Lights and Great Whites

This was yesterday's painting completed while teaching a small group at my church.

The small group is called Scripts & Strokes and is celebrating it's13th year!

I really enjoy teaching both the Scripture and the painting class.

This one is today's piece.

It features Great White sharks on a shadowbox canvas.

This one is large, 12 x 36 inches.

Incredibly interesting to paint too!

The Shrimp Festival will find us set up by this time next Wednesday.

Set up is always a grueling day because of my nerves and the pure work of setting up.

We will be putting up two tents and one with the french wall opening at the back.

I am mildly nervous about the show because of the current economy.

Art is definitely a luxury and not a necessity.

I am leaving it in God's capable hands though.

He always takes care of this artist!

I also erased yesterday and varnished today.

There are paintings spread all across my big table, with no room for more currently.

Hopefully I can pack them tomorrow and get them off the table.

Vendors for the festival also got emails today about parking and set up times.

We hopefully can get there early enough to avoid the chaos that is the 

Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Fortunately for us, we don't have to worry about parking.

We park the van at the campsite Wednesday after unloading at the show.

We then ride our bikes back and forth to the show.

The weather looks like it will be good for the show.

We have several days of rain ahead of us, then a cooling just in time for the show.

Unfortunately, this means cloudy days ahead at the show.

I have lights, but we bought an additional set of lights that can plug in to the shrimp festival electricity.

This show is different in that it gives everyone power to run lights and frequently fans in the booths.

The lights I currently have are battery powered and are great, but with possibly cloudy days into the nights, I felt I needed plug in lights as well.

Lights and Great Whites, Acrylic on canvas, 11 x 14 and 12 x 36

Days 92 & 93 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Costumes and Completions

I tried, really tried to post this last night but there was a glitch in my internet service.

I was able to download one photo, but the other one no dice.

So, I decided rather than fighting with it, I would post today instead.

Obviously, I'm "painting" with fabric again!

My daughter in love, Jenna wanted a costume that was a carousel.

Little did I know it would challenge my engineering skills!

This one was fun to design with Jenna, and she's jumped right in to help.

She has gotten the majority of the carousel animals colored in and cut out.

She also helped pick out the fabrics from my stash.

Adding in some trims from my daughter Jessica and we're going to have a really cool costume.

The only things we've had to purchase were two hula hoops, and pom-pom trim for the hat.

Everything else has come from the fabric stash or the scrap heap.

I love it so far.

We'll be finishing up hopefully this weekend.

This is the skirt that hurt my engineering head!

It has really turned out just as I hoped.

It has a good bit of finish work to do still.

Together they look so cute.

I can't wait to add the carousel animals and work on the hat too.

It's going to make an amazing one-of-a-kind costume for sure!

Just precious.

Today I did the completion work on both of the five-piece Octopus and Turtles.

This involves a lot of work.

First, I covered my tables with the vinyl pieces I purchased from a yard sale 16 years ago.

They actually were cushions that I recycled into my banquet and the Gypsy wagon we built years ago.

I cut the edges off, and have used them as table covers.

They have a lot of history on them!

I then cut strips of tracing paper to trace off both edges of the canvases.

Each five piece has four seams, but eight edges to paint.

After tracing, I took apart the painting and transferred the drawings to the canvas sides.

It then took a couple of hours to paint the sides on both pieces.

Sixteen sides total!

A few years back the Holy Spirit jumped into the fray and gave me the perfect way to do these transfers.

I used to spend hours trying to draw the sides while looking at the painting next to it.

This way is so much easier and effective!

This one would have been especially difficult because the octopus has suckers that are right on the edge.

It would have taxed my brain trying to duplicate them on the sides without this new method.

I love when the Spirit speaks and gives me fantastic ideas.

I did fuss a bit though, because He let me struggle for a couple of years 

before making me see this method.

I guess I wasn't ready until then.

The completed octopus.

As you can see the painting marches right along, even on the sides!

Here are the completed turtles.

Chris helped today by putting the d-rings on and the wires.

A lot of cleaning up to do and erasing.

Then, varnish and in a couple of days, packing them for the show.

I also got a notification yesterday that one of our favorite shows for Spring has been cancelled.

This show, in Melbourne Florida is hands down one of our favorites.

The director had to step down because of family and I agree with her priorities.

The board then lost a sponsorship and no one wanted to take the reins to run the show.

The board voted to cancel the show.

Just makes me sad.

Of course, this show is in the middle of two other shows we do in Florida at the same time.

So, I scrambled to try to find a replacement show as I'm sure many other artists will be doing.

I've put in for two shows, hoping one will accept me.

One is near Amelia Island on the St. Johns River.

We've done the show once before and it was nice.

Hopefully it won't be as windy as it was that year.

The other show I applied for is a newer one.

This is only their 7th year.

They are already ranked in Sunshine Artist magazine in the fine art section at number 11 out of the 100.

They drawback is they are 12 hours away from Tallahassee.

It would also be a new state for us as the show is in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Right on the Atlantic coast.

Near the Ocean I love so much.

We would then head to Amelia Island.

I have also applied for another show on Mother's day weekend in Greensboro, S.Carolina.

This would be another new state for us to foray into.

God's hand is upon us and on these shows.

We'll see what happens.

I always remember Proverbs 16:33-"We throw the dice, but God determines where they land."

Every time I put in for a show, I'm throwing the dice.

God then plans the trip for us!

I hope you've enjoyed this bit of the Raccoon Retreat Studio behind the scenes.

Another day, another work of art!

Costumes and Completions, Acrylic on canvas and fabrics, 

Days 90 & 91 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Traffic jam

"Traffic Jam"

This one still needs to be traced off, transferred, painted on the edges, erased, varnished, and wired.

Still a lot to do before I can pack this one away!

I have started following a wonderful group of divers on Facebook that leave 

cameras in the ocean and just swim away.

They retrieve the cameras and they have wonderful action videos made by all the fish, whales, dolphins, and of course sea turtles.

I had forgotten how noisy the sea was until I started watching.

Whales calling, fish chirping, coral eaters crunching, shrimp snapping their claws are all things you can hear underwater.

Turtles don't make any sounds though.

They communicate by touch and sometimes by attempted bites.

A noisy, beautiful live action film!

I love to see the sea turtles come into the cleaning stations to have the 

fish remove dead skin and parasites from their bodies.

They actually get upset with each other if someone cuts in line.

So fun to watch.

I love the ocean and hope you do as well.

I really want to go snorkeling somewhere that I can immerse myself in the noisy activity of the sea!

I want to see the live corals, hear the fish and whales, but most of all I want to see my beloved turtles.

Maybe I can go there in my dreams tonight!

Traffic Jam, Acrylic on multiple canvas, 36 x 60

Day 89 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Pelicans and Cephalopods

Last night got away with me!

Actually, I had a long day of painting and I was simply tired.

I pray you'll forgive me for not posting yesterday.

Any way you look at it, this painting is so full of life.

Watching pelicans on the coast is a favorite pastime of mine.

Diving and dipping, fishing and eating so much they cannot fly.

I love to watch them while Chris is driving along, and they are flying so gracefully.

How such a gawky looking bird can glide so beautifully.

Only God knows.

Pelicans 24 x 24 inches

This is the painting for yesterday, day 87.

I made the photo for this one extra-large, so it is easier to see the details.

The five-piece paintings are still doing well.

We love them because they are easy to pack in a single bag, but they still have a big impact.

This one is 5 12-inch-wide canvases, ranging in size from 12 x 12 to 12 x 36.

36 x 60 inches

It makes an impressive work of art, especially when in a booth at a show.

This is what I call a showstopper.

These types of paintings bring people into the booth as they want to see the detail and the price.

Sometimes the price makes them run away, other times I'm told it's not enough.

Then there's the third option, I'll take it!

I've found the price that makes me happy with the amount of work they take.

This one was painted in one day, yes one long day for just the fronts.

It was a hard day's labor, and it is why I was tired last night.

It still has to be broken apart, traced off, and painted on the sides as 

this is what makes them really unique.

They then have to be erased, wired, and varnished.

So, a few more hours to go on this one!

The sides are a continuation of the front painting, allowing them to be spread apart, 

yet still have a complete piece of art.

People love to get next to them and look down the side to see the continuation.

It helps that I love to paint them!

I've got another one set up to paint that is the same size.

I'll reuse the bars then to make a really big one 

that measures 40 x 80 inches.

I'm still trying to decide if I want another pier on that one!

Another day, another painting, another day closer to the Annual National Shrimp Festival

in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama!

Pelicans and Cephalopods, Acrylic on canvas, Pelicans 24 x 24, Octopus 36 x 60

Days 87 & 88 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Great Blues

"The Great Blues"

So many paintings are in my head and coming out from my brush.

This pair was incredibly fun to paint.

I always enjoy the process of these Shadowbox paintings.

It can be a challenge to make sure everything fits without looking totally weird.

Great blue herons are extremely territorial and because of this innate 

behavior can be really entertaining to watch.

Take for example the two we witnessed on the beach the other day.

Both were males, but I believe that one of them was the son and one was the father.

The dad was having none of the son encroaching on his territory.

We watched as he chased the other one down the beach and further away.

I don't know the exact area they defend as their own, but they do defend it rather exuberantly.

They do this with the most annoying sound too!

I would call it almost a growl of sorts as they fly through the air.

The son beat it pretty quickly as dad chased him down the beach.

I've also witnessed bluebirds in our own yard do this same dance.

We have one male that has his chosen box at the end of our pool, and he defends it rather heartily.

One year, the mated pair had three babies and all of them were males!

Woe is me is all that one of them could probably say as dad chased him from the favorite box.

Such flashes of blue beauty flying through the trees!

All three sons eventually found their own territory and happiness ensued.

I love to watch them sitting on top of the house, looking for their next bug filled meal.

I even leave fruit outside to attract the bugs for them to hunt.

We also give them meal worms as that is their favorite!

I absolutely love birds and painting them.

I pray you enjoy looking at them as well.

"Great Blues" Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24

Day 86 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

A little honey please.

"A little honey please."

This painting was an absolute delight to paint with my small group tonight.

We talked a good bit about honey and it's many uses in the Bible.

So many things are good for you in honey.

We had a great time painting this one!

"A little honey please" Acrylic on canvas, 11 x 14

Day 85 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Four days and a show!

The first of two pelicans painted while in Orange Beach for the Freedom Fest this past weekend.

This one was day 81 of the 100 days.

I painted in the camper while we were relaxing after we set up the tent and wall system on Friday.

This wall system is the main reason for doing this show to practice the actual building.

This is hopefully so we don't get into words at the Shrimp Festival in two weeks.

I knew that this weekend would be a hot one, but boy did we both underestimate the heat and humidity.

Chris forgot closed toe shoes, so he needed a new pair.

We forgot the batteries for the fans that go on our chairs.

We also picked up a couple of bottles of zero drinks with electrolytes and downed them.

I began getting sick to my stomach during set up.

Water is just simply not enough.

We will be bringing a case with us to the Shrimp Festival for sure.

Also, an ice chest that doesn't leak.

This painting was done on Saturday at the show.

So many problems cropped up this weekend that we both have made mental notes about.

The good news is we had delightful neighbors kept us laughing the whole Festival.

Even when we all felt like we were melting like the witch from the Wizard of Oz.

Friday night, we met up with our son and daughter in love.

We had a fantastic meal at the Steamer in Gulf Shores.

Chris and I shared a platter for two that was amazing and also too much to eat!

We met at our camper later that evening and started coloring the carousel animals for Jennas costume.

We turned in about 9 pm for some well-earned rest.

Saturday dawned and we ate breakfast in the camper.

Off we went to the show.

Every show is different, but each show is a learning process as well.

This one was a good lesson.

Several lessons actually.

Starting out, we had the things we forgot, the fans mostly and boy did we feel it all day.

The day was long, the sweat was real, and we looked forward to evening when we could shut down.

No sales at all that day.

None.

It's been five years since I've had a zero show and that one was because of heat too.

Maybe Sunday will be better.

We ended up getting dinner with our son and daughter at the Sunliner Diner in Orange Beach.

I had a large salad to help with cooling off from the long hot day.

 We finished by Chris and Jenna splitting a banana split and our son Jere' had a vanilla shake and I had the leftovers in the mixing cup.

We turned in, hoping that Sunday would be a better day.

We started out the day with breakfast with the "kids" at Ducks in Orange Beach.

(We eat out a lot when we're on the road and at shows, I cook during the week though!)

We split and then headed to the camper to pick up a couple of items and head to the show.

We only had five hours on Sunday thankfully.

Chris and I watched online church and really enjoyed what we could hear between the planes, golf carts, Loud cars, motorcycles, and music blaring over the speakers.

Church is always a challenge when we are on the road, but we make the effort.

The day progressed with the usual slowness of a Sunday, as people are hopefully going to church.

I had a woman come in and rave about my work the day before.

She said she was going to put me on her interior designers radar.

I usually take these people with a grain of salt because most of the time, nothing at all comes of it.

The woman from the day before came back and said her friend was dropping by in about an hour.

It ended up being longer, but she did finally show up and we had a lovely conversation.

I will be working directly with the lady who introduced us, apparently the designers communication skills are not real good.

We'll see how far that goes, as she is interested in large pieces for several condos she's designing.

Originals only. 

No discounts discussed. (That's a FIRST!)

The designer asked if no one else had me working for them.

I laughed and said I wish!

She may want murals too!

Praying this is a reality this time.

I have been contacted, talked to, and done presentations at shows before and 

never had anyone actually follow through.

After that excitement the day really slowed down with 65% humidity and 

temperatures feeling like 100+.

More people on Sunday, but not a single sale.

I am surprisingly calm about this, even though there is the loss of income and money spent.

We had a lovely weekend.

Break down was brutal though in the heat.

Not only did I not make any money but was rather warm even for me!

We headed to Walmart after breaking down to get large Zeros again to get the electrolytes back into us.

We cooled off in the camper and ate chicken salad I made with lettuce wraps.

We lazed around, got showers and hit the bed at 9pm.

Going to bed early was a problem for me later in the night.

I slept until 1, then fitfully for the rest of the night.

Started on Sunday, finished on Monday.

We got up at 6:30, and drank coffee while I did my Bible readings as I do every day.

We then went to breakfast this morning.

We tried to go to the Ugly Diner, but they were closed on Mondays.

We ended up at the Waffle House in Gulf Shores.

After breakfast we broke down the camper, I cleaned inside and Chris got things going outside.

I loaded up laundry and foodstuffs, ready for our homecoming.

I finished just as Chris did, and we hit the road.

We got home by 11 to a sink leaking and happy dachshunds.

Chris went to get items to repair the sink while I started laundry, and put away food and toiletries.

I replaced a lightbulb in the hallway while doing laundry.

I then determined I wanted to back up the trailer into the carport.

It took several tries, with Chris nervously giving directions, but I finally got it done.

We then closed the gates and released the hounds into the yard.

We unloaded the van from all the art, equipment, and storage system, putting everything away.

We then went to try and get the parts for the sink, a trip to the bank, a salad shared at Zaxbys.

A really full day, but laundry is done, food put away, and for the most part we're almost set for the next show which is the 53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Somewhere in there, was painting!

Four days and a show!, Acrylic on Canvas, each 6 x 24inches

Days 81, 82, 83, & 84 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

Octopus bowl

Octopus bowl

We are currently camping in Gulf Shores in anticipation of the Freedom Fest at the Wharf. Chris has gone to bed and I am still painting afterward while listening to a program on the TV. It's a particularly interesting program about the possible haunting of Fort Morgan. I enjoy learning about the Civil war and the fort. 

It breaks my heart to know the Fort is in peril of destruction. Hurricane Sally did a lot of damage and the water continues to be a problem. Eventually the entire fort may be in danger of complete collapse because the mortar is leaching out from between the bricks. Such a beautiful example of history possibly becoming lost forever.

Octopus bowl, acrylic on hand carved bowl by Chris Chavez, 8 inches round

Day 80 of the 109 days-100 paintings 2026

Caretta Caretta

"Caretta caretta"

Otherwise know as the Loggerhead sea turtle.

Caretta is a latinized form of the French or Italian word caret or carette 

which historically meant turtle or tortoise.

Another dimensional piece.

So incredibly fun to design and paint.

The other part of the work to make them

, not so much!

It's all a part of the process of creating.

I spent a good bit of the morning bagging everything up to go to the show this weekend.

There are a total of seven bags ready to go.

I think I have enough to make a good show and have it be presentable.

The main reason we are going to this show is to camp again, and to set up the French wall system.

The French wall gives me a door out the back of the tent.

Not that we'll need it this weekend, but I know we need the practice setting it up.

This is the system that injured me so badly right at the beginning of setup for the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The very first time we set it up!

I lifted a bar to put it in place and the bracket slid down and bit me hard.

I let out such a deep moan that someone about 20 feet away asked if I was okay.

I held it tight, thinking blood was going to spurt if I let it go.

After a few seconds I released it and saw the blister.

It didn't break the skin!

Thank you Lord!

It raised a nasty blood blister that I can still feel the scarring underneath the skin.

It's going to be a busy three weeks ahead!

Multi canvas pieces and many shadowboxes are on the way.

Meanwhile, I'll paint at this show a few birds while waiting for crowds that will probably be rather light.

Always working so I don't get antsy.

It also helps to build inventory too!

"Caretta Caretta" Acrylic on wood, 18 inche round

Day 79 0f the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Behind the scenes

"Behind the Scenes"

This is a good example of what people don't see.

The classes we teach, the people we have community with on a regular basis.

I teach a class at my church called Scripts & Strokes.

It is my 13th year teaching this class, and it's always fun and interesting.

God brings us together in many ways, but painting isn't a typical avenue.

This fall, we're doing a lot of paintings from Psalm 119.

Tonight's piece has to do with two verses.

The first verse is from Matthew 7:13

"You can enter God's kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way."

The second is from Psalm 119:65-72 NLT and is a little broader in its reach.

You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised.

I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgement and knowledge.

I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.

You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.

Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.

Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions.

My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.

Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.

Lots of laughter and a little learning too!

Today found me erasing pencil lines and brushing the eraser shavings away.

I also had to clean the mats I use to keep my varnish and paint from ruining my table.

They get covered in wood pieces and still have sequins from January on them.

The mats have many, many projects on them from the past.

Christmas ornaments, pieces from church projects, decorations for parties, Mardi gras floats, 

and lots of white paint from coating canvases.

They also have a fair amount of varnish on them too.

They are recycled vinyl from cushions and are an excellent way to keep my table cleanish.

When not in use, they are rolled up in a garbage can in the studio.

After erasing the pencil lines, I have to clean the canvas to prepare it for varnish.

After varnishing, (and sometimes before) I also put wires or hooks on them.

They have to sit for a day or so before packing them into bags for shows.

What is the behind the scenes?

4 hours of work, not creating but simply finishing for shows.

Most people have no idea the amount of work that goes into doing a festival.

I also entered the jury process for four shows today that are not until spring of next year.

It's a lot that goes on behind the scenes.

You only see the finished pieces after all the cutting, measuring, assembling, stretching, stapling, white paint, drawing, painting, glazing, tweaking, erasing, cleaning, putting wires on the backs.

Do I have a smile on my face?

Yes I do!

Completed pieces mean I'm ready for a show!

"Behind the scenes" Acrylic on canvas, 11 x 14 gate painting

Day 78 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

A crabby situation

"A crabby situation"

Blue crabs are so plentiful around our gulf coast.

Although the people who crab frequently may say the numbers are down.

I've been crabbing and frankly I'm scared of them.

When we first got married, we went to a pier with our daughter in a playpen.

We went to go fishing and crabbing that night.

We did catch crabs that night and Chris told me to grab it from the back so it couldn't claw you.

I grabbed it just like he said and the darn thing reached under and grabbed me on the finger.

I threw that thing so far, we didn't catch it again that night.

I also didn't ever pick up one again.

I reserve my "crabbing" to eating them and painting them now.

I researched the habitat for the blue crab and found it in several places.

Sandy bottoms, but those leave them out in the open.

Seagrass and sargasso seaweed seem to be their favored places.

They will also frequent rocky places as it offers protection from rear attacks.

They are found primarily in the Western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Their range is from Nova Scotia, Canada, all the way down to Argentina!

Most of the time, people don't realize we have blue crab here.

When they look at my works, they think they are Maryland Blue crab.

I tell people no, these are blue crab from the Gulf Coast.

You can crab year-round in Alabama, there is no closed season.

The best catching activity is from March through November.

July through September brings the biggest crabs.

They must measure 5 inches across from point to point.

You can catch a bushel a day per person.

If you catch a female with eggs, you are to immediately release them.

"A crabby situation" Acrylic on wood, 18.5 inches

Day 77 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Cephalopod my cephalopod

"Cephalopod my cephalopod"

Incredible pieces are coming out of the studio now.

So much paint is being used that I am running out of the one jar of the color I use.

Fortunately, I have another jar in the wings.

When I mixed the color last year, I initially put out way too much Burnt Sienna.

Even after an entire tube of blue, it was still so brown!

When I first started that would've been great.

After all, they are called sepias.

A few years ago, I accidentally mixed it a little bluer.

People kept commenting on the color and said they loved the blue.

I didn't see the blue, to me it looked like a deep grey and almost black.

Back to the mixing....

Adding the Ultramarine Blue made a pile of paint that ended up becoming a little over 16 ounces.

Needless to say, that's a lot of paint!

Two large jars that I have worked from for over a year now.

At least I don't have to mix it again anytime soon.

This one has a few "Easter eggs" in the form of sea turtles.

"Easter eggs are commonly known from the Jeep brand and are things you can find on the vehicle.

They are now seen in television and movies too.

There are five of them in the painting.

Four are easy to see, one is hidden pretty well.

Any way, it lets me have fun while designing the paintings.

Hope you have fun finding them!

"Cephalopod my cephalopod" Acrylic on wood, 20 round

Day 76 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Freedom Flier

"Freedom Flier"

This one is the largest size I make in the dimensional rounds.

The backgrounds are painted first, then the dimensional piece is added later.

They are fun to design and even more fun to paint.

I have to lay the dimensional piece on top before permanently mounting it to the round.

I use the dimensional piece to help me determine where the background elements need to be placed.

This is why you can look above and below the front piece to peer underneath.

They are challenging to my creativity and ability as an artist.

Today marks day 75 of the 100 days.

Almost to the finish line of the Annual National Shrimp Festival in beautiful Gulf Shores Alabama.

I am happy with the show so far, but it is time to get really serious and make larger pieces.

The five-piece paintings are coming soon.

There will also be numerous shadowboxes being painted and presented for shows.

Freedom Flier, Acrylic on wood, 24 inches

Day 75 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

A big catch

"A big catch"

I really enjoy painting big game fish.

Several years ago, the sepias were in their infancy,

I was commissioned to paint several sailfish that would be given as prizes.

They wanted to give the paintings instead of their reels, as the reels were expensive.

It was my absolutely largest painting job ever.

The company was the Italian made reel called Everol.

I was honored to be a part of the project, and I even got paid for it!

It was so exciting at the time.

I opened up my inventory that I had in the studio today.

Surprisingly, I have several pieces that will help fill the booth at the Freedom Festival.

We set up for the Festival next week on Friday.

It promises to be a hot one, but I'll be painting and will push through.

I can't believe show season is starting up again so soon.

It just seems like last month that I was making the swing into Florida for three shows.

Which by the way, the entries for several shows in the spring are already out.

It's a never-ending cycle of enter, wait, pay, and pray!

I've even got reservations for camping near a show in Florida for May of next year.

A lot of work, for a lot of fun and most times profitable.

Life here at the Raccoon Retreat studio is humming along.

Thanks for coming with me!

"A big catch", Acrylic on wood, 19 inches

Day 74 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

 

Scourge of the deep II

Another day, another painting.

Scourge of the deep II

I frequently will paint opposite companion pieces.

This is one of those companion works.

It was a delight to paint.

Chris and I marked and repacked the wall parts along with the tent.

Show season is marching ever closer and we are getting things ready.

I am in full blown show mode, painting for hours each day.

I am really enjoying the process.

The first show will find us this time next week at Gulf State park in preparation for Freedom Festival.

Set up is on Friday, but we are going on Thursday to relax some before the set up the next day.

The show is at the wharf and is in a parking lot.

The show is Saturday and Sunday.

It is a hot show because of this.

Our son and daughter in love are coming to camp with us. 

Their campsite is next to ours, so we can spend time with each other when I'm not at the show.

Of course I'll be painting at the show as well.

The plan is to set up Friday and have dinner together that night.

We don't have plans yet for Saturday night, but I'm sure they'll fall into place.

I'm setting up several paintings ahead, getting them ready for painting.

The sailfish in particular is tricky, because his spear is delicate.

There are parts that have to be glued in place.

Also, the blocks that hold up the dimensional cutwork piece have to be glued and nailed into place.

 Then they have to be glued to the background round after the round is painted.

Today is done for now.

I'm getting ready for the night and rest.

Scourge of the deep II, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16

Day 73 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Scourge of the deep

Scourge of the deep.

My nemesis is a computer right now instead of a Lionfish.

It's acting wacky.

I turned it off, waited, and turned it back on and it seems to have repaired the glitch.

I'm much better with a brush than a computer!

Yesterday while cutting out the turtle, Chris removed a flipper purely by accident or possibly inattention.

My vote is inattention.

You see, our son was here waiting on an appointment while Chris was cutting out my dimensional pieces.

Jere was climbing around on the boat Chris bought on Monday.

Chris had mentioned to our son about the cotter pin holding the keel in place was needing to be replaced.

Jere apparently pulled the keel completely out of the hull so that Chris could refinish it and the replace the pin.

Keels are not lightweight.

Chris was quite shocked by this, but went back to the scroll saw in an effort to finish the pieces I brought to him earlier.

In his inattention, he accidentally removed a flipper.

Jere and Chris tried in vain to locate the cut off piece to no avail.

Chris brought the cut fronts upstairs and quietly disappeared.

I was matching up the fronts with their respective rounds only to realize that the flipper had been removed.

I let out a cry of what on earth happened?

As I came running down the stairs our son had a smirk while looking at his phone.

I suspected he had a hand in this disaster maybe.

Anyway I hurried into the shop to try and locate the piece as 

I've accidentally removed one before as well.

I was practically in the garbage can removing pieces of wood, but no flipper was to be found.

I recut new wood pieces to repair it.

I did tell Chris if he didn't want to help, please let me know.

What I didn't know, because he denied it was he realized his mistake and just hoped I wouldn't notice.

I said next time, let's work on it together.

Together....

Speaking of which, we both decided that this week we were getting equipment down.

The goal was to set up the tent, and familiarize ourselves with the French wall system.

I wanted to do this because I don't want us getting into a tiff at the National Shrimp Festival.

I went outside this morning to find Chris busily putting a tent together in the shop.

He couldn't figure it out.

I said this is why we're supposed to do it together.

I told him I came out to tell you I'm taking the girls to the vet.

He decided to go with me and get away from the tinker toy project that is the show tent.

(I just thank God we have a heavy duty pop up tent and not the Flourish we originally had with many parts and pieces!)

We got back from the vet and I went outside to try and figure it all out.

We had marked the majority of the poles, legs, and brackets, but some were not. 

He kept trying to put it together and we were fighting against each other.

Him pulling and yanking on supports, while I was trying to just visualize the brackets.

"I need you to go into the house Chris."

I needed to calmly figure it out, while alone.

I'm sure that's why he was attempting the same thing early this morning, to figure it out alone.

We really work well together, but sometimes each one has a thought and won't budge.

Chris went inside.

I figured out the brackets in five minutes.

"Hey I need your help"

We had to swap two of the supports and everything fell into place.

Problem was, it's been a year since we've done a double booth.

It looked as though we had lost four pieces of poles that go on the second tent.

We both puzzled about this for a bit and we decided to look up the Flourish company.

I looked at the Flourish website and could not see if there was supposed to be poles.

I then looked back at my photos from last year.

The second tent has only bottom sta-bars and not the ones on the top.

We simply used the straps to suspend the walls from the tent, and used the other bars for the bottom rail.

Problem solved, crisis averted.

Oh! AND I painted today!

Life with Chris is always an adventure because he keeps me on my toes!

Scourge of the deep, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16

Day 72 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026