Five for two

If you're friends on Facebook with me, you may have already seen this painting today.

Today at Freedom Festival I posted early this morning photos of my tent and walls.

These guys were on the back wall of the tent.

They were also the first painting to sell.

Oh my!

(One of two most expensive pieces in the booth!)

Thank you Father!

I was getting admittedly nervous though as they did not sell until about 2 hours into the show.

So, from about 8:30 to 11:00 crickets.

I was questioning my sanity about doing this show again.

But it was my best ever one day show in my show history last year.

Last year, everyone was upset about the National Shrimp Festival getting cancelled again.

The mayor of Orange Beach was particularly upset and managed 

to roust up a show in less than two weeks.

So, with no Shrimp Festival, a lot of people came to the one-day show.

Then they expanded this year to be three days instead of one.

The Art portion of the show this year is only two days Friday and Saturday.

Friday morning the crowds were very light.

Lots of tourists going home Saturday were at the show.

Five hours later, toward the end of the first day we had two more sales that rounded out the day.

Let me tell you, I was praying a lot about what was happening.

Mostly praying about peace as with my morning sale, my show was paid for and then some.

I was seeing other artists not so fortunate.

Hopefully Saturday will be better with sales scattered through the day and worth all the hard work.

Carpe' diem!

Another aside about the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores next week.

I had a gentleman come in my booth and tell me he heard that it wasn't happening.

I was a little taken aback and set him straight.

Rumors flying are not cool.

I messaged someone on the committee and told him what I had heard.

He sent back a face slap emoji.

I told him indeed.

Just so you know folks, there is a National Shrimp Festival 

happening next week in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama.

October 6th-9th, 2022

The biggest party on the Gulf Coast!

I'm looking forward to the show, although two booths of 

completely different styles of art will be a challenge.

I think I'm ready, almost....

5 days until set up 6 days until the show!

Eeeek!

Five for two, Acrylic on multi canvas, 36 x 60 inches

Day 95 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Feeling crabby

Feeling crabby.

Yes, I was admittedly feeling very crabby this afternoon.

After weeks of getting ready, today was set up day for our first show.

It was a battle from the beginning.

First, the tent roof was tight after not being used for several months.

Then we just haven't put it together, so we had to remember how to put it together.

It's a pop-up tent, so it should be easy, right?

Not so much. 

We love this tent because of its ability to withstand wind.

However, trying to set up in the wind is a problem. everything is a kite.

The roof, the wall covers, and my covered Flourish walls all became sails in the wind.

The weather said the wind gusts would be up to 29 mph.

They were definitely not 29, but closer to 40.

We put up the frame and roof.

When we added the walls, the tent began to move in spite of about 200 pounds of weights.

I became extremely nervous and asked Chris if the show people had any sand bags available.

The answer was no.

He immediately turned into my knight of shining armor.

He walked to the parking lot at the rear of the show and found two old sandbags.

We put these on the windward side of the tent.

It was still moving.

He then showed up with pieces of concrete to weigh down the other legs.

I finally felt comfortable enough to put the artwork onto the walls.

We got finished in about three hours total.

We still have to put on pricing and hang an outdoor wall with steampunk prints.

I'm excited about this first show!

Feeling crabby, acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16 inches

Day 94 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

The escapee

I love painting octopus!

So much fun with all the legs.

I'm also careful to make sure there are eight legs when I paint them.

A great use for a shadowbox.

Today is the calm before my storm of shows starting with 3 in a row.

I am excited to see what happens!

We are pretty much packed and ready to go.

Although I'm sure I will be making lists and checking them off before we leave.

Set up in the afternoon.

Thankfully all we have to contend with is wind.

Hurricane Ian is currently battering the state of Florida.

This storm came in on one of my favorite areas. 

All the names they keep naming off, Coya Costa, Ft Meyers, Naples, Tampa, Cape Coral. 

I have camped, shown, and played all over the areas that are now affected.

I am praying for all of them, as we are still full of memories from Sally.

Ian is no Sally.

He is a monster with a huge surge.

I've also had to make a decision, depending on the damage in that area.

I've been accepted to two shows on the East coast, while I was waiting to hear from the ones on the West coast.

One was in Naples, the other was at Cape Coral.

I have a sinking feeling neither of them may happen now as they are both in January.

Supply issues, and repair contractors, electrical repairs may all make a show in January an impossibility.

I'm adopting a wait and see attitude for a couple of days.

In the meantime, I paint!

The escapee, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16 inches

Day 93 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

The Sentinel II

Another day, another painting!

I have been able to breathe today.

Hurricane Ian seems to be headed in another direction.

Unfortunately, that means someone else is going to be hit.

That place seems to be one of the areas we go to do shows.

Also, one of my favorite places in the keys may be deluged again.

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida has been there for over 25 years and does marvelous rescues of all types of sea turtles.

They sustained pretty nasty amounts of damage the last time the keys were hit.

So many friends, and collectors down that way!

I am praying for all concerned in the path of this horrendous storm.

In fact, I am praying for all of Florida. and others impacted by this monster.

Meanwhile here, the weather has turned to a truly gorgeous fall.

For the first time in months, we've had the back door open all day.

The dachshunds love it, because they can run in and out at their pleasure.

I've pretty much packed the show for this weekend, but I may add one more piece to the mix.

Tomorrow is another day!

The Sentinel II, Acrylic on Shadowbox canvas, 12 x 36 inches

Day 92 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

The Sentinel

I just love painting birds.

They are such fun with all their feathers.

I enjoy adding texture to my paintings with lots of brush strokes.

I also typically pray while I paint, lifting others up with each stroke of the brush.

Today I am praying for those in the path of hurricane Ian.

The forecast keeps changing, and with it my nervous energy increases.

Nervous energy translates into more work done.

I have packed for the Freedom Festival show, with a few more pieces 

to be added as the week progresses.

I have also packed most of the steampunk for the National Shrimp Festival.

Ten days until the set up for that show!

Ten more days, we'll be camping, setting up, and getting ready for the biggest party on the coast.

Two booths, 6 walls to hang on, two completely different styles of art, 

prints and originals for one booth (steampunk), all originals for the other one (marine life sepias).

It's going to be a headache during set up, but hopefully we can do it without snapping at each other.

Powerade in the ice chest, snacks , and lots of love!

We also pick up the Audubon show on Tuesday the 4th in Mississippi at 2:30 pm 

after a reception for the Cruisin the Coast.

Wednesday the 5th is set up day for shrimp.

It's going to be an interesting week next week for sure!

Now, hurricane Ian just needs to fade away........

Prayers for Florida....

The sentinel, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 36 inches

Day 91 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Invaders of our shores II

Invaders indeed!

We are waiting on an invader to come into the Gulf of Mexico.

This invader is really not welcome anywhere along our coasts.

This invader?

His name is Ian.

This is a hurricane that seems to have its sights on Florida.

Wisely, the governor has put a good bit of the state under a state of emergency.

For now, it is slated to go into the big bend of the state.

My first show, Freedom Fest is just when this thing is supposed to be arriving.

Even though the show is in Orange Beach, Alabama this storm is rather large.

So far, our weather forecast is predicting the winds to be gusting 

up to 79 mph during set up on Thursday.

I am predicting that the show organizers are watching carefully.

We probably will not do set up until Friday afternoon, losing one day of the show. 

The winds are probably still going to be about 45 mph.

I think they may make it a one-day show for Saturday only.

As an artist, I am somewhat protective of my works.

I have been known to pack up the artworks when weather is predicted.

I will also wait to set up.

A couple of years ago, there was a storm system coming into Destin, Florida.

We were getting ready for set up for the show.

We made the decision to wait until the next morning.

There were other artists were thinking the storm was past us.

They started, fighting the wind.

A couple of them set up but lowered their tents.

It did not help them from the tents collapsing under the pressure.

One of them had to find a new tent for the next day.

This made us realize we needed a better-quality tent.

We ended up with an Extreme X7 tent.

The framework is tremendous and is extremely well built.

It proved itself by performing well during Arts & Crafts here in Fairhope.

We survived wind gusts of close to 70 mph.

I am grateful I invested in it for sure!

This invader however is a fish.

Another not so welcome invader.

Invaders of our shores II, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16 inches

Day 90 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Invaders of our shores I

Invaders indeed!

The lionfish explosion happened as early as 1985 off the coast of Florida.

They can consume more than 100 species of fish, competing with our local fish for food.

Lionfish reproduce year-round!

Each female can produce two million eggs per year.

That divides out to almost 17,000 eggs every three days.

They are voracious hunters, mostly at night.

Their spines, which are venomous make them have no known predators.

They can also live up to 30 years!

They are native to the South Pacific and Indian ocean regions in warm waters.

Their native range is from Malaysia and Western Australia, north around the southern edges of Japan and South Korea, around Australia's eastern coast and New Zealand, as well as throughout Micronesia.

(Sourced from National Marine Sanctuary Foundation)

What a species!

I've heard they are a delicious, delicate whitefish.

Every place we've tried to get them, they are sold out!

Someday I'll eat them.

Ask at your favorite seafood restaurant apparently, they're readily available from divers.

Today was spent putting wires on paintings and varnishing.

Some packing too, as the paintings are starting to attack me in the studio!

Invaders of our shores I, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16 inches

Day 89 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Flying high

Flying high is a Great Blue Heron.

We have lots of Great Blues on our coasts.

They are a frequent visitor to many a fisherman's catch.

Some of them have become quite adept at stealing the local fishermen's catch.

No sooner do the people bring it onto shore or the deck and the unwelcome visitor appears.

I myself would be intimidated by the long beak presented by this prehistoric looking bird.

In fact, I disturbed one this summer while walking for turtles before dawn.

He was fishing at the water's edge and turned just as I was walking toward him.

This ginormous bird proceeded to fly straight at me!

I ducked and covered praying he didn't stab me with that beak.

He swooped away and I continued my walk.

My heart was beating fast, I'm sure his was too!

I varnished the steampunk prints today.

Tomorrow I will put wires on them and hopefully pack them for the shows.

My studio is getting almost impossible to walk around in with so many pieces on the floor waiting their final finishes of erasing, varnishing, and putting on wires.

People think "Oh I would love to be an artist!" 

Before you do join me in my journey.

Join an artist as they work a full-time job, then go home to create.

Join an artist as they're putting in applications and waiting, waiting 

to find out if they've been accepted, waitlisted, or rejected.

Join an artist as they're trying to motivate themselves to "go to work" each day.

Join an artist as they face a blank canvas and wonder what next to create.

Join an artist as they spend hours alone in their studios.

 Join an artist in their studio as they're getting ready for a show, 

creating that one last piece before they hit the road.

Praying they have enough supplies to carry them through.

Join them as they're packing for the show, obsessing over every little detail.

A lot of us make lists, only to forget them on the table at home.

Join an artist as they're setting up for a show, sometimes in pouring down rain!

Don't forget the bug spray, or the sunblock either.

Join an artist as they're nervously waiting for the judges to come around, 

wondering if they will enjoy the fruits of their labors.

Join an artist as they sit or stand for long hours at a show with very little or no sales.

Trying to remember how much money did I spend to get here?

Join an artist as they're sitting at a show with the sweat rolling down their back, smiling so you don't know the sweat feels like it's run all the way into their shoes.

Join an artist as they sit in the freezing cold, wondering why did I pay to be here?

Join an artist as they pray their partner in this adventure enjoys what they do for them.

We watch weather, protecting our art and equipment with a vengeance that will make us go against the show leaders thinking and use our instincts to pack up.

We pay taxes, and more taxes before and after shows.

It's a lot of work, long, hours, serious investments, and believing in yourself.

I did not dream of being an artist, after a while of creating, working, wondering, and believing,

I simply became an artist.

Pray you can find someone to help you, this road can be lonely alone, I'm sure.

I pray constantly that my husband, Chris (my favorite A.S.S.) 

(Artist Support Services) never gets tired of the shows.

I pray he never gets tired of building frames for me,

wracking his brain to figure out how to add height to a trailer he so lovingly built for us.

I pray he enjoys the travel, the friendships, the laughter, the fun, the food and the tools.

I pray he forgets the having to push a cart half a mile to get to the show.

I pray he realizes the awards I get are because of him.

I pray for myself and others while I create, while I sell, and when we travel.

I love this artistic life of ours!

Flying High indeed!

Flying high, acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 36 inches

Day 88 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Bonding

Great Blue Herons don't mate for life.

They may have as many as 4 mates over the years.

What they are known for is their incredible mating dances.

They are quite beautiful to watch when they are courting.

Today we drove back over to the Audubon Center for another reception.

This reception was for the hummingbird festival happening there this weekend.

It was a very well attended event.

I got to talk with a lot of people about the art.

There also was a couple of sales, with the possibility of one of the larger pieces finding a home.

The show is winding down now, with people feeling an urgency to purchase.

Here's hoping!

I have to shout out to my husband and partner of almost 44 years.

This morning, I started stretching my steampunk prints from Gena Freed of Freed designs.

Her website is www.freedsoulsdesign.com 

She does the most incredible job of photographing, cleaning up images, 

and printing on paper, fabric, and canvas.

She can even print wraps for cars or trailers.

She is very courteous and not terribly expensive.

As an artist I highly recommend her work.

I know she'll work for me again!

Back to the husband....

I was stretching two of my prints while Chris was building the frames needed to complete my steampunk pieces for shows this fall.

He came upstairs just as I was digging out my compressor and tools to begin.

He went to the other side of the table, got out his electric stapler and helped me until we were finished with all twelve of them.

I love him so much!

Bonding, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24 inches

Day 87 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Turtle times two

More turtles?

Yep!

They are without a doubt one of my best sellers.

I have five shows this fall, so there will be multiple opportunities for them to find homes.

Besides that, I simply love to paint them!

Today found me in the studio stretching large canvases for future projects.

I asked Chris to lend a hand after he built them yesterday.

One is 3 x 5 ft, the other is a 45 x 60 shadowbox.

The shadowbox will be a "sassy octopus" for a collector down in Florida.

They are driving through here on their way home to Florida from Colorado.

They've saved a wall just for me!

It's going to be fun getting it done though.

They are anticipating pick up the day after the National Shrimp Festival on 

Monday the 10th of October.

So, I have to have it finished before I leave to go to the festival!

Things are really getting interesting around here.....

The 3 x 5-foot canvas is slated for a copy of a painting by Spanish artist named Francisco Goya.

It is from his black series attributed to him.

That one is going to need a lot of prayer while painting!

I love the couple that commissioned it and so I will do it.

They also want a two-story octopus on their poolside wall.

That project should be this fall.

I also picked up my prints from Gene Freed of Freed designs today.

Lots and lots of steampunk available for shows.

Three new prints, a pelican, a crab, and the elephant.

Now to sign, mat, and bag over a hundred prints.....

Another day, another painting, another day closer to show season.

Turtle times two, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24 inches

Day 86 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022 

 

Caretta caretta

Ah the ever-present sea turtle in my midst.

I can never tire of painting them, because people love them so much.

I love them too.

Enough to wake up at 4:15 in the morning to walk for their nests.

Sea turtles in general are either endangered or on the verge of it.

The most dangerous things are the fishing nets and the plastic.

When we went down to Florida several years ago, we visited the Turtle Hospital in Marathon Florida.

It is indeed a wonderful place of refuge and repair for several sea turtle species.

They do surgeries there on turtles that are victims of fibropapilloma.

These are growths that if they have not invaded internally, they can be removed.

Once removed, they wait six months to see if they reappear.

If they don't reappear, and the turtle is healthy, they release them back into the deep blue sea.

The hospital also takes cold stunned turtles, boat strikes, and floaters.

They have several longtime residents that have bubble butt syndrome.

Bubble butt is caused when a turtle is hit by a boat and has air forced into its shell.

They cannot swim properly or dive.

The hospital glues weights to them, allowing them to swim normally.

However, the weights fall off and have to be replaced.

As a result of this, they become permanent residents.

Cold stunned turtles generally just have to be warmed up, vet checked, and released.

Turtles that float frequently have gas in their intestines.

The gas is caused by various things in the environment, but most of all is caused by plastics.

Things floating in the water look appealing to a turtle, and they eat them.

This in turn causes them to have digestive issues and blockages.

We are slowly destroying our oceans, mostly with our garbage.

We can help the turtles by cleaning up after ourselves and educating others.

After all, we only have one world, and we all have to live on it!

Today was a busy day as usual.

It ended with a class at my church for my small group.

This is my 11th year teaching Scripts & Strokes.

I cannot believe it has gone on that long!

I am indeed grateful.

Caretta caretta, acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 36 inches

Day 85 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

My slippery friend

I am always amazed at what I can create.

I know I have an idea of what it will look like when I'm done, but sometimes I get a real surprise.

Most of the time, I love what I paint.

There are those times though when nothing we do as an artist seems 

to be done correctly or to our satisfaction.

Most artists are critical of their works, to the point of not selling 

them because they despise them so much.

I am fortunate I guess because I can move past the mistakes and call them happy accidents.

 If there is something bothering me about a painting, I will put it to the side and visit it at a later date.

There are those time though when we must simply let them go.

Many years ago, I was teaching children's art lessons in oil painting.

These paintings were simple in nature, but completable in a lesson or two.

I had a pile of these paintings at a yard sale for $5 each.

I did sell a few, but many were still sitting there.

I got a pair of scissors and much to people's horror started punching holes in them 

and pulling off canvas to re-use the stretcher bars.

They simply were not my best works.

 I was tired of giving them space in my studio.

So, I destroyed them large and small.

Fortunately, I have not had to resort to drastic means like that in quite a while.

You see, there are "things" in our lives that either have hold on us, or us on them.

We can either carry them from place to place or find them homes.

I do have scripts and strokes paintings piling up from teaching at church.

Occasionally I'll sell one at a modest price or give them away as gifts.

I have also kept a few as my favorites.

I've had them at a yard sale as a fundraiser for Buy a Brick.

There was an entire box of them that a preacher happily took to his church for the grand sum of $20.

He was able to decorate his little congregation's space and freed up space in mine!

He was happy and so was I!

I am happy to let go of "things" that hold me down.

This octopus is another of the shadowboxes.

This was the last of the group from before.

I adore painting octopus every single time.

I have already begun working on the 22 new ones freshly stretched and painted white last week.

I'm also working on a five-piece set of turtles.

Preparing, Painting, Praying

One day closer to shows!

Freedom Festival is less than two weeks away in Orange Beach!

My slippery friend, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 36inches

Day 84 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022 

 

Turtle mania

So, over the past few weeks you've seen a LOT of sea turtles!

The reason is, I simply love painting them!

It also helps that people collect them.

I don't think I'll ever tire of painting them.

My mother once asked me if I got tired of painting crabs.

They are another sea creature I love to paint.

I told her no of course; I'll never tire of painting them.

I sure do miss her enthusiasm when I sold in her presence.

You could see the pride on her face and the pure love.

I almost didn't have 2D art as an income and pure joy.

You see as a child I painted in oils.

I absolutely loved creating, especially paint by number kits.

I was working on a large one in my room one day.

I closed my turpentine, put it in my drawer on the desk and shut the door.

My youngest brother went in my room, opened the desk, and the turpentine spilling it in the process.

My parents were horrified, thinking he had drunk the turpentine.

They threw everything in the garbage, and I was forbidden to paint after that.

I still drew a lot, and then the art went into another direction altogether.

I joined band, playing flute, piccolo when I could, and eventually Bassoon.

I also participated in theater at the high school level.

I learned how to sew and took to that like a duck to water.

I both performed and helped with costumes in theater.

I sang in choirs and joined a speech class as well.

Then after graduation, I met the love of my life.

We got married six months later.

I used my sewing skills to make money for several years both before and after children.

I got back into theater as well, making costumes for local performances in Mobile.

I also became a professional clown for several years.

Life was good, very good as my home-based business allowed me time to be a mom as well.

I worked with a couple of costume companies making Mardi Gras costumes too.

It was while making costumes at Mardi Gras time that I worked all night 

long and into the next morning to meet a deadline.

I came home took a nap and got ready for a birthday party that afternoon.

Got home from the party, cleaned up, and cooked dinner.

We ate pigs in blankets and french fries, the kids favorite and an easy dinner.

We decided to go to a Mardi Gras parade that night.

We got hit by a drunk driver that evening February 2nd, 1993.

I was turned sideways in the passenger seat talking to my husband when we were rear ended.

I checked everyone in the car, then I went to check on the driver of the other van.

I realized she was drunk, so drunk she was trying to leave.

Fortunately, other people at the scene prevented her from exiting the accident.

I went back to our van and realized my shoulder hurt like crazy 

and my right hand was somewhat numb.

Our two daughters and I were transported on backboards to the hospital.

My husband drove himself and our son to the emergency room to get checked out.

The kids and Chris checked out sore, but pretty much okay.

Not so much for me.

I have a side-to-side neck whiplash.

After a couple weeks went by, I finally had an answer.

2 herniated discs in my neck.

I also discovered several years later I had nerve damage in my right arm.

But God.......

I started back to painting about 6 months after the accident.

I started taking lessons, then teaching and working at the frame shop and art store next door.

I sold my first painting later that year.

Thus began the journey that is Brushstrokes & Brilliance.

You see I should not be able to paint the way that I do.

Some days are diamonds, some days are dirt.

All days I am grateful that we are all still here as a family.

I thank God every day for the little things in my life.

Most of all, I thank God for people that read this blog to know my story.

For that, I am eternally grateful and humbled.

Turtle Mania, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16 inches

Day 83 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Incredible turtles!

They really are an incredible species as a whole.

We are working hard at Share the Beach to have as many as 

possible to survive hatching and get to the sea.

As hard as Share the Beach works, there are many things at play to prevent sea turtles from growing to maturity and possibly laying eggs of their own.

There are many organizations that work for the common good of sea turtles.

Too many to mention in fact.

Just know our own Share the Beach group here in Alabama

walks 47 miles of beaches every day from May 1st to August 31st.

We look for the nests.

We try to protect the nests.

We watch the nests at hatching time.

What we cannot do is protect them from predators, both human and animal.

We cannot protect them from plastic entering our oceans.

We cannot protect them from fishing line carelessly thrown from a dock while fishing.

We need to pay attention to our oceans and their beautiful inhabitants.

It is after all the last frontier on our big blue ball we call home.

Incredible turtles! Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 82 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Turtles, turtles everywhere!

My word!

What a day!

To say it was busy is putting it mildly.

I awakened at 3:15am which is not unusual for me.

Especially if I have had sugar or caffeine.

I have no trouble going to sleep, it's staying asleep.

I tried to go back to bed and basically my mind went 90 miles an hour, thinking, thinking......

After 30 minutes, I gave up and got up.

I put on the coffee and settled into my bible for my morning reading.

It's the best way to start the day for me.

Then I got breakfast for me, Chris and the dogs.

We had poached eggs and toast.

The fur babies had their kibble and pumpkin.

I asked Chris for help with canvases.

He was threatening to take them to the barn and stretch them.

I have simply been painting so much that I have not had the time to stretch them.

I used my last shadowbox yesterday.

Never did I dream that these canvases would last so long or go so far.

There are literally hundreds of them now. 

Lovingly built from recycled lumber, and hand stretched.

They indeed are a labor of love from both of us. 

So much so, that when I took an award this past spring for them, I made Chris get in the photo as well.

I could not create such a thing myself without his help.

So, we both went upstairs to my studio.

After I cleared the 10 ft. table, I got out the canvas roller Chris made just to pull canvas.

We then marked and cut out the canvas pieces for 22 frames in 4 different sizes.

We started stretching, Chris using the electric stapler and me using the compressor and air stapler.

We got the first twelve done, then broke for lunch.

We both took a much-needed nap. 

Back at it until we finished.

Then fed the dogs their evening meal.

Took the marauders (dogs) for their ride.

I checked emails and discovered I have been accepted for both of my number two shows in January.

I am going to wait a bit to see if I get accepted into my number one shows before I decide.

Then the dogs went crazy going after something in the camper.

Both Bandit and Divya were trying to climb up into the engine.

We opened the hood to discover a nest.

Chris got out the blower and we blew out the nest and 6 very tiny mice babies.

Lord I'm sorry, between the blower and the dachshunds being hunters, there were no survivors.

Momma mouse was nowhere to be found.

The dachshunds are still hunting around the camper.

If she shows so much as a whisker.......

Bandit has already killed a squirrel that made the mistake of going into the turning room.

Frida killed several mice in our back yard, after chasing a rat for an hour, 

tearing into a PVC pipe with her teeth in the process. 

The pack has also killed kittens in our yard before I could stop them.

They've also gone after a possum baby.

(I rescued that one!)

Dachshunds being dachshunds.

Our house is never a dull moment with them around.

Such is life at the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama

Turtles, turtle everywhere, Acrylic on Shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16 inches

Day 81 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Pelican take off!

Once again, I am paintings birds.

I love the movement and feathers on this one.

I've always loved detail and this guy is loaded with it.

So much going on in such a small space!

Today found me outside until noon, loading the trailer with parts and pieces for two booths.

Checking walls, making sure we have enough for the double booth at the National Shrimp Festival.

I actually had to cover one of my 10-foot walls with the grey fabric I got a while back.

Problem is, I cut the fabric adding extra length in case of shrinkage.

The other problem is the fabric shrank a LOT!

So, I go to happily lay it out to mark it for sewing and it's too short for the width of the wall.

I know I cut them at least 11 feet long.

Anyway, I had to splice the cover on both the front and back of the cover.

A little extra work, but it's done now.

Chris also got our bike rack fixed for the 'new to us' folding bikes.

I also tried to reload the 'show box' that carries so much stuff!

It is a large two-piece rolling box that has business cards, square, metal tags for pricing, bungie cords,

ratchet straps, bags for purchases, scissors, tools and too much else to list.

After a lot of thought, and getting rid of some things, we are down to the base of the box.

That took until about noon.

This gives us a little more room in the trailer.

It also cuts down on weight, as that's always a concern.

Hopefully we don't need anything I let go of this time.

The trailer has a lot more room since Chris added the "possum belly" to the base.

There is enough room to put some artworks now as well as the show equipment.

We carry two tents, walls for two tents, framework for a French wall, two chairs, a spare tire, ladder, step stool, lights, fans, a cooler and again so much more.

There is an incredible amount of thought and planning that goes into a show.

In addition to us working hard to present pieces that are beautiful, 

as artists, we sometimes obsess about the layout of the booth.

I want my works presented in the best way possible and I have learned a lot over the years.

People think it would be so easy to be an artist, and for some it is easy.

For others it is a struggle to get enough works done, get them varnished and wired, packed and presented in a nice manner.

I have learned to manage my time and effort, although sometimes I do falter at getting things done.

That is why I make lists, lists and more lists.

I even lay out the booth with "maps" showing where each piece is to be placed.

Although, the first time I made maps, I left them on the dining room table at home over an hour away!

Fortunately, I had drawn them, and redrawn them so I had them in my head.

This helps me sleep, knowing I have enough works to show.

I am getting excited about the shows coming up.

Two weeks until Showtime!

First one at the Wharf, Orange Beach September 30th and October 1st.

Pelican take off!, Acrylic on wood panel, 12 x 12 inches

Day 80 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Crab II

Looking very similar to yesterday's crab, this one really is different.

More face, claws moved, legs changed.

I didn't realize they were so alike until I put them side by side.

Oh well, I'm sure someone will want them.

Just maybe not as a pair.

Today was interesting.

I painted of course and set up canvases for future pieces to be completed.

The studio is a real hub of activity these days.

Lots of paint, canvas, wires, and varnish.

I am also being more or less forced to stretch canvases that are waiting.

I have two shadowboxes left, and 24 to be stretched.

I am also getting commission works lined up for after show season already.

Fortunately, people are patient and willing to wait for their works.

One of them may not wait though.

I may have a large shadowbox piece 48 x 60 inches going to Cape Coral, Florida.

A glorious octopus!

The couple is driving from Colorado back home to Florida and may want to pick up on the way.

The kicker is, they will be driving through our area about the 3rd or 4th of October.

They are measuring their vehicle to see if it will fit.

Sure would help me if the piece will fit in their car.

I would not have to bring it to Florida in January when I come for a show.

Carrying all the equipment we carry in addition to a huge canvas is not a good combination.

Fingers crossed on that one!

I also took three steampunk pieces to my printer today.

She is going to photograph them, print proofs, and then get me ready for the National Shrimp Festival.

Two booths!

What was I thinking?

I've been planning this adventure for 3 years now.

The steampunk has been shown, taken awards, and generally had very good reviews from people

I've also sold both prints and originals.

It's just so different from my other works that people almost don't believe I paint them.

This will be the first time they won't be just on an outside wall.

They will have their own booth.

This is going to be interesting folks! 

22 days until set up day at the National Shrimp Festival in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama!

Crab II, Acrylic on wood panel, 12 x 12 inches

Day 79 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022