Invaders of Space I

I am barely able to focus in spite of the chaos surrounding me right now.

I am very concerned about the fate of fall shows when looking at the current Covid numbers.

Alabamians are the highest in the nation indeed!

That is a number I would rather not have folks.....

The Delta Variant is breaking past the vaccinated among us.

Although only .04% of the current number of vaccinated have had a breakthrough infection.

I read that the CDC says that it is easier to spread than chickenpox!

Less than a minute's exposure.

I am probably going to stay home from church for a few weeks and watch online.

This mess is just depressing.....

I can only imagine those in the arts community that are worriers already.

Several artists have family members, (me included!) that have Covid or are recovering.

Please wear a mask, wash your hands, and distance yourselves from strangers.

In the middle of all this, I am building sets for Vacation Bible school.

I was looking forward to going, but I will be setting up after services tomorrow, then head home.

Wednesday, we'll break down after they finish at 12 noon in time for the First Wednesday service.

Final little things getting done for the VBS.

Then, I paint for me!

Today brings me back into Lionfish territory.

These highly invasive fish are a real problem for our big game fish babies.

You see, they eat the babies by the hundreds, leaving fewer to populate the ocean.

These guys are supposed to be tasty to eat, I guess I'll have to wait 

until we go back to Florida next year!

Invaders of space 1, Acrylic on wood panel, 24 inches

Day 33 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Relaxed

The second in the series of round canvases.

I am in absolute love with them!

They are so different and beautiful.

I am looking forward to hanging them at the local gallery and getting opinions from possible patrons.

Only problem is, they will be a limited series.

Limited by the amount of time Hobby Lobby offers them for sale!

I am looking forward to more of these, although they are a challenge to paint 

as they want to roll off the easel.

I am wiring them to the mast, and taping the bottom edge while painting them.

Limited indeed!

Chris looked at them today and said "Yeah, I can't build those!"

We also took 12 new pieces to the Pascagoula River Audubon Center today.

They are the works I did while in the camper and at home. 

2 new herons, 2 new pelicans,  3 lionfish, and 5 turtles galore!

As we were removing the sold works, and trying to hang the herons, Susan said "you might as well remove those, they're already sold."

"and probably the pelicans too!"

This show is so much more than I ever expected.

There is still another month to go and two major meetings scheduled 

there in the room where the art is located.

I am up to 65 pieces delivered to the show now with 11 sold so far.

I also got to meet the young lady whose parents purchased "That's a big blue!" for her birthday.

It will go in a condo down in Orange Beach.

Delightful day.

AND I got to paint!

Relaxed, acrylic on wood panel, 24 inches

Day 32 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Giving me the eye!

Oh my!

What a wonderful day in many ways!

We picked up the cut outs that I am borrowing this morning for our VBS.

We stopped at Home Depot to pick up lumber, paint, tape, and a bucket for mixing.

Chris started ripping wood down as soon as we got home.

I then spent the rest of the morning by the pool with my niece and grandson.

Dragging them out of the pool was no mean feat, as the heat index is bad today.

The heat is supposed to be worse tomorrow.

Good thing I invested in a pool!

This year though, we will probably have to remove the deck as it seems to be falling apart.

I only pray it lasts through the summer.

The afternoon was spent working on VBS items.

With so many hands helping, we got an incredible amount of work accomplished.

Flats built, Bible-bot painted, cut outs cleaned and painted, rocks, makeup, and lots of details done!

Banner hung for the theme in the main church.

Such a blessing for me!

In the midst of the chaos, I painted too!

This is the first of four pieces on these incredible round blanks I found at Hobby Lobby.

Beautiful curved surround, 24 inches, reasonably priced, and on sale!

This gives me a fresh look to some of my works.

They will be a limited edition as I don't know how long they will have them.

Loving the artist life here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio in Fairhope, Alabama.

Giving me the eye!, Acrylic on wood, 24 inches

Day 31 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

An air of confidence II

An air of confidence II.

I am finishing up the new pieces to take to the Audubon Center. 

These are replacement works for ones already sold, so they can go to their new homes.

I am so grateful for the sales so far!

Today was a long day.

The day started with a slow awakening for me.

Bible study and journaling before rushing headlong into the day.

I am in prayer even now for the people that have, or have had Covid.

This mess is no joke folks, with variants breaking through the double vaccinated people.

I am praying just to stay safe and healthy myself, as well as others in my family.

It has already hit my Aunt, My brother, and my son.

Please get vaccinated folks, it does work!

Chris has completed my "order " for new shadowbox frames.

There's a long day of stretching ahead soon!

In the meantime I create!

VBS sets are going very well, with a lot completed and more to go.

We set up on Sunday after church.

We have permission to borrow some really cool baseball player cut outs and I get them tomorrow.

We are also buying lumber to use to build flats for sets in the church.

Tomorrow will be another long day for sure!

Making art, varnishing art, finishing art, delivering art.

It's all a part of the process!

An air of confidence, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 30 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

An Attitude II

Still in the mode to fill in the show in Mississippi.

One more tomorrow, then Chris heads over to allow those that have purchased pieces to take them home.

In deed a wonderful problem to have.

Regardless, the art is being seen, in air conditioning, and protected.

It has been wonderful so far!

Today found me in day two of the art camp in Mobile.

Whew!

These kids are challenging my artists mind, creativity, and stamina!

I love it, all of it!

Taught until 12.

Then headed back to Fairhope for lunch with Chris.

One o'clock found me at church working on VBS items which starts next Monday.

I am so excited to be almost finished with a lot of really cool items to make the kids happy, and me too!

The theme is "I Wonder" and I truly wonder what they will think when they see the amazing things we've created. 

I never could have done half of this without the incredible help of lots of people from the church.

Usually, I am the person in charge and doing the vast majority of the work.

This time has allowed my creativity to soar, with lots of hands willing to do lots of painting!

Lots of extra large items on hand to make them "Wonder!"

I jumped in the pool for about an hour, then had leftovers for dinner. (Thanks Chris!)

Cleaned up, started the dishwasher.

Off to the studio.

Printing up photos of the kids in Graffiti class for their next project.

Finishing same photos with clear gesso to seal and allow them to work on top!

Last, but not least painting this evening!

An Attitude II, Acrylic on canvas, 12x24

Day 29 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

A very full, very fun, very fascinating day!

 

A watchful eye VI

A watchful eye VI

Six great blue herons.....

While I have painted many before, these guys are special because they are probably already sold.

My Ocean Odyssey at the Audubon Center is going very well.

I never dreamed in a million thoughts that I would sell as many as I have at this show so far.

The director is very pleased, and I am pleased to give them the 30 % as they have worked hard for it!

The space is gorgeous and really worth the trip over.

We are delivering several this week, I say we I mean Chris.

Chris is taking them over to the Center, but I have to get another 

inventory list together with sizes and pricing.

It truly is a beautiful show, and the director thinks I'm not done yet!

I am truly humbled at my talent and provision that God gives to me.

I started teaching today at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center in downtown Mobile.

2 classes, Graffiti and Recycled art. 

Of course recycled art, it's what I have taught now for about 20 years.

The kids enjoy it, and so do I !

It helps keep the trash out of landfills, and creates something beautiful.

The parents are usually shocked to find out that the creations are recycled materials.

Recycled materials are the best, because they're free!

This evening brings me back to the studio of course.

Another painting, another day.

A watchful eye, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 28 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

A Watchful Eye V

A Watchful Eye V

This is a replacement for one of the pieces at the Audubon show in Mississippi.

I got an email asking me about my heron grouping.

The night of the opening, the first pair of herons sold.

They had a gentleman come in and want to buy the four herons as a grouping last week.

I told Susan I would get them done as soon as possible.

They should be delivered this week by my loving husband as I am teaching all week in the morning.

Tuesday and Thursday are getting things built for VBS at our church the week of August 2nd.

The past weeks paintings completed while camping will most likely be traveling to the show as well.

I also received a phone call from someone that attended the show opening and talked with me at length about my large 4 piece crab. She determined that the size of the original was a little large for her space.

They want the crab on 4-20x20 canvases.

Another sale for the Audubon show!

Never dreamed this show would be so tremendous!

Now my problem is, I don't have that size canvas on hand any more as I used them all up.

I've ordered canvases from Michaels that night.

Which reminds me, if you have never used the bulk/pro option from Michaels to buy canvas, you are missing out on a great deal!

This weeks sale at the store was Buy one get one free.

This meant two canvases would have been $40 plus tax.

By using the pro option on the website, I was able to purchase nearly 4 for the same price!

Sure you have to be patient, but delivery is free for orders over $59 I think!

Purchasing canvases this way is a bargain for sure!

Anyway, I need to pack for classes next week, tomorrow morning is going to come early!

A watchful eye V, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 27 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Living large II

Living large II was another of my pieces completed while working in the camper this past week.

It was fun, trying out the set up at the table. 

I will be putting an aluminum easel into the camper to use though! 

My back just cannot take the painting in my lap so much. 

My neck is complaining rather loudly in fact.

Stretches and paddle boarding help though, so there I go!

Today was fun.

Our wonderful son came to the house and looked at the generator in the motorhome.

You see, the original owner was able to get it to run for us to hear it.

Problem is even though he started it, he didn't let it run and we didn't test it under a load. (AC)

So, when we pushed the button, nothing.

Chris was convinced the house battery was dead and started shopping.

Fortunately we didn't invest in a new one!

The house battery is fine, and now the generator runs beautifully too.

Although it's loud! 

Hopefully we can charge the battery and not leave it running while 

boondocking at Mattie Kelly in October.

Whew!

Twice now our son has helped us dodge a large payment for repairs.

First the hot water heater, (dirt dauber nest).

Now the generator, (clogged fuel filter).

Thanks son!

After he left we went to get a cover for the generator.

On the way, we found a construction site with a lot of scraps!

We have taken to dumpster diving as of late, with the cost of lumber skyrocketing.

We stopped and I asked the young man if we could glean from their trash pile.

He gave me the bosses number, and said call him.

The gentleman said he didn't mind at all, just be careful.

I assured him we would.

We then went o Hobby Lobby to get a roll of canvas.

Chris wandered over to Home Depot while I shopped.

I found the canvas, but also found a beautiful new product!

Hobby Lobby is now carrying wood panels with a slight shadowbox edge.

They were on sale, so I picked some up!

Gorgeous 24 inch rounds!

I am planning on two turtles and two lionfish.

So excited!

They also have Christmas out.

Hopefully it will go on sale soon so I can stock up on glass balls for my ornaments.

The pearl one's especially as they were extremely popular. 

Anyway, got home and painted the rounds white in preparation for paint.

I had stretched the 4 shadowboxes last night and painted them white this morning.

Sketched them off tonight!

Looooong day!

I'm toast.

Goodnight!

Living large II, Acrylic on canvas, 20x20

Day 26 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

Ocean Invader III

We are on the road and headed home today. I am actually blogging from the highway. I am still amazed that technology is advanced to the point it is today. I can blog from the road, get directions, research paintings, photograph items for steampunk, receive texts, receive and make calls, and chat with friends a half a world away in Zimbabwe, Africa.  I am so grateful for this wonderful computer we call a phone that is so powerful a tool. I have been able to get a lot of pieces done while at the campground in our motorhome. It is a lovely space to paint, although I need to get an easel in here so I don't have to paint in my lap!(Kinda difficult when you have a 20 inch canvas). We are headed home one day early so I can get pieces ready for Chris to take to Mississippi next week. They have sold 11 so far, with more sales to come!

Thank you Lord for provision!

Ocean Invader III, acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16*16

Day 25 of the 100 days-100 paintings 2021

Ocean Invader II

Our guy today is almost menacing in his posture. These beautiful fish swim as though they own the place. Maybe it's because they do, most other fish avoid them. Divers can remove every one they find on a reef, only to find 100s more the next day! 

Ocean Invader II, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16*16

Day 24 of the 100 days-100 paintings 2021

Ocean Invader l

Ocean Invader l 

This is the first in a series of three shadowboxes featuring lionfish. I am very aware of the beauty of these fish, with their long flowing fins. The downside is they are poisonous on the tips of their fins. They are also an extremely invasive fish, eating the tiny baby big game fish.

The upside? We hear they are a delicious delicate whitefish. We're still looking for a restaurant that serves them and is not sold out!

Ocean Invader I, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16x16

Day 22 of the 100 days-100 paintings 2021

Low key visitor

An incredible day here at the campground in Wind Creek State Park. The day began easily enough with coffee, bible study, and breakfast. We then broke out the bikes to explore campsites. You see, we are already planning to come back! After bike riding we sat outside and cooled down for awhile. Me steadily painting while Chris surfed his phone. Chris fixed sandwiches for us for lunch and we decided to go for a walk to the marina to get ice cream. I then finished this painting and came inside the camper. We both relaxed while waiting for a storm to pass through. The storm never appeared although the wind did pick up quite a bit.

I am now writing, praying that my brother can recover from Covid which he was diagnosed with this evening.

This virus is not done by a long shot. Please get vaccinated, wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands frequently.

Life's blood

My paintings are my life's blood. The paintings allow me to do things I ordinarily would not get to do otherwise. My income is allowing me to help one of my friends in Africa to sustain and feed his family for a while. 

My friend is working to create paintings that I will eventually pay for. He messaged me tonight that he and his family are going to bed hungry.It breaks my heart because as Americans we have food so plentiful that we throw some away. We do not know the feeling that comes from starvation. The pandemic is preventing my friend from working, and because of this no income either. He is unable to provide or have enough to allow his family to eat. I am grateful to be able to help with my life's blood in order to provide food for their table.

Life's blood, acrylic on canvas, 12*12

Day 21 of the 100 days-100 paintings 2021

Living large

Loggerhead turtles were named that because their heads are huge. This delightful beast was painted today after we went bike riding and during the rain gently falling. We are really enjoying Lake Martin at Wind Creek State Park. Dinner with new friends and a movie on my phone rounded out our day! 

Living Large, acrylic on canvas, 20*20

Day 20 of the 109 days-100 paintings 2021

The juvenile

Tonight's post finds Chris and I up at Wind Creek State Park. Located on Lake Martin, it is a beautiful park. Our spot is near the water, overlooking a channel coming into our area. We are hoping to paddle board quite a bit this week, at least near our site. Unfortunately our site does not have sewer hook ups, so we will have to keep a watchful eye on our gray and black water tanks. We may have to unhook, dump and come back to our spot a couple of times this week. Such is life.

Once we got here, we leveled up, and I started cooking our evening meal . Red beans and rice were delicious, with cookies for dessert. 

I then painted this little guy!

Now I bid you goodnight!

The juvenile, Acrylic on canvas, 12*12 inch

Day 19 of the 100 days-100 paintings 2021

Seasonal visitor

It seems every year I paint a variety of crabs both in sepia and in color.

Blue crabs are always interesting to paint because they are so complicated.

I love painting them!

Meanwhile, we took new pieces to the Stewart Heath Gallery in Malbis today. 

The turtles, Two to Tango are now available there.

I also received an email telling me another piece sold at the Audubon show!

I am really pleased at both the turn out of people and the sales have been surprising to say the least.

I never expected this beautiful space to really sell too.

Susan does a spectacular job of promoting and using the space to it's best advantage.

I'm also very happy that they have already asked me to return for another show.

We are also getting ready to take the motorhome out to Lake Martin.

My sister, Lorene will be staying here, no doubt spoiling the dogs absolutely rotten!

Lots of packing, planning, and preparing to take artwork with me to work upon while on our trip.

Then the week afterward, will be teaching in the morning, creating at church in the afternoon,

then painting at night!

Life is fun at the Raccoon Retreat studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama!

Seasonal visitor, Acrylic on canvas, 12x12

Day 18 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Beautiful Blue II

This has been a crazy wonderful day!

Beautiful Blue II finished and in the solo show in Mississippi.

I am a happy tired today.

The opening reception was this afternoon and was a success!

Scheduled for 2 hours, it went over to 3.

After "That's a big blue" sold Monday, today was wonderful.

Tonight brought 9 more sales, with more to come!

I am so surprised!

Even better, I was asked tonight to do another show there!

Goodnight my friends!

Beautiful Blue II, Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 30

Day 17 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Beautiful Blue I

There are not too many things on earth that make me wonder more than a blue crab.

Why the Lord made such a weird and wonderful looking creature, I'll never know while here on this blue marble we call home.

To start off, those mouth parts.

Kinda reminds me of a spider in a way.

Then the way God put them not only in the Gulf of Mexico, but on the East coast.

In the Maryland area no less!

Visitors to our coast ask why I paint "their" crabs from up north.

I then educate that we have them here too!

The other thing that is so cool about them.

The girls "paint" their nails.

Boys are blue, girls are red.

You don't have to touch them to identify them!

I have yet to have a fisherman believe me and tell me it's true.

Anyway, Beautiful Blue is one of two to replace the big blue at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

They sold it Monday and needed a replacement piece or two.

Tomorrow is another Beautiful Blue!

"Beautiful Blue I" Acrylic on canvas, 24x30

Day 16 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Feeling partly cloudy

I'm feeling partly cloudy that is!

It has been a looooooooooong day to say the least!

I started out as usual with my Bible readings, journaling and sending Scriptures 

and my journal entry to my friends in Africa.

This is a daily ritual for me, starting with the readings and ending with the texts. 

I then can start my day!

I went to the bank first in an effort to help Christina with a transfer but it was a useless trip.

I then went on to the church in an effort to organize before others showed up wanting to help.

I got there at about 9:15.

Help showed up around 10 and boy did we work.

In between letting them know what was next to complete, I was building clouds.

At least I pray they look like clouds.

Problem is, I needed a virtual ton of Chinese lanterns to build them, but all I could find were itty bitty ones at Dollar tree. I bought what I could, but it was not enough to make large clouds.

After going to three stores with no luck, I ended up back at Dollar Tree.

The holy spirit nudges me frequently, and the trip to Dollar Tree was no exception.

I purchased a dozen baskets, and 15 colanders.

This gave me 4 baskets and five colanders apiece for the clouds.

I used zip ties to put them together.

That afternoon one of my good friends came and brought the batting 

I had asked her to purchase for me.

We wrapped the bundles of basketry with paper, Then used the batting to cover the paper.

We then added pieces here and there to fill them out.

I am pleased, but very tired as I did not get home until 6pm.

I started a blue crab painting, to day but will finish it in the morning, 

as my back and neck are giving me fits right now.

Time for a hot shower, and bedtime!

Feeling partly cloudy, plastic, batting, zip ties, 3-4 feet in size

Day 15 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

A loggerhead for class II

This was another version of the turtle sample for the class 

I will teach in August at Stewart Heath Gallery.

I didn't pick this one to use because it has too much detail.

Today was the first day of building for the sets at church. 

We had an amazing crew show up, and we got lots done today.

It's going to be epic for sure!

No long story tonight folks.

I have to work in the studio tonight because the Audubon center has already sold one of my large pieces.

They want a new one by Thursday at the opening!

One happy artist right now!

A loggerhead for class II, Acrylic on canvas, 11x14

Day 14 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

A loggerhead for class

This was a quick painting done as a demonstration for a class I'm teaching in August 

at the Stewart Heath Gallery.

It's an open class and anyone can come, you just need to sign up for it soon!

Today found us going to breakfast and church.

The afternoon was spent working on items for the 

summer surge (VBS) at our church in August.

We have put together several things already in preparation for a large 

work group tomorrow at the church.

This years theme is "Wonder".

It involves lots of oversized items that will be able to cause wonder in the eyes of the children.

We may even use the items for our float at Christmas in downtown Fairhope.

A giant hairbrush, mirror, lipstick, monster truck, oversized art supplies, rubicks cube, dice, pizza slices, and other various assorted items will be built over the next few days.

There's even a rocket and a large globe.

Good thing our church now has a man-lift to suspend things from the ceiling!

I even have to build a working robot costume.

Life is going to be interesting for the next few weeks.

A loggerhead for class, Acrylic on canvas, 11 x 14

Day 13 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

The encounter

"The encounter" is another sea turtle multi piece canvas.

After the sale of my large octopus at the gallery, I asked the owner what would she like.

I asked turtles or octopus?

Turtles came the reply.

So, here we are.

More turtles.

I never seem to have enough on hand of them or enough octopus.

So I continue to paint them both.

I am actually teaching a class at Stewart Heath Gallery in August featuring a sea turtle.

Simplified and in color of course!

I simply love painting them!

I also laid out the steampunk pelican I will be working on in between 

Summer surge sets at church and my one a day paintings.

It's going to be an interesting end to the summer with the next four weeks especially hectic.

Grandson (and a painting a day),

 one week camping trip (and a painting a day),

 one week teaching in Mobile (and a painting a day),

 then summer surge at church (and a painting a day).

Something else on the calendar, but I don't have a date as of yet.

I have to remind myself, when I started the 100 days in 2009 I was working a full time job, coming home and cooking, cleaning the kitchen, then painting at night!

The shows have started responding as well. 

I have an acceptance from Mattie Kelly on October 30 & 31st in Destin, Florida. 

I've also been notified that Arts & Crafts in March 2022 has automatically juried me in for the show because I won an award this year. 

Covid is still winning though, preventing me from following my heart to India and Africa.

Probably for the best, I don't think I could fit them in right now and keep my sanity!

Life here at the Raccoon Retreat studio really couldn't get much better!

Although a clone would be nice to take care of the laundry, cooking, and cleaning.

Which reminds me, I need to make the bed I stripped this morning!

Goodnight!

"The encounter", Acrylic on multiple canvases, 60 wide x 36 tall

Day 12 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Confident turtle

I don't know why, but this little guy looks confident!

Hence the name confident turtle.

Our sea turtles are not very confident of late.

Turtle nesting season is in full swing and we should have several nests in the Orange beach area.

As far as I know, we have one.

One!

A few years back we had three on the same day bringing our total to 18 I think.

It seems to be an off year for nests.

They may not like the lights on the beaches or condos, 

the people hanging out at night, or the beach chairs left after the teams patrol at night.

Our beaches are definitely cleaner now, with less things being left at night because they know it will get picked up by the patrols.

Help our turtles by turning off lights, not running the beaches at night, 

and removing your items until the next day.

While I am on my soap box.......

Please fill in your holes!

I've never seen such caverns left in the sand overnight.

I have been the victim of the quicksand caused by these holes as well.

You see when you don't fill it back in, the ocean fills it for you.

Problem is, what is formed by this filling in is almost like quicksand. 

I have been walking along on the beach and suddenly been up to my hips in the quagmire.

Please fill your holes!

The large amounts of fun digging is not worth a momma turtle 

breaking her neck while coming ashore to nest.

She's waited 20-30 years to become a momma and a hole either traps her or kills her.

Please fill your holes!

I'm off my box now.

But,

Please fill your holes!

Confident turtle, Acrylic on poured background, 4x12inches

Day 11 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Lovely turtle

They're all lovely to me, the sea turtles.

I really enjoy painting them, big or small.

Colored or sepia.

Multi canvas or single.

Today we went to the Coastal Alabama Chamber and paid for 

my booths at the National Shrimp Festival.

Booths........

That still kind of scares me.

One booth marine life I can do standing on my head.

The other Steampunk, which are extremely involved and complicated.

The steampunk will stand alone quite well I think because they were so well received at Arts & Crafts.

 I will really just have to work hard to get them done.

Add to that, the fact that I've sold three of my originals in the past two months.

Not that I'm complaining mind you!

I absolutely adore designing and painting them.

Why two booths?

I have shown them before together.

Even though I am standing there, people find it hard to believe that I actually paint them!

The style is so different from my usual fare, but still beautifully detailed.

I truly believe that the steampunk is the reason I got an award this spring at Arts & Crafts.

I want to see them judged separately.

It's going to be a fun summer!

One more class to teach in Mobile, one more camping trip, then I have to knuckle down for sure.

On a side note, while traveling to pay booth fees 

I wanted to pick up more fabric to cover my walls in the booth.

Fabrics by the pound is where I purchased my grey material before and I wanted to drop by and see if they had more on hand.

The gentleman I talked to said no they were sold out.

Then he said wait, what color?

Grey.

Let me look.

He came out a few minutes later with a very long roll of extremely dirty fabric.

It had gotten wet and had spots all over the outside.

I had him remove the fabric from the roll as it would never fit in my car.

As he unrolled, the fabric was perfect except for being dirty.

He minimally charged me after seeing the spots were through the entire roll.

Spots, what spots?

I have cut the roll into 10 ft pieces and washed them in hot water.

Spots are gone!

I have fabric to cover my walls that is an EXACT match to my other walls!

One happy artist after painting today too!

Lovely turtle, Acrylic on poured background, 4x12 inches

Day 10 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Tiny turtle

I photographed this little guy while at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida.

It is a magical place, full of caring people that really love sea turtles.

At the time, I think he was sucked into the water cooling area of the electrical plant. 

Once rescued, checked out, he became an ambassador of sorts for the hospital.

He traveled quite a bit before growing too large and being released.

Today has been a full day of painting, appointments, and grand coming to play in the pool.

We always enjoy his activity level and are ready when it's bedtime for all of us!

I also got everything together for my classes I'm teaching at the Alabama Contemporary in two weeks.

We are winding down summer already here, with a camping trip planned, 

a final week of art camp, 

and of course painting every day!

Tiny turtle, Acrylic on poured background, 4x12 inches

Day 9 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Seahorse II

Wow what a day!

I started out with Bible study and prayer because that is the way I start my day almost every day.

I get out of sorts when I don't start by diving into the word.

I fairly swim in the words on the pages, and sometimes the passages give

 me deep insights into God's pure love.

We got on the road early this morning to go to Mississippi to hang the show at the 

Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss Point.

What a gorgeous space! 

I've never been there physically, only through emails and photographs.

Anyway, we drove the distance through rainfall the entire way.

Once arriving, we met Susan coming in and she told us to park under the overhang.

Then she told us about the lift!

Almost the entire show fit on the lift and we walked up the ramp.

Unloading was so easy, then we started to unpack and lay out pieces on the floor.

The excitement in me was evident as I laid out the works in their respective spaces.

Jeremy was there to help me hang.

I think he saw what a task it would be and decided if I needed help to call and he would come.

Multi canvas pieces are not easy to put into place, requiring careful measurements.

Anyway we got it all done, hung and marked with pink tags in about three hours total.

It is a large show with 47 pieces on 58 canvases!

The promotion they do is fantastic as well, with email blasts out to their supporters.

I am really looking forward to the reception on the 15th of July.

On to today's piece, Seahorse II was an easy time to paint and relax with listening to music.

I finished off the day with layering a steampunk pelican in parts.

It's going to be interesting to be in the studio this summer!

Thanks for going on the ride with me!

Seahorse II, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16x16

Day 8 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Seahorse I

Always a favorite of mine to paint, a seahorse!

Comical and wonderful, I think God showed his sense of humor with this creature.

In addition to painting, I packed the show today to head to Mississippi.

There is a total of 48 pieces if you count the individual small ones!

These works are on a total of 49 canvases.

Whew!

I pray the Pascagoula River Audubon Center likes them!

My husband Chris got his goal accomplished for today as well.

He wanted to complete the carport raising so our new motorhome would fit underneath.

I admit, I was a nervous wreck because he was doing the job by himself.

He thought smarter, not harder and using a couple of come along's raised it two feet!

I am so proud of him!

The best part, it cost about $250.00 instead of the the thousands we had been quoted.

Great job Chris!

Anyway I look at it, it was a good day, full of activity and now I'm tired so no long post tonight!

Seahorse I, Acrylic on Shadowbox canvas, 16x16

Day 7 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Stunning

"Stunning"

I am always amazed at the work that comes from my brushes.

I am so grateful that I actually get to create something and people want to pay me for it!

It has been several months with Covid ruining the shows, 

but the art world at least for me is roaring back to life.

The galleries are selling, people are coming to shows, and acceptance letters are 

going out for the shows coming down the calendar.

It seems things are slowly coming back to normal.

At least the new "normal".

I pray we will all be a little more cautious and careful in the coming months.

Getting vaccinated, wearing masks when out in public, 

and socially distancing when out with strangers.

The battle is not over yet.

We still cannot travel to India, primarily because of the Delta version of Covid.

I really want to go to India and back to Africa.

This whole mess needs to settle down  and go away.

Yet, God is in control and I trust in His plan.

It's not always easy to trust that "God's got this" is it?

My life has been much easier since I turned over the reins of the horse 

I am riding and just go along for the ride.

So far, I love the journey God has for me!

Every show we go and participate in there is at least one artist 

looking for the answer to what do people want to buy.

As artists, we create simply to create and sometimes to sell.

Fortunately for me, I love creating and people want to purchase!

Proverbs 16:33

We throw the dice, but God determines where they land.

The dice we throw are the booth fees we pay.

 God allows me to play along with Him by my side and taking the lead.

May your 4th of July be an amazing day of fun and safe celebrations!

"Stunning", Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 40

Day 6 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021