we had seen behind our local grocery store. 

The store has been renovating for weeks now, and some of their store displays were out back.

Chris had checked and they had signs on them "free".

He called just to be sure, and off we went.

These displays were made in the USA, and were built to withstand heavy produce.

They were used of course, but we could see value in them.

At first, Chris just wanted one for the shop.

We decided to take a chance and bring them all home.

It took both of us to dismantle them, and three truckloads to bring them home.

There were a total of 5 of them, 2 square 40 x 40 inches and 

3 larger ones with a drawer each measuring 30 x 48.

When we got them all home, we started calling friends.

3 of them have already found homes in other men's shops!

One will become a table, two others will be roll around tables.

The other two, Chris has already cut down one and added a lower shelf.

He then put the tabletop from a project for our Pastor on top. 

Now we have a very nice work surface that rolls into places we need it.

I will be using it tomorrow myself to put my belt sander on.

I will be sanding the slats pulled from two of the tables for our combined 

scarecrow/snowmen project in my Scripts & Strokes class.

We have one left, they are so nice I'm sure I won't have to do much convincing 

to get it in our shop space together!

We also went to out local Hobby lobby and purchased new brushes for Scripts & Strokes.

Yea new brushes! We had lunch, and I went to the dentist for the first time in two years.

We've really got to get dental insurance.  

But, no cavities ma!

Such is life here in Fairhope, getting ready for another show season, painting, projects,

and anything else life throws at us!

Mythical Mermaid I, Acrylic on poured background, 4x12 inches

Day 85 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019 

Blessings

Blessings indeed!

Scripts & Strokes class tonight at Celebration Church.

I am indeed very blessed.

I have food enough to share.

I have a car.

I have talent enough to share with others.

I have a home that is ours.

I have friends that are wonderful.

I have family that is blessed in their talents.

I have a job I love.

I have a wonderful church.

I have a long lasting marriage to a man that I love dearly.

I am saved.

I am the daughter of a King!

I am blessed beyond my biggest imagination.

I can only imagine what heaven is like, but  I know it will be amazing!

Blessings. Acrylic on canvas, 11 x 14

Day 84 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Playful trio!

Oh my !

I forgot to post last night!

I was so focused on painting, it totally slipped my mind!

(That and trying to get a sinus infection!)

Anyway, here ya go!

Today's post focuses on the playfulness of dolphins.

I love to watch them leap and jump in the wakes of boats.

One time we were even lucky enough to have them visit a sailboat we were on under motor.

It was a bonus visit as we were going to watch fireworks too on the river in downtown Mobile.

The child that was with us, was enchanted and so was I!

Such beauty in a powerful body created so skillfully by our Master!

We should be more like dolphins...

Taking the opportunity to be carefree and have some fun sometimes!

Chris and I were fascinated one time by a pod of dolphins in the bay.

This pod had a baby in their midst, as evidenced by the small fin breaking the surface.

The pod was feeding on a school of fish when all of a sudden they stopped.

The baby could not keep pace with the others and the mother stayed back to guard it.

The largest one starting swimming quickly around the pod, chasing the fish into the middle of the group.

Lots of splashing, feeding, and jumping!

By the time they finished, there was a large group of people watching the show.

It was amazing to see the cooperation by the group to show this baby how to eat with others.

All in our beautiful Mobile Bay!

Playful Trio, Acrylic on multiple canvases, 2 ft x 5ft

Day 83 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Tentacles, tentacles everywhere!

This  made for an interesting day!

It also made for a long one too!

Quite large in fact, 2 ft x 5 ft , actually a little bigger.

I am really in the groove for shows now, let the sepias begin!

I started the day with my usual bible readings, and a good breakfast provided by my husband.

Chris and our son Jere' went to our local restaurant, Waffle House 

to get breakfast and brought home something for me.

I am so blessed by a husband that thinks about me when he is out.

I then headed to my women's bible study at the pier.

I was the leader today for Really Bad Girls of the bible.

My chapter was number 3 and was about the adulterous woman.

Jesus was represented by an art professor no less!

I pray my "teaching" was understandable and provoking them to dig further into God's word.

We then walked about 2 1/2 miles.

I have managed to let a head cold into my body.

It's not real bad, but I sure hope I can fight it off enough to get well by next weekend.

Next weekend...

This time next week we will be finished with day one of the Jubilee Festival.

I pray it is at least as good as last years show.

Tentacles, tentacles everywhere! Acrylic on canvas, 2 ft x 5 ft

Day 82 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Out of the Deep II

Created from the same pour that brought me Out of the Deep. 

The browns and gray's are incredible.

I cannot wait to see it varnished along with the others in my studio.

The poured backgrounds are just so gorgeous and almost effortless. 

I did enhance the  water on this one, adding foam and water lines.

I love to watch water move, I could absolutely watch it all day, especially the surf with it's foam.

Just lovely!

Sepias are coming, I promise!

I also made room in the studio for further works coming from the easel in the Raccoon Retreat studio.

This time of year, it gets crowded in my space.

I have actually started my list of packed items to get them off the shelves and out of the way.

I am a bag-a-holic with lots of different size bags to contain the artworks and make packing easier.

Chris loves it when the bags make blocks on which he can stack the pieces 

on top of one another with no damage.

There were several pieces over the course of our years traveling and doing shows that were damaged.

The bags minimize the dents and possible broken stretcher bars.

I really enjoy painting, but this evening I must finalize my teaching for the morning SLAM group meeting.

SLAM is Sweating Like A Momma group from church. 

We are studying really bad girls of the bible and it is interesting to say the least.

God's blessings on you this day!

Out of the Deep II, Acrylic on poured background, 12 x 24

Day 80 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Keeping a watchful eye

Today begins a new series of outdoor art pieces.

This one is on a piece of recycled Hardiboard from our porch addition this past spring.

Our house is only 1050 square feet, with 500 of the footage being my beautiful studio upstairs.

We live in 550 square feet. 

The porch added another 250 for outdoor living.

My studio area is perfect for me!

I have a half bath, sewing area, plentiful tables, storage galore, computer, printer, and easel for creating.

It's a lot of art fitted into a small space. 

I am extremely grateful for my large studio, at least compared to what others have told me they create in!

 thank God every day for a husband that loves me enough to give me space for creating.

I love him to the moon and back!

So much, I got rid of a ton of recycled art supplies and cleared space in the barn for his studio.

His studio fills the back of the barn, 12 x 24 feet.

He is a wood turner and he is so happy in his "Studio".

When we built his space, we added a mezzanine above for my recycled art supplies, 

decorations for holidays, and general storage for the girls.

Last year, he added the coolest ladder to get to the top. 

It can slide in flat, or angle out making it much easier to get things up and down.

We also have things up there for future projects, one of which was used just in the past week.

We had found a cabinet while "dumpster diving " last week.

I cleaned it up and told him, this is for cooking out, and BBQ.

I knew he wanted a sink out there, so we pulled a cabinet from the upstairs 

and added a sink we bought at a yard sale.

All told, the sink and cabinet were about $40 total.

Anyway I digress.....

The Hardiboard came from the back of our home when we did the porch.

I've had several people ask about outdoor art and this is my solution, using something that can withstand the elements. (and maybe not mildew like canvases will!)

Anyway, I did not smooth it out, (I have a friend that does with a slurry and a totally different style of art!)

I left the texture, so it looks like wood without deteriorating like wood.

My husband is contemplating putting resin on it.

Hmmmm......

I don't know about that, I may have to consult with my friend in Mississippi.

Still , a poured background and the holes from nails. (it is after all, recycled)

I drilled additional holes and will add a wire after we varnish or resin.

That's another day though!

Keeping a watchful eye, Acrylic on Hardiboard, approx. 12x 12

Day 80 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Peaceful

Peaceful indeed!

I am at peace about a lot of things.

We are constantly bombarded with things that will disturb our peace.

Alarms, deadlines, chores, meals, family, or other assorted things thrown our way by the enemy.

When things become too much for me, I pray.

I tell God, okay I know you've got this for me.

I'm going to give it to you, because I can't handle the situation.

I am then at peace.

I really understood the peace that surpasses all understanding the afternoon my mother died suddenly.

My father accidentally called me, trying to call the paramedics.

He then told me to get off the d**m phone and hung up on me.

I fell to my knees in the driveway as I was outside packing for Arts and Crafts set up that evening.

I started crying uncontrollably.

I then cried out to God.

"I told God no! not now! not today!"

I then realized what I had said, and prayed to God.

"Not my will, but your will be done."

"But, if it is your will, give me peace."

I immediately felt washed over with overwhelming love and peace.

I believe I had a glimpse of heaven that day, not with my earthly eyes, but with my heart.

I stood up and the deep grief that had caused me to collapse, was gone.

I called my brother and asked him to go check on our parents, as I was an hour away.

When he called and told me she was indeed gone, I sat down on the sidewalk in front of the chamber.

The other Artists began stepping over me, not sure what to do in this situation.

I called my girlfriend and told her what had happened.

She said where are you?

Out front.

The chamber people were wonderful, offering me the chance to back out of the show.

I told them I would give an answer by 8pm that evening.

The phone calls started coming in.

I was still at peace on the way to my fathers side.

I asked everyone that called what they thought about the show.

Incredibly they all said, do it!

She would be mad at you if you didn't

So true!

So began a weekend of witnessing to others the peace that had been given to me!

Such a joyful weekend that my heavenly father rescued me from the depths of despair.

People were in utter disbelief that knew of my relationship with my mother.

She was indeed my best friend.

Peace.

Have you asked for yours today?

Phillipians 4:7

Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Peaceful, Acrylic on poured background, 12 x 24

Day 79 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Deep Waters

Deep waters is now one of my favorites for certain.

I just LOVE the way the poured background and bubbles came together almost seamlessly.

I actually saw this painting last night while teaching the Scripts & Strokes class at Celebration Church.

I knew I had this background in my studio, and had been trying to figure out what to paint on top.

I had asked for guidance from the Holy Spirit and here ya go!

This painting just makes me happy.

Deep waters reminds me of a sermon I heard while attending a church in Birmingham, Al.

The preacher talked about people and their faith.

He likened Christianity to people swimming.

When you first begin as a Christian, you stand at the water's edge watching the people swim in the water.

You are scared to get in yourself.

The people are having lots of fun and enjoying themselves.

We get in, but only up to our ankles, maybe going to church some.

Mind you, we still want to be in control of our lives, mustn't drown!

But the people further out seem to be enjoying themselves so we go deeper.

Up to our knees, still in control but curious.

The water begins to swirl around our feet, maybe pulling the sand from beneath us slightly.

We start reading the Bible some, in addition to church becoming more of a need than a want.

The people out in the water swimming though, laughter fills the air from their activity.

Maybe I'll go deeper, at least up to my hips.

At this point, the water is a little harder to move in, and we are starting to feel the push and pull more.

Maybe I'll start making friends.

My friends start calling to me, come on in, the water's great!

Up to my waist now, less in control.

The water supports me almost.

Maybe I'll join a small group.

My friends calling to me to swim is stronger now, because I am close enough to them to see them clearly.

I finally lift my feet and join them fully surrounded by the water.

Maybe I'll go on a mission.

It is glorious here!

Such a delight!

The water is Jesus Christ, our brother.

Set in place by our Father God.

I am really enjoying the swim now!

Are you up to your ankles?

Are you up to your knees?

Are you up to your hips?

Are you up to your waist?

Or,

Are you swimming?

Come on in, the water is glorious!

Isaiah 43:2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

Deep Waters, Acrylic on top of poured background, 10 x 20

Day 78 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Shrimps, Ships, and Whales

Yesterday's paintings.

There were actually 7 of the little guys, but the odd number doesn't photograph well.

Fun little paintings, quickly created on tiny poured canvases.

They each measure 3x3 inches and are just plain fun!

Then there's today.....

Does life ever seem to be on fast mode?

Ours is really going by so quickly, the days are filled with things to do, and places to go.

My to do's today were to change the sheets on our bed,  repair our couch, deliver a painting to Big Fish Gallery, ship a painting to Georgia, sketch out canvases for class, teach the class.

Getting them all done was a challenge, especially when we added bathing 5 dachshunds into the mix!

Anyway, the bed stripped and sheets washing, I moved to the next task.

Chris wanted to bathe all 5 dogs.

They don't appreciate warm water and soap, but the task was done with the two of us working in tandem.

I moved on to pulling out the couch I bought about 3 years ago, cleaning the area on both sides, washing windows, baseboards, walls, and floor.

I then started in on the couch.

Chris has been looking for a new couch because his end is sinking down with age.

We flipped the couch forward onto the coffee table and began the process of deconstructing.

We found the problem, repaired it with a thin sheet of wood placed in the cushion, and put everything back together.

We then released the dogs into the yard, and drove to Big Fish.

I took the rather large painting to them, and they are delighted and excited. 

I hope it does well for both of us!

Getting lunch, coming home, building a box and making a shipment rounded out the early afternoon.

I sketched, cooked a quick dinner and went to teach a class.

We painted a whale depicting Isaiah 43:2

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

God is with us all the time, even when we don't feel his presence near.

The class seemed to enjoy this one, we had a group of 12!

Mercy that is a lot of running around. 

I thank God Chris is willing to come lend a hand, replacing water, cleaning brushes, getting paper towels.

I could not teach a class that large and get finished by 9 pm.

Almost everyone wanted the verse on their painting, and it went quickly once we started.

A good, good, albeit long day!

Shrimps, Ships and Whales, Acrylic on canvas, Whales 11 x 14

Days 76 & 77 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Sea below

Yet another poured background is the basis for this piece.

I am praying they will be successful when we start actually doing shows.

This one was the main painting poured, with several smaller ones coming from the excess paint.

I am trying to be a good steward of my supplies, so I don't want to let any paint go to waste.

Consequently, I have a lot of backgrounds poured already.

Small and large some in between.

The studio is filled with them and shadowboxes!

I can barely move in my space to work.

Today's piece, "Sea Below" is a testimony to my favorite animal, the sea turtle.

See the Sea Below the beauty.

We need to take care of our seas, they provide a lot of oxygen, and tons of food.

Unfortunately, our seas have become a place of toxic wastes.

Runoff from fields going into streams, causing algae blooms that kill the animals that live within.

Excess garbage, that is carelessly tossed, ending up in our oceans.

The amount of plastic in our seas is staggering, almost incomprehensible in it's sheer volume.

We are using more plastic than ever. 

BTW, every single piece of plastic ever produced is still on our planet in one form or another!

8 million pieces of plastic end up in our oceans every single day.

Take that in folks!

Two thirds of it comes from land based sources.

Litter dropped in cities, industry spills, badly managed garbage sites or flushed down the toilet.

The rest is fishing gear or containers washed overboard from ships.

What plastic that is not floating is resting on the bottom.

Microscopic particles are finding their way into our food chain.

1 in 3 fish caught for human consumption now contain plastic.

Kinda sobering to me.

I teach kids about plastic recycling and making art from refuse instead of simply tossing it.

My precious husband is also becoming more recycle conscious.

I have started small, refusing straws as much as possible.

There are about 390 million straws used in the US every day.

The next step for us, will be refusing foam food containers as they will never degrade.

I plan to start bringing my own containers when we go out to eat.

I have also started using Norwex products, in an effort to make a chemical free home.

Small steps now, becoming larger steps later may begin to turn the "tide".

Eco friendly containers may become Christmas presents this year as well.

Sea Below, Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 20 inches

Day 75 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Out of the deep

Today found me all over the studio.

I was finishing up the large piece featured yesterday by painting the white background again and then varnishing it later in the afternoon.

I also stretched another of the large "free" canvases that was  27 inches by 58 inches (about 2 x 5 ft)

Chris had converted two of the 24 x 24's into a shadowbox as I requested and I stretched it as well.

Both canvases are painted white and awaiting their assignments.

Then we went to our grands school to watch the umbrella parade.

We then went to lunch and home. 

Of course we had pool time, and watched the Aquaman movie together.

Just as I sat down to paint, I got a quiet "Yaya can I go night swimming?"

They only grow up once, so outside I go to become mosquito bait.

This put me into the studio rather late for today's painting.

"Out of the Deep"

I am fascinated by these crabs!

They are called speckled or calico crabs depending on who you're talking to them about.

I prefer speckled myself.

I am told they are a deep water crab that is quite tasty.

They are a small crab, not commonly seen on our beaches.

When you do see them, they are in pieces.

Apparently other creatures find them quite tasty as well!

I was saddened to find several females one time that someone had caught on the beach. 

They were put into a basket and left to bake in the sun.

Every one of the females was loaded with eggs, so not only 

were the girls left to die, but so were their eggs.

They were still moving slightly, so I put them back into the water, hoping they or their eggs might survive.

Otherwise, I'm certain that they made some other creature a meal or two.

I have found that the enemy is the same way.

He removes us from our comfortable, safe environment only to 

throw us into chaos and discontent.

The enemy wants us for his lunch!

Hopefully, someone or something will bring us back into the arms of the master, 

reminding us that we are loved, shielded, and protected.

Are you loved? 

Yes, God sent his son to die for you!(and me!) 

There is NOTHING you can do that will make him stop loving you!

Are you shielded? 

Every day he guides my steps and prevents the enemy from being successful in his attacks.

Mind you, sometimes God allows things to happen to see where you will turn, to him or the problem.

This allows us to use our free will, hopefully with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Are you protected?

Absolutely every minute of every day.

But only if we put on our Armor of God

Protected from almost everything the enemy throws our way.

Out of the Deep, Acrylic on poured background, 12 x 12

Day 74 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Silent Swimmers

I made this photo extra large because in real life it is very big for me!

If you remember the other day, I managed to snag a truckload of stretcher bars for free.

This one is on those bars, with some Chris Chavez thrown in for good measure!

My husband Chris, is my rock and the absolute best thing that has ever happened in my life. 

He makes things happen when I ask him if he can do them.

This instance, he added an angled piece of wood to the bars 

so they could have the spring necessary for painting.

He also gave me a lot of help in stretching this rather large piece.

It measures 3 ft 7 inches x 5 ft 7 inches.

It was a challenge to bring and paint in my angled ceiling studio as well.

He also helped me horse it up to be able to photograph it tonight for you to be able to see it!

I will take it outside for a proper photo tomorrow, so it can be seen better for possible prints.

I am amazed at the talent God has bestowed on me, 

I thank him daily for the ability to paint and create!

I really should not be able to do the things that I do.

Our family was hit by a drunk driver in 1993.

For the most part, the rest of the family is okay, but I have permanent damage.

I have two herniated discs in my neck, and nerve damage in my right arm.

Some days are diamonds, some days are dirt, but all of them are creative in their own way!

I pray for the driver that hit us, every time I have a headache,  

or a brush comes out of my hand because it has gone numb.

I pray for others hurt in accidents, childhood tragedy, friends, family, or marriages 

with every stroke of my brush.

I tell you this, not because of a need for sympathy, but out of a need to tell you about the 

grace that God gives us.

Grace that allows me to paint.

Grace that allows me to make money at what I love to do!

Grace that helps me through the pain on days I don't think I can.

Grace that allows me to teach.

Grace that allows me to mentor.

Grace that allows me to give to others.

Grace that has taught me how to receive.

Grace that has made me learn humility.

Grace that reminds me I am a sinner.

Grace that allows me to forgive because I am forgiven.

Grace.

Have you received yours today?

Silent Swimmers, Acrylic on canvas, 3 ft 7 inches by 5 ft 7 inches

Day 73 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Scriptures, a Heron, and Dolphins

Life has a peculiar way of coming at you with amazing speed and a whole lotta crazy.

For those who know, and those who don't, I am a Christian Artist.

Mondays at our church, we have a small group called Scripts & Strokes.

I have it two times a year, in conjunction with our small group semesters Fall and Spring.

I teach a total of about 24 weeks a year for the beautiful souls that submit to my painting torture.

Sometimes the paintings are easy, sometimes they are a stressful end to our day.

I sincerely try to make all of them meaningful, and most of all fun!

This was our first class of the semester and I had 8 delightful ladies join me to paint and pray!

So fun!

The heron is actually a companion piece to a painting that was purchased at the Amelia Island show.

I was contacted shortly after the show, asking if I could paint a bird that would go with their other piece.

These people have waited an entire summer to get their second bird, patiently waiting for summer classes and a mission to Africa to be completed!

He will be traveling to Savannah, Georgia.

Meanwhile, I also painted on this today for my piece for day 72.

Another poured background, I am in LOVE with this precious pair!

I hope you like them too.

I began the big one today as well.

All 3 ft 7 x 5 ft 7 of them!

Three sea turtles created in Sepia.

This piece will not travel to shows, but will reside at Big Fish Trading Co. in Foley until sold.

You'll probably see that one tomorrow!

I am now starting to work on the materials from the Artists studio that have been given to me.

I lovingly scraped away the majority of the paint, then begged my husband to see if he could do something about the breaks and bends in the blades.

He came back a few minutes later with slightly shortened knives 

that were polished and ready for their new lives.

It has been a lot of work bringing some of these materials back from the brink.

I pray for the Artist that has gifted me with the items, allowing me to gift others with them.

I also managed to salvage a masterson palette, allowing me to give one of mine 

to an artist that can use a wet palette for her acrylics.

Life is great!

Hope yours is too!

Gratitude instead of attitude!

Scripture,11 x 14 Heron 12 x 24, and Dolphins, 16 x 20 Acrylic on canvas

Days 70, 71, and 72 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019,