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

Arrows

More specifically Psalm 91:5.

"Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night; nor the arrow that flies by day."

Even though the arrows and accusations may fly, we shall be in the refuge of the Lord.

We painted this in Scripts & Strokes at my small group tonight.

It was a lot of fun, and there was a lot of laughter as well.

We can rely on God to be our shelter, our fortress, our feathers that cover us.

In other words, he is our stronghold and protector against anything that comes at us. 

Won't you let Him cover and protect you with His Shield?

Today was a long day of laying out paintings.

I have several lined up to be painted.

I'm sure that they will all turn out, but sometimes the arrows fly......

Chris is trying to make me less stressed by cutting out the front pieces with the new saw.

I brought him four pieces and held my breath.

He brought back the turtle, and it was missing a back flipper and was not cut all the way.

I dug through the cut offs, and the flipper was not there.

I figured out how to recut the piece and have now remounted it in place. 

I'm praying it will look good when painted.

I was not happy at all at first when I realized what had happened.

I tried, really tried not to be the crazy artist and go off on a total rant as I was redesigning the piece.

Admittedly I came close but was able to stop it before it escalated completely.

Of course, our son witnessed the ticked off artist before I got control.

He thought it was funny.

I'm so sorry both to God and Chris.

I did tell Chris that if he really doesn't want to help, let me know.

He always adds "meat" where he thinks it's needed.

There is "extra" on the sailfish that will now have to be repainted.

Two artists working together is not always good.

We have a tendency to butt heads because each one thinks their way is right.

It's usually the same with my daughter as well.

Two creative minds are sometimes a recipe for disaster.

Hopefully this time I avoided the complete meltdown.

Another day at the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama

Another day, another painting.

One day closer to the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf shores, Alabama

Arrows, Acrylic on canvas, 11 x 14

Day 71 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

 

Octopus and Conecuh?

Some projects are just interesting.

This was one of them.

My daughter that I have made costumes with before, had a commission for the two of us.

With the permission of the Conecuh Sausage people, we had a project before us.

I helped Jessica yesterday from after church until just past midnight.

Approximately 12 hours.

Jessica had done a good bit of leg work and was making "sausage" when I arrived.

She put me inside, projecting the labels after determining the size we needed.

I spent the better part of the afternoon working on them.

They are hand painted and the large one measures about 18 inches square.

It features hand mixed colors.

The bar code works, but just not for the sausage.

The pig however if photographed and put into a Google search, brings up the Conecuh brand.

I spent about 6 hours on the two labels.

Jessica added the funny lettering after I finished painting.

This is the completed labels.

We then began the building of the actual costume.

The clear material is actually shower curtains.

Jessica went a little crazy with the glitter inside.

I had to design the sausage bag to hold it inside from going side to side and up and down.

The sausage is made from childrens tights.

They are carefully hand painted by Jessica.

This is the back and dress underneath.

So absolutely funny!

Jessica is making a hat to match!

It has ties to hold it in place.

So much fun to make!

The family seems to be over the moon.

Coming soon to a Party near you!

Such is my artist life especially with Jessica.

Never a dull moment!

Today I finished the background for the octopus.

I have also attached the octopus to the front.

Such a creative endeavor made together.

That's all for today.

My sleep was really disturbed after I got home last night about 1 am.

I pray I sleep better tonight!

Octopus and Conecuh?, Acrylic on canvas and wood, Octopus 14 inches

Costume size small

Days 69 and 70 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Dead men tell no tales VII

Whoa! 

This one almost did me in!

My back hurts, my neck hurts, my arm is sore.

This one actually took almost three days to complete.

A lot of drawing and moving things around to fit with my theme.

I also wanted this one to be offset as well.

Once transferred, the background took a day.

I started the front piece yesterday afternoon into the evening.

Part of it was painted live at Artwalk.

I also managed to tell people about the shows coming up, giving several lists of shows away.

I was very pleased to sell two small paintings, which will almost pay the rent for this month.

Shows are rapidly approaching as well.

I am both excited and nervous because of the uncertainty of the economy currently.

God has the plan, and I trust him to take care of me.

This little guy is something Chris is challenging me with currently.

He both drew it and cut it out. 

I had to correct the drawing while painting the piece.

It was fun to paint but needs a background to give it a home.

I also need to paint the edges. 

Interesting to say the least.

I'm worn out from focusing so hard on the Dead men piece.

I am going to have to get some electric stem therapy for my neck tonight for sure!

I am getting excited for the shows.

It's always so much fun to see the reactions of people as they enjoy the works.

I will be helping my daughter for the next few days at her house.

We are building a costume and cleaning her workshop.

For now, I am going to bed and get some needed rest.

Dead men tell no tales VII, Acrylic on wood, 

Days 66,67, & 68 of the 100 days ~100 paintings 2026

For now, this lady is going to bed.

 

Two paintings for two days

This was the painting we created at my small group at Celebration Church.

We talked about and painted the widow's mite.

About how her tiny offering was worth so much more because she sacrificed to give it.

We also discussed the wealthy people that gave from their surplus, while she gave her all.

It doesn't have to be money.

We can give time, talent, or treasure.

The point is we give it willingly and completely.

All or nothing.

Not just some, or sometimes.

Most of us struggle to even tithe because we're afraid we won't have enough at the end of the month.

As a believer I can say without a doubt.

You cannot outgive God!

Another shell from my parent's collection.

This one is another type of snail.

The actual shell is about two inches in length.

My dad identified it as a Cerithium Obeliscus.

Google says it is a Cerithium muscarum, or flyspeck cerith.

Either way, it's a pretty shell.

They are a gastropod grazing on algae in shallow tropical waters.

Such a lovely painting.

Now it's late and time for bed for me.

Goodnight!

Two paintings for two days, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24

Days 64 and 65 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Laevistrombus Canarium

Laevistrombus Canarium

Also called a Strombus Canarium

The Canarium I think is because it has a yellow tinge.

Anyway, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

This tiny guy is only about an inch in length, although they do get larger.

This is another non-poisonous shell from the collection out of the Philippines.

I just love them all.

So many happy memories,

Especially when it came to the day we actually lifted the shells from the ant bed 

and got to see them in the light of day.

I think it looks a lot like our conch shells here in the Gulf of Mexico.

I don't know if you've had the opportunity to eat conch, but I find it quite chewy.

I didn't care for it at all when the villagers offered it to me.

I ate it, because that was polite, but I didn't like the texture.

Reminded me of clam chowder.

Another day of clearing and cleaning in the She Shed with my daughter.

I pray this helps her on her efforts to clear the clutter from her life and allows her to create in an atmosphere of calmness.

Tomorrow I'm home.

Today is one step closer to the end of the 100 days for 2026.

I pray you're still with me, let me know somehow.

I know people are curious as the numbers keep going up.

Thank you for that, I am blessed by your being here to read the blog.

We all want to have left something more than footprints on a sandy water washed shore,

 that the waves wash away.

Stay blessed and know that I am praying for and with you!

Strombus Canarium, Acrylic on canvas 6 x 24

Day 63 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

 

Clypeomorous Bifasciata

Clypeomorus Bifasciata

Better and more easily pronounced, Double Banded Creeper

The scientific name is a mouthful, isn't it?

This little guy is an algae eater, slowly creeping along the bottom.

Hence the name, creeper.

This is another shell from our collection out of the Philippines.

Today found me helping my daughter in her "she shed"

She is trying to clear the decks for a project we are working on, but also just attempting to have room to move as she has a LOT of stuff to create with.

I'm trying to be rid of items in my studio; she is holding on for dear life to the things she has acquired.

I know that in organizing and shedding excess the mind becomes clearer.

I am going to try and help her realize this too.

The last time she asked for help, we did shed quite a bit of items into several sources that needed them.

Hopefully this time will be the same scenario.

This shell was interesting to paint because of the texture.

Most of these shells seem to have areas on them where the shell has experienced some type of hardship.

These hardships on the shells translate into patterns that are visible to the naked eye.

We are like that as well.

The wounds we carry constantly remind us of the hard times, 

but there is nothing visible to the general public.

They just wonder at the possible outbursts that are directed at them.

There is a cure for our wounds though.

That cure is Jesus and our fellowship with him.

Unabashed, complete, surrender is all he asks of us.

Trust God through his Son Jesus.

I can promise you that He is the Great Physician able to heal all our wounds.

He's healed mine, and he'll heal yours too!

"Double Banded Creeper", Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24

Day 62 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Omaria cone

Today's painting is another cone shell.

I am again surprised at the number of cones that my parents collected.

This one is called Conus O Maria, or Omaria Cone.

The patterns on these shells are quite complex. 

They challenge me to create paintings that are visually interesting.

I pray that you are not getting tired of the collection that my parents accumulated over a short span.

The cones are different, yet you may see some similarities with the "Cloth of gold" one.

They are very similar in color as well as shape because they are cones.

Yesterday I tried to complete a survey for Sunshine Magazine while I was cooking dinner.

I got to the end and was adding photos.

I pressed a button and it was totally gone in an instant.

30 minutes of carefully prepared, grammatically correct, properly spelled answers just gone.

I was determined to complete the task as I have answered their surveys before and got my photos and answers published. 

While the meal was finishing, I went back upstairs to complete the task.

I gave myself a time limit of 20 minutes with a timer.

I told Chris when the alarm went off, I had a few more questions to answer and photos to post.

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

I completed the survey, added photos, and went back downstairs to finish the meal preparation.

Never a dull moment around here!

Another day in the Raccoon Retreat studio located in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

Omaria Cone, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24

Day 61 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

A Conus Textile

"Conus Textile"

Otherwise commonly known as a Textile Cone.

I much prefer the other common name, "Cloth of Gold Cone".

Such a pretty name for such a deadly creature.

I am amazed at the sheer amount of cone shells my parents brought home from the Philippines.

Back in the 60's it was common to collect shells as mementos.

My parents took it to a whole new level I believe.

I am looking forward to visiting the razor corals, fan coral, turbans, 

scallops, and auger shells, and yes more cone shells.

So many memories coming back as a result of visiting these beautiful reminders of my adventures with my parents in a foreign country.

Little did my mother and I know that dad was setting up things for the Air Force in 

Vietnam while we were there in the Philippines.

My dad was in a heavily classified position, so he didn't talk much about his job.

All I knew was when he went to Vietnam, I had a special set of wheels made from cassette tape reels that were my code breaking key when coded letters arrived from the base.

It was all very exciting to my young self and gave me a fascination for codes and word puzzles that sticks with me to this day.

Ah the memories of childhood.

Tropical islands, breezes, and salt water.

I long for the sea still.

I guess I'm still a mermaid deep in my heart.

I visit the sea with my brush daily, and yet I don't get wet!

Thanks for coming along with me.

A Conus Textile, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24

Day 60 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Just a little white paint today

"Just a little white paint today"

Actually, I got a lot of work done besides the painting of the rounds and flat pieces with two coats.

I also had two fillings done first thing this morning.

The entire right side of my face was numb for the better part of the day.

Also holding my jaw open so wide gave me a headache as well.

So, painting the rounds white gave me a small amount of something done towards art.

I also transferred a few more shell paintings to 6 x 24s.

More cones and other shells all showing front, back, and top views.

More paintings laid out to be completed on later days.

I'm also needing to figure out what to paint on several canvases.

If you have any ideas on what you want to see, let me know.

Anyway, tired of fighting the headache, so I'm going to go to relax a while 

before turning into bed for the night.

"Just a little white paint today", Acrylic on wood, size varies

Day 59 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Death in a snail shell

 "Death in a snail shell"

 This is a cone snail shell from the Philippines.

My dad was stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the country.

Mom and I arrived a few months later around Christmas time.

It was a happy time for me as my parents did a lot for and with me.

I had started first grade at E.R.Dickson in Mobile, Alabama.

When we moved, I started back to school. 

My parents eventually started their scuba diving as a hobby.

With the scuba equipment designed by Jacques Cousteau, my parents were able to go into the undersea world that became my later obsession.

My six-year-old self was able to spend many hours in the arm of the bonka boat owned by Tony Bahalana. As long as I stayed in the arm of the boat, I could swim and watch my parents below. I played in their bubbles and relished the shells my parents brought home from the sea. We had an ant bed near our home that they would put the shells into, and the ants did an amazing job of cleaning them. 

I am not certain how the cone shells were procured and cleaned without my parents becoming victims of the shells. I only know my parents collected many cones in various designs. They became my fathers obsession, as well as him identifying them and placing carefully written names. He put a label in this one that identified it as a Radiatus-1.

He got the Radiatus part correct. I suspect the #1 as the first of his Radiatus he captured. Radiatus or Rayed Cone. Also called Conus ochroleucus.

These are marine gastropod mollusks belonging to the family Conidae.

They typically inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans, they often bury themselves in the sand near coral reefs or shallow coastal waters. The death part, they can be beach collected if they are empty.

Live cone shells are highly predatory and very venomous. They use a harpoon like tooth to inject potent neurotoxins that can be fatal to humans. I remember one of the children from the village getting stung. The ensuing panic in the village had my father trying to save the child, and my mother rushing me away from the scene so I didn't see what happened. 

Needless to say, my parents had a long talk with me about not picking up any shells on the beach like this child did. My dad was deeply saddened over this child and not being able to save her. Later on, he was able to save another child with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Life lessons learned at an early age.

Death in a snail shell, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24 inches

Day 58 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026