Pretty pelican

 Today's piece is one for the birds!

I really enjoy painting birds of all types, but especially pelicans.They are such a gawky bird, yet fly so gracefully  in the air.I am glad to see their numbers back after they were endangered in the 1970's. Their numbers fell drastically after the use of DDT became widespread. The pesticide made their shells so fragile, they could not even sit on them and so their numbers declined. They have made a wonderful comeback now, even becoming pests at times because of their numbers. They really are amazing birds, with their spectacular dives into the water after their prey. I enjoy watching them, especially when there is a school of fish that they are feeding upon. I have seen them so full of fish, that they could not even take off from the water. They have to sit and bob on the surface, until they can take off with a large splash.

We also went on the water this morning. Chris took his new kayak, and I went for a paddle on my board. It's been 6 six years since Chris bought my first board and I still have it. I used to use it a lot, but now I have a harder, shorter board that suits me well. This board allows me to go over waves, in between waves, as well as ride on them. We were out for a solid hour this morning. I gave up after seeing way too many jellyfish, making me afraid of the ones I could not see. The waves also started picking up, with white caps appearing on the tops. I was fighting the wind as well, it pushing me hard against it while fighting the waves. The waves were also coming from two different directions. It made for an interesting paddle for sure!

Pretty pelican, Acrylic on wood panel, 5 x 15 inches

Day 74 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Octopus

This mixed media piece is really fun.

This is another of the drawer pieces cut from a vintage singer sewing machine.

I'm really having fun with these.

Meanwhile, my new printer came today setting off the dog alarm 

as the Fed Ex guy dropped it on the porch.

I always know when a delivery is made because they all go ballistic, howling and barking.

Let me tell you, you cannot ignore this racket when it starts.

It really sounds like someone is dying downstairs.

Oh well, at least no one can sneak up on me in the studio, unless they know them!

5 dachshunds, I need ear plugs at times!

2 hours later, set up printer, loaded paper and I'm printing.

I'm rather proud of myself for that!

I also met with the author's husband this morning and after some back and forth, 

we decided on a tiff file for the scans of the paintings.

I pray they work out well, I'm ready to put this book to bed!

Tonight is short and sweet.

We are going to church tonight.

Octopus, Acrylic on wood panel with drawer frame, 5 x 15 inches

Day 73 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

 

Tidal watchers I & II

I am indeed fortunate in the gifts God has provided to me.

I use some of them everyday, while others are quietly waiting until they are necessary.

I don't even try to identify them, I just ask and they seem to show up just when needed.

Whenever I have a problem to solve, something to create I've never done before, 

how to talk with someone, I ask.

 The solutions are laid out in front of me or come out of my mouth in unexpected ways.

How do I ask?

I pray for God to show me.

I pray for God to enter me.

I pray for my hands to become his hands.

Make me go so far back into my body that people don't even see me anymore.

I find the Holy Spirit takes over my conversations with Alfred, my artist friend from Zimbabwe.

I am able to give him such insight and just the thing he needs at that moment in time.

I tell him it is not me, but He that is in me.

 

My most common gift is my art.

It is one I use daily.

Sometimes I even get to use it in ways I never imagined, 

building large sets for minimal money for children's ministry.

He gave me the gift of sewing so many years ago, that I almost don't even think about it.

Even when making a minor repair to a beloved stuffed animal for a child,

Then telling her I thank God for the gift of Sewing.

He gives me solutions and knowledge I have never dreamed of having or using.

I am grateful minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day.

Both of these little guys were painted on poured canvases 

that have hung around my studio since the spring.

I have not yet decided if I will pour more backgrounds.

For the time being though, I am returning to the shadowboxes I know and love so well.

I have a large supply of shadowboxes thanks to another of my gifts, 

a husband given to me that is my absolute soulmate. 

He is also the best helper I could have ever imagined.

Gratitude, I guess is what I am trying to say.

I have so many things to be grateful for in my life.

Have you been grateful for the gifts God has given to you today?

I know I will fall asleep thanking Him for everything.

Tidal watchers I & II, Acrylic on canvas, each 4 x 6 inches

Days 71 & 72 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

 

Birthdays

I did not post Saturday because the internet was down again!

Our grandson, Neel's birthday was yesterday.

He became the big two.

He is already a character, and is a bundle of energy.

He is finally starting to speak, but because he will be tri-lingual I think he is somewhat

 confused as to which language to use! 

 Each year on our grandsons birthdays I paint them something, so that when they move away from home, they will each have a wall of art that reflects their lives.

This year, Christina asked me to paint a portrait of his "new" giraffe.

They have named him Johnny and Neel is already in love with him.

Johnny is "new" to Neel, but not new to the Banerjee family.

You see, this precious gift came from his grandmother, Sumita in India.

Originally, Johnny was a toy that Bappa's sister had when she was small.

She passed away several years ago.

I can imagine Mom, (her name) is smiling down at her nephews antics with this new part of his life.

I am so glad Sumita thought enough of him to share it for his birthday! 

Precious memories!

On to today's piece.

Another birthday of sorts.

Today finds our beaches celebrating the hatching of baby loggerhead sea turtles.

We did not have many nests this year and some were washed.

Every baby turtle making it to the surf is a cause for celebration!

Johnny, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 6

Race to the sea, Acrylic on wood panel, 5 x 15

Days 69 & 70 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

 

Heron I & II

Today is a combination of two days.

Yesterday I received news of my Aunt passing away from complications of pneumonia after getting Covid from the nursing home she was calling home.

She had been admitted to the hospital after she went into problems at the home.

I have wanted to visit her several times over the past few months, but because of the virus they had shut the home down for visitors. I'm not quite sure how she contracted it in a closed environment. 

I did get to wish her happy birthday in July by phone and had a lovely conversation.

I will miss her a lot.

I just did not feel like creating after the news of her getting 

the virus and then getting her wings. 

I know she ran to her master and fell into His arms.

Anyway, wear your mask, wash your hands, maintain your distance and stay safe.

These birds are painted on very thin pieces of wood.

They were cut after the project Chris had done refinishing a sewing machine table for a friend.

The drawers were not being used, as the structure holding them was falling apart.

We then cut the drawers into slices of about 1 inch making a shadowbox frame of sorts.

We added the thin wood, making them perfect for painting.

I'm sure I'll enjoy painting them as there are several drawers that were cut into slices.

I still have to mount them to the backs, varnish, and add something to hang from.

Heron I & Heron II, Acrylic on wood panel, 5 x 16 inches

Days 67 & 68 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

 

Pelican piling

I think this may be the last of the hardi bord series.

This pelican is on another poured background too!

I will kinda miss them!

They have been fun to paint.

Today is the launch of a new thing for me!

Jena Freed, with Freed souls design is carrying some of my work on her website.

She has so many things that my images can be put on!

Prints, pillows, and purses to name just a few!

Check out her etsy site,

www.yourdecorhome.com

I am so looking forward to our partnership.

If you are looking for an awesome graphic designer look her up!

We went to church this evening as well.

Masks on, greeting others with elbows instead of handshakes.

I despise this new world we live in.

I'm a hugger!

Pelican piling, Acrylic on Hardi bord, 11 x 14

Day 66 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

 

Frequent Flier

The hardi bord series continues with "Frequent Flier"

I just adore painting turtles and this one will be able to hang outside!

It really has a nice resin finish as well, so it can be wiped off.

We still have to sand and drill before they will all be ready to sell.

I am ready for show season to begin, not necessarily because I'm finished painting, just ready to dance the dance with collectors!

First show this month, Jubilee Festival!

It's going to be held in Lott park this time, not on the street!

The booths will be ten feet apart and other precautions will be in place.

Looking forward to being there!

Today I went back to Mobile to get the paintings for Sophia's gift after they had been mounted.

They are gorgeous, and so flat! They will be very easy to scan and photograph now.

I also picked up the elastic from the museum that they generously purchased for me.

Then, I picked up a kennel we had loaned out, cleaned it and brought it into the house.

Getting gas, picking up poster boards for a church project, and making pillows for the kennel rounded out the afternoon.

It seems we have a geriatric dachshund that has decided the potty outside time is not enough and has started have midnight rendezvous with my kitchen floor.

She will be staying in the kennel, although I am certain there 

will be lots of protest barking from a very stubborn dachshund for the next few nights.

Here's hoping we all get some sleep tonight!

Tomorrow is the launch of a very big thing for me!

I'm hoping it does well for both me and the designer!

Frequent Flier, Acrylic on hardi bord, 11 x 14

Day 65 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

 

Flamingo Tango I & II

More from the hardi bord series.

These actually already have the resin on them too!

We still have to sand the backs to get rid of drips.

We will also have to drill holes in them and apply recycled wires.

I think I may have enough copper wire to do all of them.

Finally, I will have outdoor art to offer at a show.

These are stinkin' heavy though!

Showtime in less than a month now, I am working steadily to 

create enough for galleries and my booth.

Jubilee Festival is fast approaching in beautiful Daphne, Alabama

Sept. 26 & 27, 2020

The committee is working doubly hard to make sure we have a safe and fun festival.

I have had friends that have had shows already with multiple safety features in place.

Not one has gotten ill so far.

Today I found myself in Mobile, taking the illustrations to Southern Art & Framing to get them to mount the watercolors on acid free matboard using a vacuum press.

Just as we were getting to this side of the bay, they called to tell me that they were ready.

So, back to Mobile I go in the morning.

I am anxious to see them leave my hands and arrive at the publishers safe and sound.

Book proofs coming soon.

My first job of illustrating is soon to be a reality!

Flamingo tango I & II, Acrylic on Hardi Bord, 10 x 10

Days 63 & 64 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

 

Magnificent pair

Magnificent pair is actually on three canvases.

Each canvas measures 16 x 40 making this piece 40 tall by 48-50 wide.

A very nice size indeed, and easy for us to carry to shows.

Still praying for the show to actually happen here in Alabama.

It is called the Jubilee Festival and is in late September.

The National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores has already been cancelled for this year.

We also have one called Mattie Kelly in Destin, Florida in October, 

and another called Peter Anderson in Ocean Springs, Mississippi in November.

Mattie Kelly has confirmed, I am still awaiting jurying for Peter Anderson.

Hopefully they will make, so I can have some additional income for Winter.

In process of sanding! Looks like a hot mess.

Any way, life goes on here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio!

After much sanding, and lots of prayer.

I did a second pour of resin today.

So far so good, the pieces that were severely damaged don't look bad at all now.

Once everything is hard, I will know further about the "look" of the damaged pieces.

Thanks for everyone voicing concerns and lots of "sorrys" for the lesson that was so hard to learn.

The same piece being sanded above after new resin applied!

So far, so good!

Magnificent pair, Acrylic on canvas, 40 x 48 inches

Day 62 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

 

The cephalopod

The Cephalopod

One of my favorite creatures to paint!

Excuse the mess behind the painting.

These five piece paintings still amaze me with their beauty and symmetry.

The first one I ever created was displayed at a spring show.

I had also painted a five piece turtles and was nervous about them not selling.

I should not have worried, they both sold at the beginning of the show!

The octopus is at a beautiful custom home in Pensacola flanked by gorgeous lanterns that the builder removed from the bathroom and placed in the foyer. 

He is the first thing you see when you enter this spectacular vacation retreat.

The turtles were bought by a real estate agent that left them in my booth for judging and picked them up the following week at Arts & Crafts here in Fairhope.

They originally were in response to people asking why don't you paint bigger.

These 3 ft tall by 5 1/2 feet wide pieces fit into a single bag, making them easy to transport.

Much easier than a 3ft by 5ft single canvas to carry.

I started making them before the multiple photo canvases became the new thing to have in your home. It was an idea that came to me after much thought, research, and prayer.

I always pray when searching for my next series, 

and this multiple canvas series is still going very strong.

This one pictured here is at Stewart Heath Gallery in Spanish Fort, Alabama.

The gallery is located at The Eastern Shore Center Hwy 181 Suite 713.

I painted this one with a colored eye by request from the Gallery owner, Stewart Heath as a replacement for one she sold last Saturday.

I am very pleased to be a part of such an awesome gallery collection of Fine Art!

Eye detail

Center panel 12 inches x 36 inches

I really enjoy painting these multiple canvas pieces and can also do custom sizes for larger spaces.

The largest one designed to date is 40 inches by 80 inches!

Of course today I also began the work to reclaim the resin pieces that were ruined yesterday.

I have a plan, I have new resin, and a new determination.

I spent a while today sanding down the larger dips in the finishes.

It was hard to do on the first one, but when I wet it to clean off the sanding, 

I saw the image reappear clearly.

There are a total of nine pieces that were damaged by the drop cloth wind incident.

I am creating a couple of other works to have enough pieces to use up the resin once I start.

I am praying that the next pour is not as dramatic!

The Cephalopod, Acrylic on canvas, 3 x 5 ft

Day 61 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

 

Archer's sea turtle

Every year now, ever since my grandson was born I have painted him a piece of art.

Eventually when he becomes a man and moves into his own home, he will have a wall of art that he can be proud to display. The past couple of years, he has requested paintings for his birthday. Two years ago was the first one, a marlin chasing a school of fish. Last year he wanted a dolphin and sea turtle playing together. This year was a small request, a baby sea turtle. This painting is his for his very own. This year, I also presented his painting to him on his birthday at a private home party.

This year is so different, so many things not happening because of Covid 19.

I have friends that have lost family members, friends, co-workers.

My friend Alfred in Zimbabwe has also had a scare with something that seemed to be covid, but because medicine was more important than testing we are not certain. Thankfully, he is on the mend. Alfred is also having problems with his mental health as are a lot of artists.

I have had my own demons come in and wreck havoc with the playground of my mind. 

That is, until I have instilled the presence of God in my studio as a stronger power for good.

I have spent the past three weeks completing the illustrations for Sophia's gift.

There are only 12 pages of paintings, but they cover an astounding 22 pages of the book and cover.

10 of the paintings are double spreads.

This project has been a lot more than I expected, more research, more changes, 

more required of my hands and heart.

It was started just as the pandemic hit, and that presented it's own set of challenges.

First came the story line, then the ideas were presented. 

Next, I completed and presented a storyboard of pages for the publisher and author.

I then completed a set of drawings in the actual size for the book at the end of July.

My goal was to have finished the book by the time we would have left for Africa.

August found me with a deadline approaching and I stopped the 100 days~100 paintings 

to be able to complete the project in a timely manner.

Our August leave date for Africa came and went, leaving us both with a sense of loss. 

We were to have gone on to India as well, 

but with both countries borders closed it just was not to be our reality.

We have put in for a claim to our travel insurance, 

praying for a good outcome as it is a lot of money and we would like to have it for next year.

I took the reins of the book, working with a precious author that has entrusted me 

with bringing the people and backgrounds for her words to life.

I can only hope I have shown the story in a way that is both beautiful and historical. 

I meet with the author on Saturday and will discover if I have indeed brought her words to life!

Prayers appreciated for good outcome.

Today also found me trying resin for the first time.

I decided to do it outside because it is epoxy and I was concerned about the odor.

We set up the hardi bord pieces on the back porch, carefully raising them up off the surface so they would not stick. I placed large drop cloths under them, bought special mixing jars and off I went!

I was very nervous, mixing carefully, and pouring them quickly. 

The results were fantastic, with the paintings fairly glowing with the sheen. 

I left them while I went into the studio to complete other work needing to be done.

Chris took a nap, and I worked upstairs.

When I came down, he told me he was going to Ace hardware to get something.

He also mentioned the pieces outside and said the drop cloths had blown onto the pieces.

Keep in mind, these pieces represent two full weeks of work.

It was probably the best that he left the house.

It gave me a chance to calm down some and get determined to try and salvage what I could.

Half the works are untouched, the other eight however......

I separated the remaining pieces from the majority of the drop cloth material.

Laying them all out on top of bowls and keeping them lifted.

Mind you, the paint is not damaged, only the resin putting texture in places I don't want.

We shall see what happens with these pieces as some of them have significant damage.

In the meantime, I have calmed down, and even laughed a little about the lesson learned.

You see, I taped down one side that kept flipping up, but not the other.

Ironic, lesson learned.

Another day, another painting.....

Archer's sea turtle, Acrylic on canvas, 4x4 inches

Day 60 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

I am back to creating now, working for myself and for the 100 days~100 paintings.

I have already managed to create a large octopus to replace the one sold last Saturday at 

Stewart Heath Gallery.

I will present him tomorrow on the next post. 

 

Trio of Turtles

Well, today was another fun filled, packed out day!

Chris awakened me at 6 so I could get my bible readings done early.

We left the house at 7, headed for Chalmette, Louisiana.

In case you're wondering why, my mister had his eye and wallet on a lathe.

You see, he wants to be able to turn bigger bowls, but all the attachments for the Nova were going to cost a pretty penny.

So, Chris being Chris he started hunting online and found a good deal.

The great part is, he sold his Gheenoe,(sp?) kayak.

With that, he bought back the paddle kayaks from a family member and still had money left over.

That money bought the lathe.

He got it for about half of the original cost, and he's already 

oiled and waxed it getting ready for the shop.

He's got a lot of moving round to do, this new baby is big!

He's now got a variable speed, 3 HP motor too!

He's also got to get some wiring done in the shop as well.

This new lathe takes 220.

We arrived back home by 1:30 and unloaded the base from the trailer

 using a come along and a beam in the shop.

We ate lunch and got back at unloading the head stock and tail stock.

Using the come along again, we lifted parts from the bed of the truck

 and slipped them into place on the base.

All put together now!

We work well together as a team, I went along for company because

 I'm sure not going to lift a 500 pound lathe!

Meanwhile, I worked in the studio yesterday and finished the trio of turtles.

It is a large piece, measuring 36 by 60 when screwed together.

I still need to take them apart, and paint the sides.

People love the painted sides, it allows the painting to be spread out some

 while still allowing for a continuous piece.

I am looking forward to it finding a home someday.

I am also pushing to get the book drawings done,

 I only have one more two page spread until finished.

Then the paintings begin!

I can see the finish line!

Tomorrow is another day and another step closer to the finish of the 100 days.

Still praying for Alfred and his family in Africa.

Praying for a family in our area that their son was killed a couple of days ago.

Praying as well, for our East coast in the path of a possible hurricane.

Especially Melbourne, Florida where one of our favorite shows happens in the spring.

Until tomorrow, I bid you goodnight!

Trio of Turtles, Acrylic on canvas, 36 x 60

Day 34 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Mighty Marlin

I really enjoy painting these big game fish.

Several years ago, I was commissioned to paint Miss Dulari's big catch.

It was to honor a member of the Mobile Big Game Fishing club that had passed away.

It was the cover of their book for that year.

The guy in charge bought the original and got a half sized Giclee' 

for the family of the man that had passed away.

It was one of the best commissions I had gotten at the time.

Today I don't know if I'd let it out of my studio!

I've grown so much as an artist as well.

Soon this pandemic will be over and we will all start 

back into the headlong rush of the world and large.

At least some of us may do that, I for one have enjoyed the slow down and reflection time this disease has afforded us.

Although I do miss shopping for the pure enjoyment of shopping, 

and movies in the theater, I really miss seeing movies in the theater.

Mighty Marlin, Acrylic on hardibord, 10 x 10 inches

Day 33 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Octopus all around

This day..........

I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband that supports and loves me so much!

He said lets go!

When I expressed a desire for drawing and watercolor papers.

So, off we went!

Like the octopus, my mind is everywhere seemingly at once.

I am praying for several people now, some who have requested prayer and others that have not.

I pray for healing for some, basic human needs for others (food and shelter), and now for an aging and elderly couple with a special needs adult that is about to be released from a group home 

into a world she does not and cannot understand.

Praying for them to find a solution to their real world problems.

I pray for my children, their spouses, and our grandchildren.

I pray for brothers, and sisters in Christ that they can continue on their journey to Sanctification.

I pray for our government, our police and fire fighters, nurses, doctors, and anyone else responsible for others

 care. I miss helping at Shepherds place, giving Senior adults an opportunity to create something they are proud of to take home. I miss teaching and I pray for teachers and bus drivers about to start a very uncertain school year. I pray for students and children, that they are comfortable in our world as it stands today.

I pray for foreign governments and their finances that their countries don't collapse under the strain of the pandemic. I pray for local government as well, that people can make sound decisions about voting this year and not vote a popularity contest.

I pray for other artists, that they can find and keep their talent and income intact in this uncertain time.

I also pray for our planet, that we leave something worthwhile for our next generation.

I pray for our church leaders, our church "family", and for people that still watching online because of health concerns.

These are things I pray about.

These are things I am grateful for as well.

I am grateful I live in a country that allows us to pray for and with others, both online and in person.

I will fall asleep in prayer tonight and every night.

Octopus all around, Acrylic on hardibord, 10 x 10

Day 32 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Heron hunter

Herons are peculiar birds.

They're gawky, ungainly, and yet possess a grace when stalking something that is second to none.

Silently, quietly, walking with their big feet carefully landing each step.

Their expression is frozen and they will stop when they think their prey has spotted them.

Then the ever so slight turn of the head, keeping their prey in focus.

Then comes the snap, and the prey is plucked from the water.

Watch them, they are fascinating!

Heron hunter, acrylic on hardi bord, 11x14

Day 31 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Three Amigos

Three Amigos is a trio of our brown pelicans.

We have a plentiful amount of pelicans now, the numbers are very different from when I

 first arrived back home in 1976.

Back then, the pelicans were few and far between.

The reason? DDT

The pesticide being used made their eggs so fragile that they could not even 

sit on them to hatch them without breaking.

It broke my heart to know these gawky, raptor looking birds that are a symbol of the waters of the deep south might die out because of man.

Man in our ever present quest to grow bigger, better, crops.

Fortunately, DDT was banned, the pelicans have now recovered to the 

point of almost becoming a pest.

At least if you have a dock they have decided to roost upon.

I find them to be magnificent birds, seemingly unable to fly, yet graceful in the air.

I watched them today as we rode the dogs at the park, acrobatic performers in the skies.

Dipping, diving, splashing, then popping back up to do it all over again.

We have seen them repeatedly dive when there is a school of fish they have found.

Diving until they cannot leave the water again because they are so full of fish.

They bob a while on the water, then they pop up and gracefully fly away.

We made a trip to Stewart Heath Gallery today.

I was taking replacement turtles for display and possible sales.

There may be a possible BIG commission piece as well.

If it occurs, it will be the largest multiple canvas piece I've ever attempted.

The frustrating part, The couple is from Gulf Breeze.

One of the shows cancelled this spring.

At least they found me at the Gallery!

I convinced Chris to bring his wood turning as well to see if they would be a fit into the gallery.

He brought and Stewart kept 8 bowls for display.

Welcome to the gallery Chris!

Three Amigos, Acrylic on Hardibord, 10 x 10

Day 30 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020 

 

Sea Turtles for Two!

Well now!

Yesterday (Sunday) was incredibly jam packed.

We watched church online and started our day.

Delightfully, Alfred finally got the funds we were trying to send to him for a while.

He immediately went to his Landlord and paid rent for both July and August.

That done, his family also got some groceries to be able to eat.

I received a delightful photo of Praise with sausage and sazda piled up to eat.

They all went to bed, singing God's praises with full bellies and happy hearts.

Meanwhile, my Sunday remainder was spent at the desk, trying to pound out 

more of the illustrations for the book. 

I am trying to get drawings done for approval from the author, then start on the paintings.

As a side note, I met with the author today and she loves the drawings so far!

I am still trying to finish them before we would have left for Africa on August 9th.

They will be done in watercolor, so they should go fairly quickly.

Anyways after a long day at the desk with breaks few and far between, I was too tired to post!

Why turtles again?

Saturday I got a message from Stewart Heath Gallery.

I need turtles ASAP!

I was taken aback as I had just delivered turtles the week before.

Then the photo popped up on my phone of the sale of one of the turtles I had brought previously.

What a problem to have!

I have a gallery that is making sales!

I am SO grateful that Stewart Heath nudged me into coming to her space.

She has actually pursued my work since before opening almost two years ago.

Recently she messaged me and asked again.

After prayer, I was led to go and leave some pieces with her.

She has given me a rather large space and I love it!

These turtles are for her Gallery to sell.

www.stewartheathgallery.com

Sea Turtles I & II, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24, $325.00 each

Days 28 & 29 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Just a little crabby

It has been another day on this earth that never fails to amaze me.

I am talking with Alfred in Zimbabwe on a daily basis.

We have sent him money to help with rent and food for his family.

It still has not arrived, and he is so patient.

I pray it arrives sooner rather than later, I don't want his family to go without food or shelter.

Each day we talk after I have sent him one of my readings for the day from the Bible.

He looks forward to them so much!

We are discussing each day his walk with God.

He is becoming closer than he has ever felt with his Maker and loves our discussions.

He is still creating, he is just much slower than I am.

He is also experimenting with new materials and textures.

I am really looking forward to seeing his new works coming from the pandemic and his own experiences with hospitals while fighting tuberculosis.

He believes his TB is completely healed through the power of prayer warriors here.

Why am I so impressed with him?

He has told me he was a gang member for years and realized it was not the path he wanted to take.

He left the gang, but wandered aimlessly in his path to Christianity.

I am so grateful to be a part of his conversion.

He loves God so much and believes there are better things to come.

I am working hard on the book as well.

I am determined to complete this task and complete it well.

Time will tell, I am frustrated on a daily basis.

Today, I just could not take my light box that Chris built about 20 years ago any longer.

It is heavy, bulky, hard to turn on and off, has screws in the way, and is too dark for my needs.

So, off we went to Hobby Lobby to purchase a light box. 

Now is when I miss Alabama Art Supply.

We used to sell large light boxes, this one is small but usable.

It is also MUCH brighter!

Stewart Heath Gallery sold another piece today.

Before I knew I had sold something, she sent me a text, I need turtles ASAP.

I was thinking, I just brought you two!

She sold the large one today.

More turtles.............Shadowbox ones too!

Coming soon from the Raccoon Retreat studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama!

Oh!

And I painted a crab today!

Just a little crabby, acrylic on hardibord, 10 x 10 inches

Day 27 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Splendid Day!

You ever have one of those days?

Not a bad one, but one of the good ones?

Today was one of those days.........

I taught a class last night and was too tired to post the jellyfish.

This was the first class I've taught in months, and it felt SO GOOD!

We had 9 lovely watercolor turtles leave the Stewart Heath Gallery saying they'll be back for more!

Such a fun class, although a bit awkward teaching in a mask and not touching other peoples brushes.

It's all a learning process!

The jellyfish are also hanging at the Stewart Heath Gallery along with the Herons in love II.

The gallery also sold one of my sepia paintings today.

The octopus found a new home!

This is today's painting.

I am absolutely entranced with these hardi bord pieces.

This background is pearl and ivory and is just lovely.

The sepia paintings will be very pretty on these bases.

A couple of days ago, (Wednesday to be precise) this popped up in marketplace.

I asked Chris if he thought this would be pretty on the back porch.

He agreed yes it would.

I loved the copper and metal contrast.

The price was $25.

I asked if it was still available and it was pending.

I was disappointed, but sometimes you just miss out on the good deals.

This evening I received a message asking if I still wanted it.

I asked for the address in Spanish fort and off we went!

I knew it was large from the photo that showed a measuring tape next to it.

We arrived, and I got my mask and was greeted by a precious little dog running in the yard.

I saw the turtle on the porch and went to the door.

Not wanting to leave cash outside, I rang the bell.

She took the money and said do you want the other turtle, you can have it.

They were both heavy, and a quick glance looked like they were handmade.

I put them in the back of the car, Chris handed the lady her dog. 

(She was trying to go with us!) 

Off we went.

I was very happy with my purchase.

I told Chris I thought they were handmade.

He said "No I doubt it."

I was no less pleased with my purchase.

Then we got home after picking up ice cream.

After arriving home, we unloaded the turtles into the house and I examined them.

The one with copper was SIGNED!

PA Blackwell 11/2011

I looked at the other turtle, but while I could make out that it was signed as well, 

it was very hard to read.

In the meantime, I looked up Blackwell.

Fine Art America

The turtle like this currently sells for $400.00!

Looking at the signature, I believe the PA stands for Peter Anderson because the date is 11/2011.

The other turtle had me very curious now.

I took it to the sink, and looked again.

After careful peering I found the area that looked like a signature and turned it in the light.

I knew it was 06,  because that was easy to see.

When I finally realized what the signature was, I let out another whoopie!

Frank Ledbetter.

This is one of his earlier pieces as it is made of steel, not aluminum like they are now.

It is also hand painted with enamel paint I think.

His pieces are harder to nail down price wise, but we bought a smaller turtle 10 years ago for $100.00

Needless to say, I am one happy artist!

TWO art pieces for the price of ONE!

I will go to sleep with a smile tonight for sure!

Dreaming of sea turtles................

Blackwell piece

Frank Ledbetter piece

Jellyfish, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 14 x 36

Day 25 

Sepia sea turtle, Acrylic on hardibord, 10 x 10 inches

Day 26 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020