Frequent Flier II

Today's painting was a joy to create. 

But I don't know if it's quite finished yet! 

I may add something to it later on. 

We also worked on a church project today for several hours. 

I also taught for 3 hours. 

Researched parts for a costume for grandson.

Cooked dinner.

Finished church project.

I'm done for today!

Frequent Flier II, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x24

Day 94 of the 100 days-100 paintings 2021

Frequent Flier

Today is a good day.

While I didn't get much done, I still created.

Paints are ready for the Watercolor class, patterns are too!

Teaching tomorrow.

Plans made for working on ornaments Friday with Sister in law.

She's helping me knead the clay to soften it.

We also went to get a bunch of canvas for my Scripts & Strokes class as I'm finally out.

Low and behold, there were bonus packs with one extra canvas. 

I bought all of them I could find.

We also went shopping for shoes as Chris is having issues with his feet.

Stopped and got canvas for a backdrop at children's church.

We took dachshunds out for a spin.

Gave one dachshund with skin issues a bath.

Washed laundry and dried it, still got to fold!

We are headed to church tonight!

Frequent Flier, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 36

Day 93 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Pretty pelican II

Pretty pelican II

It was an interesting day to say the least.

Heavy rains in the morning allowed me to secretly bake my sister in laws birthday dachshund cake.

I took the cake to Scripts & Strokes tonight and talked her into coming to the class too.

I  managed to surprise her!

We painted tonight at Scripts and strokes too.

What a wonderful day!

Indeed Lord!

Keep lighting my way!

Pretty pelican, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 92 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Pretty pelican

Pretty pelican.

Indeed, these birds are beautiful in flight, especially when flying together in long strands.

It was not always that way here along the coast.

When we came here in 1976, the pelicans were in peril.

Their numbers were way down and they were in danger of being no more.

The scientists figured out why though.

You see, DDT was a widely used pesticide.

It was entering the birds systems and making their eggs fragile.

The birds could not even set on them, without them breaking.

So their numbers went down drastically.

I've seen a revolution of these birds though since that day so long ago.

Their numbers are such now. that people are calling them a nuisance bird.

Granted there are a lot of them.

I for one, am glad to see them back!

I am also in prayer for my friends and fellow artists in Zimbabwe, Africa.

Both of them have been accepted to a show that is several hours away.

There is a group going from Zimbabwe and they are pooling their efforts to get a ride to the show.

Alfred has been there before, this is Crecious's first time to actually show.

I am praying they both get there, that the friend providing a place to stay is a great host,

their set up is easy, and they have astounding sales.

I pray their sales are such that they cannot believe their fortune.

Please Lord, send them buyers!

We took down the tent today and packed it up.

I've also emailed the show and we may not need the french wall to 

separate the steampunk from the rest of the booth.

I should be able to place the steampunk outside the booth with a table for prints!

Such a blessing!

I was supposed to have a double booth this year for the National Shrimp Festival.

One for my Marine paintings, one for steampunk.

We now have one day to show, sell, and pack up for the next one!

October 9th is coming fast and hard!

Pretty pelican, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 91 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Ornament central

Before painting

Well!

After an afternoon of pressing trimming, and mounting, then baking.

I had 24 ornaments ready for paint.

The pearl ornaments have pearl paint on them, while the gold have a lovely interference gold.

The white have silver accents while the gold have gold accents.

I will have to see tomorrow if the gold shows up properly.

Unfortunately, one of the seahorses decided to jump off the ornament and shattered.

I now have 23.

No worries, I can make more!

And I will be making more shortly. 

I have at least another 84 to make.

They all will need to be signed as well!

Show season, busy season!

But for now, Goodnight!

After painting

Ornament central, Acrylic and clay on glass ornaments

Day 90 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Three Amigos

These bad boys were interesting to paint! 

I have always loved painting pelicans and this trio was no exception.

Only problem is, in my excitement of carving yesterday I am sore.

My index finger with which I was controlling the dremel 

was complaining today about the brush pushing against it.

It feels rather bruised.

Oh well, as usual I pushed through and got the job done!

I love how they turned out!

We also decided to set up the new tent today.

Whew!

I bought an X7 Tectonic from the Extreme canopy company.

It was not the most expensive, nor was it cheap.

This tent is demonstrated being thrown off of a building, mounted to a trailer and pulled at 70 mph.

It was also highly recommended by another artist that has had his for years.

The frame is guaranteed for 10 years and the fabric for 1.

The legs are not square, but hexagonal and it is heavy.

The canvas is sent in 5 separate bags, one each for the walls, and one for the roof.

The fabric is all lined inside with a rubberized coating and there are panels to protect the canvas from the frame rubbing.

All in all, a very well built tent!

We got the frame up with no problem and following the directions, tried to pop the legs into place.

BOTH of us were having issues as the top is extremely tight and we could not pop the tops of the legs into lock position.

It took some wrangling, but we finally got it.

Are you sure this is a 10x10?

It feels bigger than that.

The height from the ground is excellent and our 6ft plus customers will have no problem getting in without ducking under!

I can raise my hand completely over my head and barely touch the frame.

We have left it set up overnight in an effort to get the top to stretch out a bit.

We both said, we're sure glad we decided to set it up before the show season to check it out!

We also modified a frame Chris built to fit my 7ft wall.

This is so we can split the booth some to be able to put the steampunk out as well in it's own little area.

All that work may be moot if the booth can have outside walls exposed with art on them.

So, we will be bringing the 3 10ft. walls and the frame with the 7ft. wall just in case.

Another day in paradise.

Here in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama

Three Amigos, Acrylic on Shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24

Day 89 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Crabby pose

Well!

This is the end of the rounds again.

At least for now.

They are fun to paint and so elegant looking.

Today was a busy day.

I started out late.

Very late for me.

I woke up at 8am.

I usually cannot sleep past dawn as I am very light sensitive.

However, as I mentioned last night I may be coming down with a cold.

I am staying home tonight.

 I was supposed to go to our oldest daughters to hang out for an overnight stay.

I don't want to be a germ bomb, so here I stay.

I painted, I carved, and I sent money to a friend.

I painted the crab today.

After we went for a walk with the dogs and lunch.

I then took the block of wood I got from the shop and reverse carved the ornaments for this year.

I will still have the sea turtle, shrimp, and octopus.

After polling Facebook it was suggested I do a seahorse or crab.

Instead I chose to do both!

I will have sets of 5 ornaments to offer this year.

I will still have the rich blue and ice blue ornaments as well.

The pearl white was a hit last year, so it will return as well as a new color!

Gold!

I think they will be very pretty with the pearl white clay on them!

So excited I have these carved now!

It's not even October yet!

I'm proud of me for getting it done.

The friend I sent money to is finally getting paid by his school, but things are not out of the weeds yet.

I am purchasing one of his paintings and he is  paying rent two months at a time, 

so that pressure is off his plate.

The landlord's daughter is a bulldog as far as rent being paid and was threatening to evict.

God said nope!

Send money.

So I obey His quiet urgings and send money.

 My friend and his family are safe for now.

They also have some food for the table.

God is so good!

Crabby pose, Acrylic on Wood panel, 24 inches round

Day 88 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Somewhat Crabby

Somewhat Crabby.

It's what I'm feeling now because I may have a cold coming on.

I don't have time to be sick right now.

I'm praying it's just fall allergies acting up.

 Hopefully the sore throat is from talking too much during class today while teaching.

But my ear feels stuffy too.

I really don't have time to be sick.

Fortunately, the next few days are quiet with no classes, or church.

I also don't want to go to a doctors office where there may be really ill people.

Praying for sure.

Somewhat crabby, Acrylic on wood panel, 24 inches round

Day 87 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Another close up!

These birds are just magnificent!

I really enjoy painting them too.

This is a companion piece for last nights entry.

Hopefully they will sell in pairs, as they look really great together!

Either way, they are helping me get ready for shows.

The entries for the Winter /Spring events have really started rolling in as well.

I've already entered Arts & Crafts Fairhope, and Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts for Spring.

There are a few other shows to put in for in the Spring, Melbourne, Amelia Island Shrimp Festival, and Art in the Pass/Pass Christian, MS. 

I am looking at Del Ray again as I've put in for the Cape Coral Show in January as well.

I am having to adjust photos for Zapp though, so it will accept them as entries.

In the middle of all this, I have a couple of projects for the Children's pastor at our church as well.

God calls, I listen and act upon the callings.

Mardi Gras regalia, sewing for my own tent, projects for sale.

It's all a part of my studio and artist's life!

I'm so grateful to have a mate that loves what I do!

Another close up!, Acrylic on wood panel, 24 inches round

Day 86 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

I'm ready for my close up!

I'm into the rounds again!

Only four this time, I promise.

I had a great time painting this guy.

I've read a couple of articles too!

It seems these guys will eat seemingly impossible meals.

One of the Great Blues actually ate a juvenile alligator!

I'm still respectful of these giants of the bird world.

Their beaks kinda scare me.

But, they are beautiful birds.

Creepy sounding, but beautiful nonetheless.

Onto the next day tomorrow!

It's been a long day today and I'm ready for the comfort of my bed to read.

Goodnight!

I'm ready for my close up!, Acrylic on Wood panel, 24 inches round

Day 85 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

The encounter IV

The encounter IV

Does this guy look familiar?

He should.

Actually this one is a reverse of the original one.

I try to give everyone and original when they purchase from me.

I may paint the same turtle over and over, but it will be on different size canvases,

reversed in it's pose, or in some cases, flippers will be moved.

This guy was fun to paint!

I had to do a replacement painting for one that sold yesterday.

After my flying trip to the gallery on Saturday, the lovely couple bought 4 of my pieces!

Today I got to see why.

There bedroom is decorated in black and white.

I was in absolute shock when I saw where the paintings will call home.

So beautiful together!

They compliment the decoration, don't you think?

I am simply wowed by this combination and so delighted that my works are a part of their lovely home!

Thank you Lord for provision!

The Encounter IV, Acrylic on Shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24 inches

Day 84 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Oh what a glorious day!

Two herons, two days.

Oh what a wonderful day!

It's Sunday here and we go to church service now since Covid restrictions have been lifted.

We missed our church family while out on Lockdown.

I cannot imagine what it's like in other countries.

I know we really enjoy it a lot in person.

Any way,

Glorious day!

Why?

My husband of 42 years, almost 43, decided to acknowledge Jesus by getting baptized this morning!

It was a surprise to me that he had made that decision as he always 

told me one of his friends from work had baptized him.

Well they had, but it didn't feel right.

So he made my day in church today!

Our son was also able to repair our oldest daughters car that went kaput yesterday.

He determined from the video that it was the battery.

When he got to the car, he confirmed it.

He took sister and picked up the battery and installed it.

The car started immediately.

Our Son, her brother is amazing with cars, especially jeeps.

We then met for a delightful lunch downtown at the Bone and Barrel.

It was heavenly, laughing together and eating a really great meal too!

The only thing missing was the youngest daughter.

Hopefully Covid will settle soon, so we can all get together again.

Meanwhile, I paint.

And

Paint I must!

Because after taking paintings to Stewart Heath Gallery yesterday.

The couple came in and bought 4 today!

This is the same couple that bought my Seahorse the night I taught the class at the gallery.

They are redecorating and decided these were the one's they wanted together.

All told the grouping is 2 ft tall and 4 1/2 ft wide.

I am so grateful to be able to create and make money while doing it!

Thanks be to God for a great day!

Oh what a glorious day! Herons, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24 inches

Day 83 (and 82!) of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Whew!

What a day!

I ran errands with our oldest daughter this morning with both of us taking 

advantage of time to spend together,

We let the house about 6:30 and got back at 12:30.

Hobby Lobby was the main stop and we both got supplies for upcoming projects we both have.

It was a precious time spent together and we got lunch.

Actually we brought lunch home to the crew at the house.

We then both went to my studio as I was looking for something for one of her projects.

We found the molds she needed and I showed her how to use them.

Her projects are always so interesting and complicated!

We took apart the sloper we made for an outfit we're working on for Mardi Gras too.

Then she had to leave for a job here in Fairhope. 

Chris and I then took the dogs for a ride and I got a phone call from one of my galleries.

What do you have right now in the studio?

Someone that has purchased one of my pieces may want more.

I told her what I had, and she asked if we could bring them at 6pm after she taught a class.

I said sure.

Then came the mad rush to get wires on the backs.

 I also had to varnish 7 pieces praying they would be dry enough to transport at 5:30.

About the time we were to load up, we get a call from our daughter.

Her car won't start.

Chris and I divided and conquered, he went to help our daughter

 and I loaded up and headed to the gallery.

I made it in time, signed in all the pieces after she chose what to put in inventory.

I then drove home.

7:00pm

While I was driving home our daughter texted dad was taking her home as the car was dead.

Cooked a quick meal, and ate.

Just as we were finishing, Chris came home and he ate as well.

8:00pm

Cleaned up the kitchen and dragged myself upstairs to work.

What you see is it.

I got the rounds painted white tonight!

That's all!

I'll find out tomorrow if the any of the pieces will fit in the collectors home.

Whew! Acrylic on wood panels, 24 inches round

Day 82 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

 

Octopus rising

Today was interesting.

I love days like today.

Most of the day was spent cleaning the studio, putting things away.

I am clearing out in preparation for Mardi Gras work.

It also means a great time spent with our oldest daughter while creating.

In my former life, I was a professional seamstress, making anything from bridal attire to business suits.

Other times I was creating costumes or pageant wear.

Mardi Gras was a large part of my creativity until a drunk driver hit us at a stoplight.

After the wreck, the children were scared to ride for a while in the back of the van with good reason. 

Everyone else recovered quickly from soreness, but me not so much.

A month later the MRI said why.

Two herniated discs in my neck between C4-5 and C5-6.

Numbness in my two outer fingers on my right hand.

It was not until years later when still having issues, 

that I talked with a chiropractor who was also a friend.

I asked him, is this nerve damage and he said probably.

The seat belt had most likely yanked everything out of place.

I live with it every day.

Some days are diamonds, some days are dirt.

Some day even, I may have to look at surgery.

Hopefully not for a long time though!

I say this not to get people to feel sorry for me.

I say this because I am a conqueror.

Prayer has helped a lot along this dusty road we call life.

I should not be able to paint the way that I can at all.

Granted some days the brush flies from my hand, 

others the headaches are so intense it's hard to function.

Most days God grants me the ability to create in ways I never had before.

Other days he slows me down to remind me to stop and smell the roses.

Every day is a great day because I choose joy!

Octopus rising, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16

Day 81 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

The octopus escapes

Well!

This one is so hot off the easel I have not even erased pencil lines yet!

Back to shadowboxes for the shows!

Shows.....

I have been accepted into the one day Freedom Fest in Orange Beach October 9th.

We can set up the day before, but will probably wait to load in Artworks until Saturday morning.

I'm hoping we can boondock Friday night in the parking lot, both to save on expenses and time.

We'll see on that one!

Those who were disappointed about the National Shrimp Festival, 

we now have ONE day to sell in Orange Beach.

As my girlfriend says, "Better than a stick in the eye"

Kudos to the Mayor and his awesome city staff getting the job done to put on this show.

Now, if people will just show up and buy!

I will be blasting it out on Facebook for sure!

The octopus escapes, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16

Day 80 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Heron the traveler

Imagine yourself a half a world away from the United States.

Then, teach several hundred children at a local school.

Everyone is very excited.

I'm teaching a class to students asking them to look out the window to see the atmosphere.

Outside the window I see the shape of a great blue heron.

I was in shock that a bird that we're so familiar with was here in Africa!

Maybe I shouldn't be surprised, God designed the world that way.

God made the animals.

He also made the Goliath heron that I saw out the window in Africa!

Still shaking my head two years later.

I love this world we live in, (maybe not all aspects of it.)

Don't you?

Heron the traveler, acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16

Day 79 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Heron the hunter

Today's entry.

I learned something incredible about herons yesterday.

Appalling actually.

A photographer caught a Great Blue Heron in the act of hunting.

I've seen them eat a snake before.

We also saw one of our locals eat a tiny turtle while in the park one day.

Herons move very slowly when hunting, and bring their necks back to strike  at their prey.

They stand very still, watching the water for a possible fish snack.

This was not however what this heron caught.

There was a Momma mallard and her five ducklings swimming nearby.

One of the ducklings came too close and became a meal.

I would not have believed it, had I not looked at the photos.

I'm already scared of these beautiful creatures because I've had them swoop in 

while walking the beach for sea turtles at dawn.

They make the weirdest sound as well.

Creepy, fascinating, and now on my dangerous list even more!

I am one step closer to the Freedom Arts show at the Wharf today.

I've sent in my application and booth shot.

Now I wait for acceptance.

This show is a herculean task for the city of Orange beach, but I think they're going to pull it off!

Heron the hunter, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16

Day 78 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Octopus III

What a grand day. 

Not necessarily because of what I got done. But because I am moving forward instead of staying in place. My women's organization has a saying; No day comes back, and life is short at best. So we must get done what we can, when we can. Today I did get laundry done, the bed made, and keys picked up for a class I begin this week. The next six weeks will be very busy. Monday church prayer, Tuesday teaching Scripts and Strokes, Wednesday church in the evening, Thursday teaching a class from 1-4 pm. Time will become a precious commodity for sure!

Today's painting is the end of the sewing machine series. 

Octopus III, Acrylic on wood panel, 5x15 inches

Day 77of the 100 days-100 Paintings 2021

Octopus II

This is another in the series of wood panels with sewing machine drawer frames.

I am really enjoying the series as you can see.

They are fun to paint and see them come to life.

I hope you enjoy them too!

Today was Sunday.

We spent the morning going to church and enjoying a sermon very much.

I am so glad we found a church that we can call home.

I'm also glad that we can go back to church in person, although I am still a bit nervous myself.

I missed our church family last year while on lockdown.

Today I painted.

Tomorrow I'll paint.

And the next.

There are 34 days now until the Jubilee show, and I'm getting ready!

Octopus II, Acrylic on wood panel, 5 x 15 inches

Day 76 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Octopus I

Today.

Long day, but a productive one.

Those of you who know me, realize there are times that I spend with my 

oldest daughter on one of her projects.

Jessica  has some of the most interesting friends and clients.

Today we worked hard on an organizations Mardi Gras Queen.

This project is not your usual queen either.

It promises to be a spectacular design, with many innovations involved.

Today I spent the majority of the day sewing for a fitting this afternoon.

I have to say, the fitting went very well and we are on track.

Fabric has to be ordered so we can get all the pieces and parts to complete the project.

It's going to be a fun one!

Somewhere in there, I managed to work ahead and create the Octopus you see here.

I knew today was going to be a long one, so I worked ahead.

I am very pleased with this sewing machine drawer painting.

I only have two more to do, then I will have to push on to 

shadowboxes and steampunk!

Despite the blow of the cancellation of the National Shrimp Festival,

I still have three shows to create paintings for.

Jubilee will be first in Daphne, Alabama October 16&17

Mattie Kelly, Destin, Florida October 30th& 31st

Peter Anderson, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, November 6th & 7th

Today is also a day of mourning for our country.

September 11, 2001 is a date many of will not forget.

God bless the many that lost their lives that day, the hero's that showed up, and the stories of triumph that are still being made today in the survivors.

I for one, will never forget......

Octopus I, Acrylic on wood panel. 5x15 inches

Day 75 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

Seahorse II

Another day, another painting.

This is one of the series of sewing machine drawers.

I'm really enjoying painting them.

I was not in a good mood today.

It was hard to get anything done, and whatever I did, didn't make me happy at all.

Chris and I worked on the trailer today.

He has worked so hard on the trailer for us to carry to shows.

Using poor mans fiberglass, he's coated it, sanded it, and coated it again.

Then he added paint that I bought for extreme weather.

After he painted it pale grey, I wanted to stripe it similarly as our new to us motorhome.

This trailer has been a journey for him.

Starting out with a jet ski trailer that had an awesome torsion axle.

The trailer itself was trash because it was rusting from the inside out.

He kept the axle, and welded together a new trailer frame.

He then built the box for the trailer as we need a 4x6 and they are almost impossible to find.

He then coated it , painted it, sanded it, and painted again.

The striping looks really neat, although I think it's backwards to the motorhome.

That's what he wanted, that's what he got.

All in all, a great project almost finished and ready for a tag!

That's next week!

I've been working on the new steampunk piece in my studio today.

I am moving forward with the steampunk, even though I have no show specifically for them.

In between chatting with my African friend and African "son".

I worked hard, laying on colors for the backgrounds of the steampunk parts.

They are both wonderful artists and I am praying they do well in a show next month.

Their show was the same weekend as the National Shrimp Festival.

I have not told them yet of the cancellation.

Next month.....

I pray the other shows don't cancel as well!

I really wish people would stop politicizing a pandemic and get the shot already, 

wear a mask, and distance.

Don't even get me started on football games!

Seahorse II, Acrylic on wood panel, 5x15 inches

Day 74 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Seahorse I

Well!

This is a hard one to post.

The National Shrimp Festival cancelled the show today.

I have to admit, it's taking the wind out of my sails for a moment.

The good news is, the other shows are silent so far as cancelling is concerned.

I get it, but this is seriously messing with my income for this year!

I prayed okay God, what are you trying to teach me?

TRUST!

Trust that He will provide.

Rely on His provision.

Understand His will.

Stand on His word.

Teach others about trusting.

The same message God gave me last year when the shows were all collapsing.

I now pass it on to you!

Worked hard on a Steampunk piece design today.

Paint to follow soon afterwards.

Life goes on here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio in Fairhope, Alabama

Seahorse I, Acrylic on wood panel, 5 x 15 inches

Day 73 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Just the Blues III

We had a relaxing day today.

Our morning started later than normal as it was cloudy and raining.

Consequently, I didn't get out of bed until almost 8am.

SO out of character for me.

Typically I'm awakened by the sunlight streaming through the windows in the morning, 

usually around 6:30am.

I am very sensitive to light and cannot stay in bed much past daylight.

Anyway, I started with my Bible readings as usual and began the day.

My morning was hit hard by the loss of one of my Shrimp Festival family.

Ron Arnold was a fixture down at the show.

I have many fond memories of him.

He will be very missed.

We delivered pieces to Big Fish Trading Company today.

They are a local company in Foley, Alabama that has incredible hand finished, coastal style furniture 

in a variety of colors and finishes.

They are currently located at 21860 US highway 98.

The furniture and Art store are an amazing fit for my works.

The owners Amy and Jason are extremely sweet people that support their artists wholeheartedly.

They have been very patient with me, as their inventory of my works was down to three pieces.

Today their plate is full as she kept 25 of my works, removed one, and that brought her total to 27.

What's wonderful about this relationship is that Amy does not mind 

me removing pieces for a show over a weekend.

They always come and visit at the shows I go to locally as well, 

they get very excited when I have lots of sales!

We also discussed some larger pieces that will be arriving soon 

to the gallery after they move into their new space just up the road.

I am very happy to be a part of their Artist family.

We then bought lunch at Chris's favorite spot in Foley.

Culvers has become his go-to for a great hamburger and custard for dessert.

If you have never tried Culvers I highly recommend them.

The employees are some of the happiest I've ever seen.

Studio time in the afternoon.

Leftovers for dinner.

Church in the evening.

Life is so good!

Just the Blues III, Acrylic on wood panel, 5 x 15 inches

Day 72 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Just the Blues II

Just the Blues II

Another in the series of sewing machine drawers.

I am really enjoying the creation of this littles and I hope you are as well.

This series is finite though, as I made several last year and sold them all.

Unless I find another dilapidated sewing machine, or one really cheap!

These drawers came from a sewing machine our neighbor had that had been stored outside.

She wanted Chris to refinish it, but the veneer was just too far gone to save.

So, he stripped the wood off the iron frame and replaced the top part with solid oak.

The drawer veneer was an issue as well, so she said just throw them away.

These drawers will live on as frames for hopefully another 100 years.

Chris also stripped the sewing machine itself as it was completely locked up. 

The head became part of the weight under his lathe.

The sewing machine parts are very interesting and form part of my steampunk box to design paintings.

So, the parts and pieces of the machine will live on, just in other ways.

I love it!

We ran errands this morning, going to Lowes to pick up paint for the trailer.

 Chris is building a trailer to pull behind the RV when we go to shows.

IT is coated in poor mans fiberglass, using waterproof glue to hold sheets tight against the wood.

It will also have about 3 or 4 coats of paint.

Fingers crossed that it is waterproof, because it will be carrying all my equipment.

We are one month out from the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

It still could get the ax again this year because Covid numbers are still so very high.

I am praying fervently that is not the case for this year as it is one of my favorite shows.

It is also a fairly local show as it's only an hour from home.

Our plans are to stay down there this year because it could be very big as far as sales go and you have to stay open at night to take advantage of the concert crowds.

I also have two booths, so there will be additional challenges there.

I still have to finalize the layout for the double booth 

because the second booth is my steampunk paintings.

I had someone share the alligator last week telling her friend these were my "alter ego" works.

I kind of like that, "alter ego" works because it is so different from my normal marine life pieces.

It is also why we have a separate booth for the pieces as I want them judged as their own collection.

I have had them in the booth together before, but people get really confused.

 They are so radically unusual that folks find it hard to believe I paint them.

They are in shock when they look around several times, then ask while pointing at the steampunk.

"You?"

I nod and they are in disbelief because most of the time this is an art form that is for a younger generation.

Truth be told though, this art has been around in one form or another for over 100 years.

Think Jules Verne 20,000 leagues under the sea written in 1872!

His science fiction inspired many advances because people started thinking what if?

My steampunk is typically different as mine focuses on steam engines, but also has car parts, farm machinery, vcr gears, clockworks, vintage woodwork, and whatever else I can find to fit into my current piece.

People love to look at them, talk about them, and ultimately purchase them!

Speaking of which, I need to set up the next one!

Just the Blues II, Acrylic on wood panel, 5 x 16 inches

Day 71 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Just the Blues I

Back to the sewing machine drawers!

I really enjoy using up paint when I have put out colors on my palette.

Because of this, I have used the colors to create "Just the Blues I"

The paintings are coming hard and fast now, with me sometimes completing two in one day!

These small guys are so much fun to create!

Not much other than painting happening here today.

Although we did have dinner with our friends that are back home from Africa.

It is good to catch up and hear about things happening there.

Water is a huge problem right now.

I f you could lift them up in prayer I would appreciate it very much!

If you are led to donate toward a borehole (well) at iroCK lodge, that would be amazing!

They are currently trying to raise $4,500.00

Donations can be made at www.teamafrica.com

This takes you to the Buy a Brick Foundation.

All money donated goes to help the people of Zimbabwe.

There are no administrative fees taken out.

I find that amazing don't you?

Just the Blues, Acrylic on wood panel, 5 x 16 inches

Day 70 of the 1000 days~100 paintings 2021