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

 

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.

 

Dead Men Tell No Tales VI

"Dead Men Tell No Tales VI"

SIX!

Number six.

I am in awe of the talent God has given me that allows me to create incredible works of art.

At least I think they're incredible.

The first one last year sold almost immediately along with a mermaid painting as well.

I was in shock because I never dreamed that something I created could actually be in demand.

I will definitely have to have more than one on hand, 

which means there will be a number seven on my easel soon.

These are an incredibly intense piece with lots of hours to create it.

Approximately 20 hours to be more precise.

20 hours and 20 years of experience behind a brush.

The couple from Tallahassee came yesterday and picked up their Dead Men 

for their daughter who is now a Marine Biologist.

She worked on a pirate ship while she was attending college.

The painting is apparently a gift for graduation.

We also delivered another one Friday to a gentleman that wanted one for his wife's birthday.

It was a completely new design with a new blunderbuss and sword.

They already own three of my pieces and their fourth makes them officially collectors now.

This latest one is a reverse of the fifth one. 

The very first one was actually a rerun.

Last year was the first year that we started making the rounds in earnest. 

I took an original octopus piece, painted the edges white, and reimagined it.

I designed the front panel with a Dead Men theme.

This piece also had angled wood pieces that made the transition from the front piece to the octopus.

Obviously, the Dead Men series has already grown by leaps and bounds.

At least to me they've come a long way.

I really enjoy designing and painting them.

I pray you enjoy them too!

I also painted 5 of the last shadowboxes white today.

I have rearranged the studio to accommodate the canvases that are stacked up 

awaiting my pencil and brush.

Lots of work ahead in the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama!

"Dead Men Tell No Tales VI" Acrylic on Wood Round, 23 inches round

Day 55 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

 

Crazy Cephalopod

Somewhere in the midst of my brain and trying to paint my husband will throw something at me that does indeed make me go cross eyed. (Or at least roll my eyes.)When he brought me this canvas I wasn't sure what I was going to put on it, or if I even wanted to paint it. This is one of the new sizes that we're going to be bringing this fall. They measure 16x24 in with an 8x12 opening in the shadow box. He brought me six others that are the regular rectangular shape with rectangular shape shadow boxes. He did bring me opposites so that I can do pairs. Then he grins as he presents this one! As I said I wasn't sure what I was going to put on to it at first. As I was painting the canvases white, and octopus appeared in my minds eye. 

Here ya go!

I also wasn't sure what to call it. Drunk octopus came to mind, but I don't drink. I also kicked around Kooky octopus too. I ended with Crazy Cephalopod, it seems appropriate especially since I just finished reading Remarkably Bright Creatures for the third time. If you haven't read the book, at least see the movie with Sally Field. It was an incredible movie and the actor they had playing her costar was very good.

That's it for tonight as far as painting goes. 

Chris and our son Jere drove to Florida to look at and then purchase a new to me scroll saw. Chris got to use it first, finishing the Dead Men tell no tales front piece this afternoon. I'll pray for the family every time I use it. The saw belonged to the gentleman's dad and is part of the estate they're liquidating. Chris got the saw, stand, and a bunch of blades for $150. It has a longer throat than the one that broke, so things will be easier to manipulate under the blade. It does have a finger guard too, although I may try the one from my other saw to see if it will fit 

I will put all of it to good use, I'm sure!

Goodnight folks!

Crazy Cephalopod, acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16*24 inches

Day 54 of the 100 days-100 paintings 2026

Kraken destruction

"Kraken destruction"

This one was a wonderfully neat one to do!

I may add some coral in the background later.

So many shadowboxes to paint!

I asked Chris for a 12 x 36 with a 6 x 18 opening centered.

He made EXACTLY what I asked for!

Problem is that I needed a 12 x 36 with a 6 x 30 inch opening.

He made the one I needed the next day.

It will go with my other sharks and will have a great white painted on it.

The other one will most likely have a blue crab created on it to take full advantage of the large ends with the claws and the crab body in the middle.

I also requested a dozen 6 x 24 stretchers for my elongated canvas pieces that are popular.

They are nice little pieces for in between windows or doors.

They can also go above doors and windows.

Chris heard something different.

I came outside to tell him I was going to the Dollar store for our lunch supplies.

He was very proud of the 5 12 x 24s he had just built.

I said great and fixed lunch.

While we were riding the dogs later, we were talking.

He realized that I wanted the long skinny ones not the 12 x 24s

He started laughing so hard.

I guess he heard 6 x 24 and thought I said 12 x 24 shadowbox.

At least I don't need any more for the time being.

Although I have sent him a text for the 16 x 24s he made earlier this year.

These have an 8 x 16 opening offset.

I wasn't sure about them, but we sold both of them in the spring.

They haven't been shown here in Fairhope.

We'll see what comes out of his shop tomorrow!

Always an adventure, life with Chris and art!

"Kraken destruction" Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24

Day 46 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Oh! Another octopus?

 

It is getting late, so I'll try to be brief.

Maybe.

Then again, once I start the writing it's hard to stop.

Oh! Another Octopus?

Yes!

If you have not seen Sally Field in the Movie, "Remarkably Bright Creatures"

I highly recommend it!

It was only on Netflix though, kinda hard to get to see it.

I paid for a month, then unsubscribed and watched the movie.

It was wonderful.

It follows the book by the same name and was well done.

The studies the people did to perfect the octopus was fantastic.

Anyway, I've read the book twice and may read it again.

Marcellus is a beautiful creature, fully intelligent, and octopus are just amazing animals all around.

So yes, another Octopus.

Octopus and turtles are both popular in my sales and fortunately for me, I love painting both of them!

Another bit of history for the sepias.

People kept asking me, "Why don't you paint bigger?"

I used to tell them about all the equipment, tent, chairs, walls, and art all fitting in a PT Cruiser.

"I can't paint bigger."

Anyway, I prayed about it, and this is what came into my mind's eye.

Five-piece paintings, made from standard canvas that fit in a small bag.

March 11, 2017, I debuted this big boy!

This was the first weekend I ever had shown the five-piece paintings.

It was in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

I had this octopus and another five-piece that was turtles.

They both measured 36 inches tall and 64 inches wide.

Shortly after I opened the booth a husband and wife came in and 

took a few minutes to decide to buy this one.

They were designing and building a home for a television personality 

in the national newscasting network.

It calls home at Innerarity Point in Pensacola Florida home.

They also commissioned me to do a 4-foot x 5-foot Pensacola Beach sign!

Soon after the octopus sold, a gentleman came in and purchased the turtles.

He then commissioned a seahorse too. 

He left the five-piece with me for judging and told me he would pick up the turtles at Arts & Crafts the following weekend.

I was in complete and total shock.

Less than an hour into the show, and my entire weekend was paid for and then some.

God does that a lot!

He gives us so much more than we expect or could ever even think we could have.

This is why I listen when the Holy Spirit speaks, 

because he's got the plan and he knows what is best for me.

Nine years of multiples.

I have no idea how many have sold now.

I also designed and make a larger version that is 40 inches tall by 84 inches wide.

That size requires Chris to build 4 canvas to complete the piece.

Now that's a big painting!

And now I bid you goodnight!

God bless you for reading the blog!

Oh! Another Octopus? Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 42 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Octopus in my hands

I love the smaller format!

Not only are they much easier to paint, but I can also hold them in my hands while I am painting.

This makes this size portable and affordable for collectors.

It's been a long day of intense creating on the latest Dead Men tell no tales paintings.

Lots of cut work, lots of detail, I will finish it tomorrow.

I also got a confirmation for the latest commission, so it is a go now.

It combines several things that are memorable to the recipient.

It will also include a Bible verse.

Intense

Incredible

Interesting

Life here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio here in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama

But for now, Goodnight!

Octopus in my hands, Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches

Day 35 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Extensions

"Extensions"

Just when you think you can't do any more.

Life gives you an extension.

We can always stretch more than we think we can.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

I'm grateful for extra time to spend with family and Chris especially.

We had a lovely lunch with my sister in love who is also our dog watcher.

She stayed at the house to play with the puppies.

Chris drove me down to Gulf Shores to take the mesh walls to the Coastal Chamber.

I was happy to have the company.

The woman who greeted us recognized me as one of the poster winners 

which was a very pleasant surprise!

After we delivered the sides, he drove me to the imaging center for a 

mammogram appointment in Foley.

My insurance was not accepted at the last place I went to an appointment.

So, I had to wait another month.

My insurance is also not accepted at Thomas hospital.

I could walk to the appointment if it was at Thomas hospital.

So frustrating, dealing with insurance.

But at least the mammogram is done!

Don't forget to get yours if you haven't in October, as it's breast cancer awareness month.

This fellow was fun to paint!

That is, after I figured out the legs.

There is such movement in the painting.

The last time I painted one this way though, a woman insisted on hanging it vertically.

I said the signature will be odd, but okay!

Another painting down.

Another day closer to set up day down in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Just wait until you see tomorrow's painting!

I just can't decide if I want a 24 x 24 or a 6 x 24

Extensions, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24 inches

Day 77 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Everywhere all at once!

Everywhere all at once!

Our lives are all in turmoil now in this world.

So many things happening that are so heavy on our minds.

I pray you are able to let God handle all of it.

I fell asleep last night, praying for so many friends, family members, children with horrendous diseases, accidents taking lives, shootings that defy explanation.

Then there was the anniversary of 9-11.

I prayed for firefighters, first responders, police, doctors, nurses, search and rescue dogs.

They are all needing to be laid at the feet of Jesus.

Then we need to rest.

I rarely watch the news anymore because it is all so heavy.

All so sensationalized and repeated again and again.

I simply ask Jesus to take care of it all.

I am fortunate to be able to create in my studio.

Tonight, I also have a live Phil Wickham concert on for the release of his new album.

I am painting, praying, and praising all while I am creating.

So grateful for the talent God has blessed me with!

Trixie, our mama dog is actually doing better on the new food.

She chowed down on an entire can of wet food, but she kept pushing it into the bowl bottom.

So, I took a spoon and scooped up the bits and morsels and she ate every last scrap.

It is wonderful to see her eating robustly again.

Chris also found a wonderful vintage boy scout uniform with the exception of the shirt.

We drove to pick it up on the front porch of the lady's house.

We were stared down by three police officers that were on a call next door.

I pray everything is okay in their neighborhood.

Interesting and disconcerting at the same time.

Everywhere all at once! Acrylic on Canvas, 16 x 16

Day 74 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Such beautiful creatures!

Things are ramping up around here!

Chris has built 10 more 6 x 24s, so I'll be stretching tomorrow.

He's making noises about enough lumber for 2- 24 x 24s too.

We will have enough art to hang the world hopefully.

I also need to go buy more varnish as I am almost out, again!

I pray I can find a project for the kids to do with the empty plastic cans that the varnish comes in.

I did a really cute one for valentines with Senior citizens a few years back.

It'll come to me, I'm sure.

I just need to count how many I have on hand.

That's for another day.

Our Elder momma dog seems to be okay.

The vet was happy with what he saw, so he's giving her another week to heal.

She will go in next week to get her teeth cleaned.

Having to bandage a wiggly dachshund is no fun.

We have a cream we're putting on her wound and I want it bandaged.

She will also have to sleep separately as it seems the puppies are licking her frequently.

Good news though, it doesn't look like cancer!

Now, if she would just sleep all night and quit waking the littles up!

No, I am not putting her in bed with us, so don't even ask.

The dachshunds are bed hogs, that kick when you push them over.

Frida used to beg to get into bed during thunderstorms, but she would hug my legs all night long.

Dachshunds are hot natured little critters.

Consequently, that makes me hot too!

Chris listed my old Flourish mesh for sale.

God decided otherwise.

I got a message from the festival if I knew where to purchase mesh sides.

I said as a matter of fact I have some for sale.

Long and the short of this story.

The festival is buying my old sides to use in the children's art tent.

God wink!

So many paintings, such little time left.

I'm having a ball painting!

29 days until the set up for the Annual National Shrimp Festival in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Such beautiful creatures, Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 24

Day 71 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

A magnificent octopus

Magnificent indeed!

If you have Disney, I highly recommend the program "Secrets of the Octopus".

It is a fascinating look into the world of Cephalopods.

I've watched them twice and will probably watch them again.

I had a book recommended to me while painting the mural in Pensacola.

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" is a good read and well written.

I enjoyed the storyline, and the ending was well done.

I can recommend it as well.

Today found me with my new hearing aids coming in.

My jury is out on that one.

While I do hear better, there is a lot of extra noise even with the volume turned down low.

I will have to schedule an appointment with their audiologist to see if I am doing something incorrectly.

Plastic bags are excruciatingly loud.

The feedback from my own voice sounds like I'm in a box.

Sigh, i just want to hear better without spending thousands.

Chris has built 10 more of the 6 x 24 stretcher bars.

I will be stretching them tomorrow, then painting them white in preparation for painting.

Ideas on what to paint on them anyone?

A magnificent octopus, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24 inches

Day 70 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Great pacific

Occasionally, I want something a little different.

The Great Pacific Octopus is much larger than most other cephalopods.

I love them though.

The textures and colors they can achieve are astounding.

They are also fun to paint!

This one was particularly interesting because of the detail cuts necessary to create it.

Today found us going to church of course in the morning.

We then went to the grocery store to pick up a few things.

After that, we headed home.

I needed to work on the dinosaurs today, but the heat was very oppressive.

Temperatures in the 90s but feeling much more warm.

Not a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Chris suggested we wait until evening, so we did.

Much cooler, especially with the fans running.

This freed up my afternoon to go to the studio.

I painted this octopus and worked on the trophy for the Summer surge.

The trophy is turning out really well.

It was also made much easier to construct using an old lamp and a globe that spins.

Adding paint, a triceratops, and other elements make for a really cool trophy.

This VBS is so fun for my creativity.

Great Pacific, Acrylic on wood, 14 inches round

Day 13 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Creative Cephalopod

My days are going very well, with lots getting done 

for both my studio work and the pieces for our church.

I have always loved painting Octopus. 

Creative Cephalopod was a challenge.

The cutting of the legs and subsequent sanding pushed the limits of this delicate creature.

Every leg is shown, but there is one leg leaving the frame.

I may add the end of the leg into the background as it seems jarring to me without it being completed.

Making my senses sharpen, by challenging my artform.

Indeed, again I am growing as an artist.

This growth comes as a result of an answer to prayer.

Each new series I do since the sepias started has been a result of prayer, listening, then acting.

Some of the challenges are looming, but I am able to create because of my creator.

As Artists, "We were created to create!"

The sepias began over 11 years ago, as an answer to "God what am I doing wrong?"

I distinctly heard in my spirit, "not wrong, just go neutral." 

The sepias began as 12 x 12 canvases in hand painted shadowbox frames.

The frames were hard to get, and a pain to paint twice.

Don't even get me started on trying to find a canvas to fit the frame.

Once the frames became difficult to find and were no longer cost effective, I had to pivot.

I started doing white backgrounds with the sepia and deep edge canvas.

This effectively got rid of all frames in my studio.

I then discovered shadowboxes at Michaels.

They were very expensive, ($70) so I hesitated to purchase them.

This was when I was first getting a good reputation and reasonably priced.

I had a really good Shrimp festival in Gulf Shores and went to go buy 4-inch canvases.

When I arrived, every shadowbox canvas was on clearance.

$10, $11, and $12 each.

There were 22 of them and I bought them all.

I painted them over the course of three weeks.

I took them to Peter Anderson in Ocean Springs.

We sold half of them that weekend.

A few months later, the shadowboxes were selling, and we were down to the last few.

My husband came to me and said, "I think I can build them."

I said "Good, I figured out how to stretch them."

The design has changed slightly over the years, with additional shapes and offset shadowboxes.

They are almost a decade old now.

My wonderful husband and life partner Chris has built about 500 of them so far.

I then had people asking, "Why can't you paint bigger?"

Bigger involves 5 canvases with a common painting.

When I started the multi canvas pieces, with the first two selling at the first show they debuted in.

They are also several years old now and still going strong, with an even larger canvas for bigger homes.

I then started adding color to the shadowboxes and they have been well received.

Which brings us to the rounds, which started about four years ago.

They have been a popular series for collectors, but Hobby Lobby is no longer carrying them.

Time for another pivot!

Still staying true to the sepias, this new series is a bit more work.

Probably about the same as building the shadowboxes, but very different.

I am getting used to them and a new fine-tooth scroll saw blade works wonders!

Less sanding for sure.

I took only two of the dimensional series to Spring shows.

Selling one and asking opinions about the other one.

Overwhelmingly, people loved the uniqueness, the work, and the detail.

I am seeing in my mind's eye an entire wall of nothing but the rounds done this way.

It's going to be a wonderful summer!

Buckle up, it's going to be a wild ride!

Creative Cephalopod, Acrylic on wood, 19 inches

Day 12 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

What a day!

What a day indeed!

The day was filled with dinosaurs of course for the Summer surge at the end of the month.

We've been working hard to create them from a combination of recycled and purchased materials.

I purchased newsprint, and glue, (more glue donated from the shop, studios, and a friend as well!)

I also bought chicken wire to cover the frameworks.

I have been doing large scale paper mâché' ever since I was a young child.

My dad taught me how, using wire coat hangers to build frames for the chicken wire.

We soldered them together after careful wiring to hold the solder in place.

I became familiar with the smell of rosin and solder making a strong bond with the wire hangers.

We would then carefully cover them with chicken wire, 

wrapping the wire under so it wouldn't poke through the covering.

Then came hours and hours of flour and water, combined with torn strips of newspaper begged from every neighbor for the entire block.

The newsprint was of course printed and consequently left lots of ink on our hands as we molded the paper into place.

It was a messy, smelly job.

It also attracted hordes of flies because the wet flour smelled like food.

It was all in all a messy fun experience and a part of my childhood.

The first one we made together was a giraffe for me when I was about 11 years old.

We then built a bunch of them for trick or treating at Halloween.

My dad outfitted an entire Campfire girls troop with those.

Each girl picked out her creature, so dad built several different ones.

Mine was a "SNARK", a made-up creature with a really long nose and light up eyes!

I did the same kind of work building in later years as a costumer. 

I made a very large lobster costume for a business owner in Mobile, Alabama.

It was paper mache'd but also covered in fabric.

Envision if you will, a ten-foot-tall lobster.

I've also built a ram, Dalmation, and a buccaneer.

So fun to create!

The dinosaurs are different and yet the same.

I am using patterns to make skeletons of the dinos, then covering them in chicken wire.

The skeletons were made using the 1-inch foam from a church conference.

All told, there has been a total of twelve 4x8 sheets of foam used.

The paper is purchased newsprint on a large roll then we tear into strips.

The glue is just that! 

Glue!

I've never used glue before, but it is a game changer.

60% white glue 40% water and mix.

Very few flies and the smell is pleasant.

Although I am wearing gloves and long sleeves.

I don't like having to scrub glue off my arms and watch.

Now if I could just figure out my hair situation.

My hair is quite long, and the weather even warmer than normal.

Between the heat, the sweat trickling down my back, and my hair falling into the glue, life is interesting.

Oh well, such is the life of a Christian artist.

Using your talents willingly to further the kingdom of God!

Now, to today's work of art.

This is one of the rounds for this fall show season.

I am delighted with the process, although it takes a while to draw, cut, sand, paint the creature, and the background, then mount it all together. 

Somewhere in there, I have to varnish too!

This one is 16 inches and is beautiful to see.

Of course, photos don't do it justice, so you'll have to wait to see them at shows.

All in a day's work here at the Raccoon Retreat studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

Goodnight!

Octopus dreams, 16 inch round wood, carved wood, Acrylic paint

Day 2 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

.

 

In case you don't know, I love octopus!

They are such fascinating creatures.

They have 9 brains, one in their head, then one in each arm!

As I said, amazing...

This one was painted while we were in India.

So, it is on a flat canvas instead of my typical shadowbox.

It found its way home in my suitcase!

"Follow the arms" Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24

Day 76 of the 100 days~100 paintings

These lionfish turned out really pretty.

I still love painting them although they're an invasive species.

They are just such a beautiful fish.

We had one in the Philippines for an evening stay.

My dad brought it home after a dive to put in our tank.

After acclimatizing it to the water, we added him to the tank with our other fish.

To our absolute horror, it started eating everything in its path.

My dad said nope!

Scooped it out and it went to fish heaven.

Fortunately, the invader only got a couple before it was dispatched. 

My dad was very proud of his tanks.

We had several while I was growing up.

"Invasion" Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24

Day 77 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2024

 

Cephalopod my cephalopod

One of my favorites to paint, a cephalopod!

Octopus are fascinating creatures.

If their beak fits, the rest of their body will go as well.

There is a really cool video that shows fishermen catching a large octopus.

It found the scuppers on the boat and slithered its way off the vessel.

Meanwhile, the wood is flying here in the studio.

We bought several pieces of lumber the other day to make new shadowbox frames.

Chris, my husband of almost 46 years is a master builder now of these frames.

I couldn't make my signature pieces without his help.

He has brought up 6 of each of my sizes, varying from 12x36 to 16 x 16.

All of the sizes sell well, and I am grateful for the frames he's built.

Now on to canvas stretching, which is a whole other day of hard work.

I already have the canvas here at the studio to stretch every single one.

Now, about the canvas.....

I bought canvas while I was in India.

I've bought canvas while there before, but this time was on another level.

I had our daughter order me two smaller rolls of 10oz.canvas before I got there.

I also ordered white paint and coated the canvas before cutting.

I was delighted with the canvas and started researching a larger quantity.

I found 10oz 84inch canvas, 10 meters long for less than $50.00, because they were on sale.

I ordered two rolls.

They were incredibly large when they arrived in their protective cardboard tubes.

I can only imagine these things being carried down the street on the way to the Banerjee residence.

I opened the tube that night and started cutting.

Chris helped me to take the canvas and cut it into 30 x 84inch strips.

30 inches, because they will fit into the suitcases.

We got a lot of strips that all made it home safe and sound.

Why so much?

The canvas I typically purchase here is 7oz and is a 73inch by 6yd roll.

This roll costs me just under $100.

I got triple the amount for about the same as one.

It took some creative packing, but we got them home allowing me to keep my pricing affordable.

Now, if I could just find some lumber in a dump box somewhere....

Cephalopod my cephalopod, acrylic on canvas, 5 x 24 inches

Day 75 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2024

 

Curly cephalopod

I don't know if I'll ever tire of painting octopus.

They are a never-ending source of differences.

Beautiful, smart, and great escape artists.

They have to have special tanks to hold them in while in captivity.

There are also octopus that will crawl on land to get to a tidal pool.

That would really be a sight to see!

Nothing makes me happier than to encourage a child in their art journey.

My son asked if I had an easel to give for a birthday present.

I showed him the little easels we use for Chris's wood bowls.

He just giggled.

They are tiny.

But above that, on another shelf was French box easel someone gifted to me.

Never used, and a great gift to set her on her way.

I advised him with some paint purchased.

We then rounded it out with some extra canvas I had, an apron, a palette knife, and a water dish.

I can only imagine the surprise and joy from this precious child of God.

Happy Birthday!

I'm also toying with completing the 100 days before shrimp Festival starts next week.

How in the world?

God has placed in my mind to really concentrate on smaller works that are more affordable.

My starting price is $295.00 for my works.

Not much, some of us would say.

These smaller works will retail for $95.00 and are still unique, beautiful, and affordable.

I can make them less in price because I can complete several in a day.

They are totally unique because they are vintage sewing drawers, 

cut down to make miniature shadowboxes.

I've done them before, and they are super popular.

The vintage aspect, affordability, and recycled as the wood used is a former skateboard ramp.

The end of the 100 days is going to be fun!

Giddy up!

This is about to become a wild ride!

Curly Cephalopod, Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 24 inches

Day 68 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Mightiest Octopus ~ Mighty job!

Warning, Long post!

I am worn out today.

It has been a big week of hard work.

Let me begin by telling you that this is not a complaint.

My tired is an accomplished kind of tired.

You see, it's been a busy week of long days.

Not necessarily because of many hours, but because of the work involved.

Let me explain.....

The octopus you see is a flip of one I painted originally for sale at Big Fish as a request.

This gentleman was building a house and wanted a really big octopus 

as the house has an octopus theme.

I had designed this one in reverse and it was one I had been pondering for a while.

But it was only on paper.

I needed custom canvases to complete him.

Two 16 x 30 canvas and two 16 x 20, with a 16 x 40 in the center.

The entire creature is not even visible here.

There is slightly more to the top and bottom of the center canvas.

Put together, it measures 40 inches tall, and 80 inches wide.

Hang it, and it probably measures 86 inches wide.

Anyway, the gallery said go for it.

The gentleman couldn't decide and I told the gallery owner I was taking it on the road for shows.

(He ended up purchasing another octopus I already had at the store.)

I was not unhappy at all to take this beautiful octopus on a five-week swing into Florida.

Little did I know it would sell at the first show!

Gulp!

My biggest, most expensive piece was now gone, taking several square feet of wall art with it.

15.5 square feet to be exact.

I ended up painting another smaller five-piece octopus that week on the road.

(It was only 9 square feet, but still impressive.)

So, 5 months later I revisited him in reverse.

I try not to duplicate my works, but a reverse is still different.

My plan is to put him on the left side of the booth at the 50th Annual National Shrimp Festival this year.

On the right side of the booth will most likely be the reverse again in full color!

(Again, still an original)

I can see the booth in my mind, and it seems to be coming together very nicely.

Problem is, storing this beautiful beast after I finish it!

I am indeed blessed this week!

I was fortunate to have a collector pick up her three shadowbox pieces this week.

She ordered them while I was still in Africa on mission.

Two turtles and an octopus in sepia.

This makes a total of 9 pieces in her home that were painted by my hands.

I am so grateful!

Now, to the crab above.

Another piece ordered while I was out of the country.

She is headed to Amelia Island off the coast of Florida.

The couple originally purchased a turtle from me there and ordered this beautiful lady.

She measures 20 x 24 inches.

I am also sneaking in some time to work on the ornaments for this year.

I created while Chris drove to orange beach.

So grateful for a spouse that doesn't mind a little mess in the car.

This will be the last year for glass, unless it's special ordered.

I have already purchased and painted 100 wood discs for the flat ornaments this year.

I also have these really neat boxes that are the perfect size.

These shadowbox canvases are just part of the 26 we stretched this week.

They all have to be painted white, and I did part of that today.

Yesterday was another dozen, I just didn't have room on my table for more.

All are now ready for sepia or colorful creatures.

We still had lots of lumber available to make more, so I told Chris go ahead.

Problem is, now I have another large batch of 16 to stretch and paint.

Hours and hours keeping me from the easel, but very necessary.

Each canvas takes about an hour of work to complete, between cutting the wood,

making the frames, cutting the canvas, stretching them, then painting them white.

These custom canvases are part of my signature style .

I am so grateful to have a spouse who simply says, "I still have more lumber, what do you want?"

Even in the 100-degree heat here in the deep south.

I am such a lucky lady to have my husband Chris in my life.

I love you honey!

Tonight I stretched another 4 for the new octopus.

Two 16 x 30 and two 16 x 20, I already have the 16 x 40 for the center.

I then painted those 5, plus the other eleven 5 x 24 I stretched earlier.

So, it's been a long day.

Needless to say, I am tired and now typing what I hope is not gibberish.

I really enjoy my artist life here at the Raccoon Retreat studio!

Good night!

Days 25-29 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

Varying sizes