Our future babies

 Is it possible to see anything more precious than a boil of sea turtle babies? When I first started walking with Share the Beach, I had never seen a boil happen. They truly do look like they are boiling up out of the sand. Each baby frantically climbing over the next in a frantic effort to reach the sea and hopefully safety. 

Share the Beach was started a long time ago, over 20 years and counting! It was started when a local that loved the turtles noticed they were going toward the lights of the houses and businesses in Gulf Shores. So many babies lost in the dunes, unable to get to the sea because they were confused by the lights. So many babies run over by cars that did not see them in time. Tired of seeing the destruction of life a group of people started Share the Beach. 

Volunteers now patrol 47 miles of beach every morning from May 1st through the end of August. They look for nests or activity of turtles, possibly signifying a nest. If an area looks promising, they carefully dig the nest up, leaving it if it is above the high tide line. If not above the high tide line, the eggs are carefully moved one by one into a bucket, counted carefully, then reburied further up the beach. Then nest is then covered with a screen, and sand placed over the top. The screen helps prevent foxes, dogs, raccoons, coyotes, and sometimes humans from accessing the nest. There is a perimeter placed around the immediate area, then a larger perimeter is established. It is a federal offense to disturb a nest. All nests that are found are carefully monitored, then the waiting begins. Towards hatching time, you will see a large group of people waiting and listening for the boil. It really is a sight to see. The monitors make sure the babies don't turn toward lights away from the sea. I've even been part of a group holding beach towels up along the track to shade them. If they insist on going the wrong way, they are carefully put into a bucket taxi and gently put into the sea and on their way.

Why go to all this trouble?

Most sea turtle nests have an average of about 100-120 eggs. Only ONE of those babies may survive into adulthood and produce more. Adulthood is over 30 years old. Scavengers, birds, fish, and other sea creatures may attack them on their way to the sargassum grass beds where they grow until older. Each nest is important as well as each baby.

The Eastern seaboard is having a banner year this year, with many turtles coming in for nesting. This year, our own Orange Beach team has FOUR so far! An amazing testimony to the hard work of all involved on our beaches from Orange Beach to Fort Morgan and Dauphin island. Our future babies indeed!

Our future babies, Acrylic on canvas 6 x 24inches

Day 2 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

All over the place!

Today was a very busy day.

I had several pieces to sand and paint the edges.

Not the least of which was this guy!

He was incredibly difficult to cut out and to finish the edges.

It seemed like every time I thought I was done sanding or painting the leg edges, I found out I wasn't.

It felt like there was a lot more than eight of them!

Anyway, once I got to painting, this one was fun.

The delicacy of the legs, to his spotted body was so interesting.

To give you an idea of the complexity of this one!

Here is the cut out against a black background.

Very visually interesting to me and I hope for you as well.

I am really in a groove now, finding my way closer to the halfway point in this year's pieces.

I am also closer to painting a large mural inside a condo down at the beach.

I may also get some beach time as well.

Lots of hard work, lots getting accomplished here at the Raccoon Retreat studio.

Another beautiful hot day on the Gulf Coast in Fairhope, Alabama.

All over the place! Acrylic on wood, 20 inches

Day 48 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

 

Killer whales in the Gulf!

Hard to believe, but absolutely true!

For years I've had people ask if I paint Killer whales.

I responded that "I usually don't as they are not in the Gulf of Mexico."

Folks, I stand humbly corrected as of this year.

There are Killer whales in the Gulf.

They are not seen frequently, as they are further into the Gulf than most folks go.

They have been studied (when they could find them!) for 26 years!?!

The scientists have identified 49 individuals with photographs.

There have been noted long term relationships of 16 years.

Our Killer whales have a different DNA from their cousins.

Most recently, they have been spotted off the coast of Destin June 5th, 2024.

They also seem to have a saddleback on them, making them distinct from other killer whales.

If you want to read more, the Frontiers website has more scientific data.

Killer whales in the Gulf!

Who knew?

Now you do!

This series is definitely different and so lovely.

I got another 10 Trays in the mail today, so I'll be painting them white shortly.

Behind the scenes work is real here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio.

I worked really hard to make "Black" Flourish sides this spring to use during the Isle of eight flags Shrimp Festival in May.

They were okay, but my dream was to have the real deal.

They are black mesh, with a black covering that lets wind go through.

We searched while in Florida to no avail.

We even made an hour and a half trip, only to find they were not what I wanted.

In my readings online, I discovered that they were the elusive unicorn as far as finding them.

Apparently, they were backordered frequently.

So, I called Flourish to see if they were still making them.

Sadly, they were not.

The person that had made them for years, suddenly retired.

I was asked if I wanted to be put on a waiting list and I said yes!

I knew they would be expensive and a serious investment in my business.

I got a call today!

Sage said I was the only artist that answered the phone!

After a lengthy conversation with Sage, (great designer btw with Flourish Company).

I ordered enough sides to do the double booth at the 

Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

I will also have sta-bars that fit my tent as well! 

I've had the bars, but the brackets have been an issue since getting the Hex legs on the Extreme tent.

There will be 3-10 ft sides, a 5 ft side, and a 7 ft. Enough to do a double booth with a French wall.

The walls will work for Peter Anderson as well, allowing people to walk in from both sides of the tent.

I am so happy they are coming soon.

We'll have to set them up before the show to get our heads around the framework.

That way, we won't be bickering at the show hopefully.

As you can see, the paintings are shown on a black background that really makes them pop!

I cannot wait to see how elegant the booth will be.

After we get them, I'll be selling the old flourish sides at a good deal for someone that needs them.

 

Killer whales in the Gulf!, Acrylic on wood, 16 inches round

Day 15 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Close encounters of the dolphin kind!

Dolphins are the jesters of the sea!

They can be extremely comical in their actions.

They can help set charges on enemy vessels.

They have also been known to help rescue people when in distress. 

They truly are wonderful creatures.

They are so much fun to watch, especially when they are happy or mating.

(Hint, their belly's turn pink!)

Happy dolphins also jump and play.

They also can hunt in pods.

We once watched a pod of dolphins that were hunting.

They had a couple of babies with them.

There was also one really large one, (possibly a male?)

Suddenly the largest one swam in lots of circles around the pod.

This scared the fish they were feeding on into the middle of the group.

Then there were lots of splashes and dives as dinner was served!

This was amazing and fun to watch.

We typically have them coming up the bay into the shallows in the morning.

They come back down in the evening, putting on a show near the pier.

I've also had a close encounter while paddleboarding.

I saw the pod with a particularly large one.

I thought it would be fun to paddle amongst them.

Suddenly without warning the largest one shot straight toward the beach throwing a rooster tail wake.

It was after a large fish that swam to the shallows to escape.

The dolphin almost beached itself in the process.

I was really glad I didn't have a front row seat to that show!

Close encounters indeed of the dolphin kind!

I'm so glad we live near the ocean.

Close encounters of the dolphin kind, Acrylic on Wood, 15 inches

Day 9 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Pelican Parley I

This is number 3 of the "happy accident" canvases.

Once I set them up, it's fun to paint them.

The set up is the hard part.

Getting in a groove now towards shows.

I have figured out the set up for the 2 new 15 x 30s and the 30 x 30.

Caretta carettas , they will be awesome!

Today has been a good day in the studio.

I was confirmed for another show in Florida in January.

Las Olas, and Del Ray Beach here we come!

But first, Fall shows.

50th Annual National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores, Alabama

October 12th, 13th, 14th, & 15th

Jubilee Festival, Daphne Alabama

October 21st & 22nd

Mattie Kelly, Destin, Florida

October 28th & 29th

Peter Anderson, Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Nov.4th & 5th

WAIT LIST Three Rivers, Covington, Louisiana

Nov11th & 12th

I was wait listed last year for Three Rivers, didn't get in.

Fingers Crossed!

Pelican Parley, Acrylic on Shadowbox Canvas, 12 x 24

Day 39 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Two to tango

 

These fish are just incredibly fun to paint. I don't believe I'll ever get tired of them! These lionfish are an invasive species on our Coast and have become an income for some divers that are catching and bringing them to restaurants. I have yet to eat one but I hear they're delicious! They are poisonous, but I've heard it's not much worse than a rather bad bee sting. The problem with these fish is that the divers can clean a reef, and then the entire reef will be covered with them again the next day. The reason for this is because these fish can dive much deeper than the divers, therefore hiding them in plain sight!

Two to tango, acrylic on wood panel,12 inches round, days 7&8 of the 100 days-100 paintings 2023

Another octopus?

The first show is a wrap and we are back home tonight.

It's always an adventure, and we're always glad to get home too!

People are still really excited to see the shadowboxes and the sepias.

This 'ride' has sure lasted a lot longer than I ever dreamed of as far as them being a staple art form.

Many more available in person at the National Shrimp Festival next weekend.

Next weekend.

It's really almost here finally.

I have not seen some of my Shrimp Festival friends in three years.

Covid really hit the show hard because it was cancelled.

Then there were people scared to volunteer because of Covid.

I know this year is going to be so well attended.

Hopefully the economy doesn't step in and ruin it for everyone.

5 days until opening day in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama.

We will be down there the entire time as I splurged on a campsite 4 blocks from the show.

Chris and I are really looking forward to all the festivities.

The set up, not so much.

The set up for the festival is almost magical.

The streets are cleared and then the tents start to go up like mushrooms after the rain.

My favorite vantage point was from the bath house balcony, looking out over the expanse of tents.

Flags fluttering, white tents dotting the landscape, people rushing about their business.

Such is the beginning of the biggest party on the coast,

The Annual National Shrimp Festival in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama.

5 days until....

Another Octopus?, Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 24 inches

Day 96 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

What's for dinner?

What's for dinner?

Not so commonly called out around here anymore.

When we were younger and had small children.

The "What's for dinner?" was usually followed by, "do I have to eat it?"

"If you don't want to go hungry, yes you have to eat it." was typically our reply.

Otherwise, after sitting at the table stubbornly refusing to eat, the chorus of I'm hungry came from out of the mouths of our children.

I didn't let them go hungry, there was usually a peanut butter sandwich made before bed.

Ah Parental frustrations.

I don't miss them.

Oh wait, now our grand pulls the same stunt.

Thank God for peanut butter!

This pair of parents must work hard to feed their hungry mouths.

In most nests, the eggs are laid a few days apart.

Hence, they hatch a few days apart.

It's not uncommon for number one to become the only one because he was there first.

He's had a couple extra days to learn the routine and leave the sibling in the dust.

Or at least a hungry belly.

What's for dinner?, Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 40

Day 33 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

Dinnertime!

We came upon this osprey while kayaking and photographing several years ago.

I talked Chris into being the paddle, and I took numerous digital photographs.

I photographed this Osprey, several Great Blue Herons, Pelicans, and even a Green Heron.

I tried to get him to go over to an alligator I spotted, but he drew the line there!

We paddled toward it, but before we could get close the alligator slipped into the depths.

I then spotted the Osprey having just landed and killing the mullet on top of a pole.

We headed toward him, but he took off, and I got this shot of him in full flight.

I have already loved this photograph and now I've finally captured him in paint!

The beauty surrounds us here on the Gulf Coast.

We only have to slow down, quieten ourselves, and open our eyes.

I will never cease to be amazed at the diversity and beauty that is South Alabama.

Dinnertime!, Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 36

Day 27 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Seahorses are some of my favorites!

I love painting seahorses.

They are just a fun creature to look at, watch while swimming, and seeing them bob as they wrap their tails around the coral or sea grass.

This one, I noticed after I painted him,

 has apparently given birth as his belly is sunk in afterward.

Such a delicate precious creature, the seahorse!

I spent another day at church working on VBS.

Things are progressing way better than I expected, with the major work being completed tomorrow.

I've never been this far, this soon before setup day.

We put everything in on July 31st.

This gives me a couple of weeks before I have to jump that hurdle.

In the meantime, I paint for my show!

Seahorses are some of my favorites!, Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 24 shadowbox

Day 16 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Babies, Babies, Everywhere III

Much to my delight, I received a phone message the other night asking 

about the baby turtles I first posted.

She wanted a price and size.

Problem is, they were already sold.

The first ones were part of a collection of pieces going to Orange Beach.

The second ones were commissioned as a birthday present for someone

that had lost out on baby turtles they saw at a show.

She will get her babies later this month.

I told the woman messaging me that I could get them done by next week.

That was a good compromise and we exchanged contact information.

Lo and behold, I got a bee in my bonnet and got them done earlier than expected.

Turns out she is on the Orange Beach Share the Beach team.

We have training and she will pick them up while there.

I am amazed that they are already sold, as they have not been cleaned, wired, or varnished.

God is so good to me!

He allows me to have income from something I love doing, and it makes people happy.

Speaking of happy, I am working on our church's Vacation Bible School.

Every year this is a challenge as it comes at a time when I am doing 100 paintings, watching a grandchild, normal household stuff, and getting ready for a one woman show.

It's always such fun to create the pieces needed for each year's theme.

This year is "On the case" and we are having a grand time making items guaranteed to 

amaze and make the kids think!

Crime "scenes", puzzles, evidence, and things to observe and report on.

I love giving the kids several areas they can have fun in while waiting to enter the main service.

It's so fantastic when the Holy Spirit starts throwing ideas at me in the studio.

Sometimes the ideas come at me so fast, I cannot process them all.

It is then when I ask the Spirit to slow down and allow me to catch up.

This year, I have a wonderful team helping me with the pieces needed to "dress up" our church for VBS.

These people helping are amazingly eager and we are getting so much done.

So much is getting done that I may not even need the second work week.

What a beautiful team of precious volunteers, young and old alike!

Photos will be taken during the event, and I will post.

Which brings me to the end of the day!

By the way, the blog started in 2009 and is closing in on 100,000 views!

Tell me what year the blog started on Facebook, and you'll get 5 bonus entries for the painting to be given away. Join as a follower, and share please.

I'm not Tik-Tok poster, but I would like to achieve my goal of 100,000 views this year!

Babies, Babies, Everywhere III, Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 24 inches

Day 15 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022, SOLD! 

 

Jellyfish party

The photo is slightly askew I know.

It has been a long day for sure.

I woke up at 3:30am and could not go back to sleep.

I started reading my Bible and other readings for the day.

Today was Share the beach day.

I walked about 1.25 miles just as the sun rose over the Gulf of Mexico.

The volunteers for Share the Beach do this every day from May through August.

I did not find any sea turtle nests, but I did find a cup pretty well 

buried in the sand and being washed over by waves.

There was no evidence of people other than this cup.

So, I picked it up as it was getting washed out to sea.

A Yeti cup, a big cup, a brand new cup!

I am so happy to have kept this out of the waters of our ocean.

The cup is really nice too!

Jellyfish party, Acrylic on wood panel with sewing drawer, 5 x 15inches

Day 9 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Crab escape master

I don't know about you, but we have a lot of blue crab here along the gulf coast.

These are a tasty addition to our seafood fare here in Alabama.

Getting close to the 100 paintings being completed.

However, I will have to go on and paint more as the galleries are selling.

Hopefully this weekend, I'll sell too!

Freedom Fest is happening at the Wharf and I signed up for a booth.

The entry fee was negligible, only $100.

However I do need to go get my license for the county to be legal again.

Usually, we can renew our license at the National Shrimp Festival, but we know where that went!

I am excited and a little nervous as the festival is one day only.

We can set up the tent on Friday, show on Saturday.

Praying it all goes well.

I am still painting, creating and dreaming of what can be shows on the coast for this year.

Freedom Fest, Orange Beach, Al at the Wharf October 9th, 2021 9-4pm

Jubilee Festival, Old town Daphne, Oct. 16-17th 9-5pm daily

Mattie Kelly Festival of the arts, Destin, Florida, Oct 30-31st 9-5 daily

Peter Anderson, Ocean Springs Mississippi, Nov.6-7 9-5pm daily.

Crab escape master, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x24

Day 98 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Frequent Flier III?

If you read yesterdays post, you know I was considering an addition to Frequent Flier II.

This is the additional turtle I've added.

I am currently working on costume pieces for our grandson. 

I was lucky to have gotten this done today!

A lot of thinking and 60 buckles later I am Yaya the creator!

Michael Jackson's bad costume.

One day for the grandson to wear to school.

I love it!

The turtles together!

Frequent Flier III?, Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24

Day 95 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Crabby pose

Well!

This is the end of the rounds again.

At least for now.

They are fun to paint and so elegant looking.

Today was a busy day.

I started out late.

Very late for me.

I woke up at 8am.

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

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

I am staying home tonight.

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

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

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

I painted the crab today.

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

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

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

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

Instead I chose to do both!

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

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

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

Gold!

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

So excited I have these carved now!

It's not even October yet!

I'm proud of me for getting it done.

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

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

so that pressure is off his plate.

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

God said nope!

Send money.

So I obey His quiet urgings and send money.

 My friend and his family are safe for now.

They also have some food for the table.

God is so good!

Crabby pose, Acrylic on Wood panel, 24 inches round

Day 88 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Heron the hunter

Today's entry.

I learned something incredible about herons yesterday.

Appalling actually.

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

I've seen them eat a snake before.

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

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

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

This was not however what this heron caught.

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

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

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

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

while walking the beach for sea turtles at dawn.

They make the weirdest sound as well.

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

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

I've sent in my application and booth shot.

Now I wait for acceptance.

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

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

Day 78 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Octopus II

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

I am really enjoying the series as you can see.

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

I hope you enjoy them too!

Today was Sunday.

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

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

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

I missed our church family last year while on lockdown.

Today I painted.

Tomorrow I'll paint.

And the next.

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

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

Day 76 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Just the Blues III

We had a relaxing day today.

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

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

SO out of character for me.

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

usually around 6:30am.

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

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

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

Ron Arnold was a fixture down at the show.

I have many fond memories of him.

He will be very missed.

We delivered pieces to Big Fish Trading Company today.

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

in a variety of colors and finishes.

They are currently located at 21860 US highway 98.

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

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

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

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

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

me removing pieces for a show over a weekend.

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

they get very excited when I have lots of sales!

We also discussed some larger pieces that will be arriving soon 

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

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

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

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

If you have never tried Culvers I highly recommend them.

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

Studio time in the afternoon.

Leftovers for dinner.

Church in the evening.

Life is so good!

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

Day 72 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Just the Blues I

Back to the sewing machine drawers!

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

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

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

These small guys are so much fun to create!

Not much other than painting happening here today.

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

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

Water is a huge problem right now.

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

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

They are currently trying to raise $4,500.00

Donations can be made at www.teamafrica.com

This takes you to the Buy a Brick Foundation.

All money donated goes to help the people of Zimbabwe.

There are no administrative fees taken out.

I find that amazing don't you?

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

Day 70 of the 1000 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Loggerhead II

Another sweet loggerhead.

This is another in the series that are framed by the sewing machine drawers from a vintage machine.

I am so glad to be able to use parts of this old machine for my steampunk and now frames.

The pieces are coming hard and fast now from beneath my brush.

I am happier than ever at what is coming out of my hands and heart.

This falls shows will be beautiful as a result.

We had artwalk tonight and I went and stood by my space.

I had the opportunity to talk with a lot of people about the works I have at the gallery.

 The rounds are being very favorably received.

So far I've sold 3 out of the 15 in the series. 

I'm sure there will be more to come.

We picked up the show in Mississippi today from the Audubon Center.

Such a delightful group of people to work with and so well run.

I never felt uncomfortable leaving my works there, 

even when a hurricane was bearing down on the coast.

I was delighted to also lock in the dates for next years show as well.

The show also has a name and some special requests for the pieces.

One entire wall will be local flora and fauna!

Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other local birds.

The rest of the show will be my usual fare of marine life works.

The name of the show?

"My Nature Odyssey"

Coming to the Moss  Point Audubon Center

August and September, 2022

Opening reception August 11th, 2022

How wonderful is that?!

Today is done here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

I bid you goodnight!

Loggerhead II, Acrylic on wood panel, 5 x 16 inches

Day 67 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021