Turtle babies

These little guys are always fun to paint!

I am so delighted I managed to get these canvases from marketplace.

The woman advertised 18, but when I got there, the number was 20!

They were a really great price and give me small canvas that I can hold and easily paint.

Finishing up on a commission which should post tomorrow.

I am currently working on cushions for our son and daughter in love's camper.

I always love a good sewing project, but wrestling these cushions into the covers is a marathon.

I feel like an octopus with an arm stuck inside the casing and another pulling the plastic bag out that helps me put the cover in place.

I love that they are letting me make my contribution to their first camper together.

It is small, very small but oh so cute.

We are rapidly headed to the finish line of completion on the trailer.

 Then Chris will likely help our oldest daughter with her new shop conversion.

Next in line will be repairs to the tiny house, as we've had some rather bad leakage around the windows that has caused rot in the wall. 

I just pray it's only one wall and will be easily fixed.

Never a dull moment around here!

One project to the next, and the next.

Maybe the commissions are done for now too!

Friday night is Artwalk night in Fairhope.

6-8pm at Hello Gallery, 18 South Section Street

I'll be painting live on the next Dead men tell no tales!

Come and say hello!

Turtle babies, Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches

day 37 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

More of the future is here

More baby turtles today. This year's 100 days began with four commissions. One of them was for baby turtles on the 6 x 24 canvas. I told the collector that I would paint two and he could choose one of them. This is the second one. Hopefully one of them is sold already. I really enjoy painting these little guys every time. Specifically, this collector wanted the ones coming out of the nest.

Today is a special day. It is our youngest daughter's birthday in India. A joyous day for sure when she was born. It was an incredible day that is burned into my memory.

Today is July 2nd. This is interestingly enough the apex of the year. There are 182 days before, and 182 days after. The first part of the year we climbed toward the middle and from now on there are less days in the year. Just an interesting fact that is really neat.

Christina, the one whose birthday is today was born on the second of July. My mother, (her grandmother called Manna) was born on May 2nd. My birthday is October 2nd. She was absolutely delighted that her daughter, Dahlia was born on August 2nd. Her birthday this year she will turn 5.

My day was filled with painting, sanding and going on a date with my husband. We went to see Young Washington and it was an incredible movie and story. Well worth the time to see it.

Speaking of well worth the time. I have a bit of history for my dimensional pieces that began in earnest last year. These works are a long process that begins with unfinished wood cut into circles with a router. These pieces are sanded carefully using a drum sander. They are then backed with a thinner layer which forms the background. They are glued and nailed around the edge. Each one is then painted with Kilz so that the glue layers are trapped beneath the painting layer. They are then painted again after more sanding with Acrylic paint. Chris gives me a piece of wood that matches the round, which allows me to draw the dimensional top piece. This piece has to also be painted with both Kilz and Acrylic. The top piece is then cut with either a band saw or my scroll saw. The scroll saw is used on more delicate works like lionfish fins and octopus legs. Most complex are the Pirate pieces because of all the open cut work allowing the base of the pirate ship and reef to be seen beneath. The dimensional piece is then sanded carefully from the back. The background must be painted first. I then take the dimensional piece and nail blocks underneath which are nailed from above and below. The edges of the top piece are painted on the edges, then the creature is then painted as well. I then varnish the back and the top piece to protect it. I add a hanging wire as well to finish the work. Almost 20 steps total!

So, when you're looking at a piece of art. 

There are hours of decisions, drawing and painting. 

In the case of the dimensional works many more steps are needed to complete the piece. I am grateful for the many people who have let go of their hard-earned money to purchase one of my works. 

The artist that you purchase from may really need the income or the 

validation that comes from creating.

I am so blessed to be able to create and actually make money with what I paint.

From the bottom of my heart, Thank You!

More of the future is here, Acrylic on canvas 6 x 24

Day 3 of the 100 days!00 paintings 2026

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

Babies, babies everywhere!

Today's piece was after a long day.

My youngest brother was having surgery, so I drove to Mobile to sit with him and my sister in love at 6:15.

I spent the day waiting and chatting with her.

We talked a lot, prayed a lot, and even cried a little.

Then the doctor came out and said it was tough removing the knot as it was full of scar tissue.

We'll find out results later next week.

I finally got to see him again as he was being wheeled out from his outpatient surgery.

Surprisingly about 1 pm.

Too late to go home to Fairhope, too early to pick up grandson from school 

as he is spending the weekend with us.

So, I got lunch at Tazikis.

A lovely salad with chicken and fruit.

I then drove to my daughter's house, and she gave me a hair trim!

Yahoo no more bangs in my eyes!

I could hear my grandmother saying, "get those bangs out of your face!"

It's like when I get dirty fingernails or paint.

I have to clean them, or I'm nervous.

My dad would whip out a very sharp knife and dig the dirt out if I didn't do it.

This is why I have a nail brush by the sink, to scrub.

It's also why I don't care for the artist look of dirty clothes covered in paint at a show.

I just don't feel it presents yourself professionally.

So, I'm always neat, clean, and wearing pretty clothes at shows.

The drive home was interesting to say the least.

The traffic was unbelievable and it took over an hour and a half to get back to Fairhope.

Anyway, I came home to french fries and chicken nuggets that my husband heated up at my request.

I ate, then came upstairs to paint.

I painted these guys in between my grandson asking questions about the books

 I want to sell out of my studio.

I have quite the collection of books on drawing, painting, and references galore.

His research found some of my books are rare and somewhat valuable.

I told him he could have a cut in exchange for photographing, posting, and researching pricing.

We agreed to 20 percent of the profit after sale and shipping.

I have a very interested tweenager in the studio now!

Babies, babies everywhere!, Acrylic on wood, 12 inches

Day 60 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Momma and babies

Here's the babies in a different light. 

I miss my black background for them.  

These little guys are on three different levels. The bubbles and one turtle at the top. Two of them are about halfway between and then the rest are flat to the wood. I really enjoyed making this piece for you to enjoy!

"Race to the beach." Acrylic on wood, 16 inches.Day 40 of the 100 days-100 paintings 2025

Todays Sea turtle "After the beach" was a joy to create.

After they're cut out, it is a simple matter of preparing them by sanding, painting the edges, gluing blocks of wood to them, nailing them, then filling the holes.

Then I get to paint background and the piece itself. I enjoy my artist life, especially when I can help when needed because my business is flexible.

Race to the beach & ,After the beach, Acrylic on wood, both 16 inches.

Days 40 & 41 of the 

100 days -100 paintings 2025

All I've got...

All I've got...

This is all I managed to paint today.

I spent all day in the studio with the exception of a lunch break.

I have "set ups" for several paintings, including the one with the baby turtle pictured in my hand.

As you can see, it is small.

Because of its tiny size, it was a challenge to paint.

The set ups take a while to draw because they have to fit within the framework of the painting.

So, an entire day of drawing, researching my swipe files, and drawing.

After lunch, I needed a nap because I woke up at 4 am.

After the nap, we went on a dog ride because that's what they do every day.

I went back to the studio for a bit, then realized it was time to cook dinner.

Dinner cooking and clean up took two hours.

I was happily going to the shop to cut out the wood pieces I designed today.

A text from India changed that in an instant.

When are you coming to India?

Have you booked tickets yet?

Chris and I took the time to book the tickets for December.

I finally went to the barn at 8:15.

I happily cut pieces until I came back in at 9:21.

I

Painted

One

Whole

Baby

Turtle

Today.

That's it, because life gets in the way.

Well life, and children, and grandchildren.

We've bought tickets to India!

All I've got..., Acrylic on wood, 3 inches

Day 39 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

 

Marlins, a rose, and baby turtles!

Marlin fish.

Friday night.

A very simplified version, but I was exhausted.

The one on top was my grandson's attempt at watercolor.

Needless to say, he tried very hard, and I like the result!

We will be working on his drawing skills in the next few months.

We also went camping this weekend, to check out the camper.

We drove over to Pensacola to tour both the Navy Museum and the Lighthouse.

We are all a little sore from the 177 steps to get up to the top.

My grand didn't want to go, but he conquered his fear and made it to the top!

He did not, however go out on the walkway around the light.

I'm still so proud of him!

The Peace rose is for my grand daughter's birthday.

We had just come back from the mission to Africa, and I jumped right into the VBS at church.

I totally did not do her painting on her birthday, but it is still for her birthday.

Why a rose?

Last year I painted a purple Dahlia as this is her name.

Her middle name is Rosalie, and her Mannas (my mother) favorite flower was a rose.

This one is for Saturday.

"Follow the leader" 

Baby turtles

I just love painting them!

Marlins, a rose and Follow the leader (baby turtles), Acrylic on canvas and watercolor

Follow the Leader 5 x 24 inches, Days 32,33,34 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Babies on Parade II

What an incredible ride it has been! This past hundred days have been a real adventure and I'm so glad you've joined me. The blog is over 100,000 views, I've already sold several of the paintings, and the show season has begun. Today we set up for the National Shrimp Festival down in Gulf Shores Alabama. Slightly windy and lots of fun! Our campground is barely a quarter mile from the show and we already like the space here. This RV park is definitely in the heart of Gulf Shores.

Setting up two booths this afternoon was interesting. We've never done that before, but we managed to get it done without killing each other! We also didn't really have any sharp words for which I am grateful. Both boots are loaded in with art, and we went back after eating and did a lot of the pricing. Tomorrow morning will be much easier because we got all the work done today.

Tomorrow morning, I will draw for the winner of the $295 painting I'm so excited!

Thanks for following the adventure!

Babies on parade II, Acrylic on canvas, 4*24 inches

Day 100 of the 100 days-100 paintings 2022

Babies on parade

Babies on parade.

Today was an interesting day for sure!

I painted this early this morning. 

We then headed out to pick up the show in Mississippi from the Audubon Center. Chris and I stopped to get lunch on the road, then fought the gauntlet of travel that is I-10 West bound. I have no idea what has gotten into people, driving like maniacs with no manners whatsoever.

We got to Mississippi in one piece, and I settled into the gallery space, chatting with people as they came in. The garden group put on the refreshments, and I grabbed a cookie. There were no more people coming into the gallery, so we started packing up at 2:15. We finished and loaded up in 30 minutes flat. It sure is faster taking down than loading into a show. I've also been asked to come back again, much to my delight. Next year's show will be in August and September again. Only this time, there will be three artists hopefully. (Keeping it all in the family of course!) I am excited to put into plan the next show. It's going to be epic!

On the way home, I wanted to rehang my space at the Hello! gallery here locally. My sweet husband said that would be better than trying to do it in the morning before leaving for the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores. I had planned to meet the gallery owner at 9:30, rehang the space in time for artwalk, then head to the show. It really was much easier to do it tonight and I have two crab paintings in color to take to the show.

Tonight I have to load in inventory for the gallery, so I guess I'd better get at it!

Babies on parade, Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 24 inches

Day 99 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

Babies, babies, everywhere IV

Baby turtles IV

I am still shaking my head over this one!

When I posted the first one, I had an immediate response asking for size and price.

I had to tell her it was already sold, as well as the one I was posting the next day.

The birthday girl got her babies today and was totally surprised.

Her husband did a great job, contacting me for the commission and picking up promptly.

She commissioned one and said if I had two....

Here's number two for her.

She's on the share the beach team with me.

We have an obsession with baby turtles for sure!

Yesterday the orange beach team was in an uproar.

One of our nests had been vandalized.

My phone and Chris's too was blowing up all day with angry turtle people.

The police were called.

The Fish and Wildlife were called.

The Feds were called.

Yes folks, messing with an endangered species nest that is clearly marked is a federal offense!

Imagine having a criminal record permanently because you vandalized a turtle nest.

Fortunately, the eggs were not affected, as the vandals did not get to them.

Hopefully they will hatch soon and have a lot of happy turtle people.

Today's phone blow up was because a nest hatched earlier than expected.

We used to sit on watch 24/7 when it got close to the time.

This nest was checked at 9:30 and was pretty quiet.

These little stinkers decided 11:30 at night was a fun time to go to the water.

Problem is, some of them were found headed away from the water.

People were calling the hotline, saying they had turtles running everywhere apparently.

It was only a partial hatch, though.

There are more waiting to come up to the surface.

More excitement on the way.

Each baby turtle has about a 1% chance of surviving to adulthood to have babies of their own.

So, every single one is important...

Things are happening in the studio as well.

I purchased a couple dozen small wood rounds because they are easy to transport and paint.

Before I can paint on them, they must be prepped.

First a layer of Kilz, then white Acrylic paint.

It's a lot to do, but necessary work in order to create.

I did get upset a few years back when Baldwin County made me but a manufacturers license.

This is more expensive than a transient artist license.

I said quietly that I am not a manufacturer, I'm a painter.

"Mam you take canvas that is blank and paint on it right?"

I bought the license.

I don't always feel like a manufacturer, but today I do when I purchase so many supports ahead.

Then have to paint them.

Never a dull moment.

All this and the Covid bug has visited us again!

(Not me, Chris)

Wear your masks people, this new variant is getting past everything!

Baby turtle IV, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24 inches

Day 24 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Babies on board! II

More baby turtles!

These are also on the wood panel, surrounded by the beachy wood edge.

I am enjoying the smaller panels, as they are easier to paint and transport.

They will also be a little easier on the pocketbook as they will retail for $150.00.

These are headed to the Audubon Center in Mississippi for next month's show!

I'm really having a good time creating the show, lots of birds coming up!

We finally got the part for my pool pump today.

With the combination of rain, rain, and more rain, my pool has not been happy at all.

Consequently, neither have I been happy.

I love to relax for a while in the pool, floating and looking at clouds, or the planes dog fighting overhead.

Yes, you read right.

Dog fighting.

I have seen them chase each other, roll, spin, and go into clouds.

I've even seen one go straight up as hard as he could, then stall the plane only to restart it as it was falling.

Scary, very scary.

These apparently are Navy pilots, practicing manuevers in prop planes, so they can build memory as far as the guidance of the plane. 

They learn in the slow ones, so they can handle the jets later.

This has gone on for years, they got permission when the area was not nearly as populated.

It's interesting to watch though!

I pray every time I hear them.

Babies on board! II, Acrylic on wood panel, 12 inches round

Day 18 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Babies on board!

Babies on board!

Literally!

Hobby Lobby has these awesome frames available and I love them.

This is a new size though. 

I have used the ones that are about 24 inches in diameter frequently.

They are some of my most popular pieces because of the beachy looking frames.

This size is only about 12 inches in diameter.

More baby turtles.

I simply love painting them!

We wrapped up VBS design today. 

It feels weird to have all the hard work done two full weeks before the event.

We hang and construct it after the second service July 31st.

I'm looking forward to seeing it all in place!

"On the Case" is going to be awesome!

Babies on board!, Acrylic on Wood panel, 12 inches diameter

Day 17 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! 

 

Babies, Babies everywhere! II

Another incredibly fun one to paint!

Although it is rather intense as it involves small brushes.

My hands are definitely feeling their age as of late.

But with breaks, I can handle the smaller brushes for a while at least.

These little guys were part of another commission and are already sold.

They are a birthday present for one of my collectors.

They bought two paintings this spring and her husband wanted to add to their collection as they had seen baby turtle paintings done by me recently that were sold.

Have mercy they do sell quickly!

I will be painting more, for shows.

There is one more commission piece though.

Last night after I posted the babies on my FB page, I received a message asking how much they were.

I had to tell her that they were already sold and the price.

She still wants one for herself.

She is already a collector, owning three of my turtles so far.

She is also on the team with us for share the beach.

Incredibly, I am able to paint these little guys fairly fast.

They do cause a lot of tension in my back as it is lots of small details.

Fortunately, I went to the chiropractor today and things are in place.

I also exercise and ice in an effort to keep pain at bay.

Such a joy to spread around the area!

Babies, Babies everywhere! II, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 14 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Babies, Babies everywhere!

I adore painting these little guys!

Baby sea turtles are just the cutest.

Their flapping flippers are so fun to watch.

Most of all, I love a boil.

The babies hatching are called a boil, 

because they do literally look like they are boiling to the surface.

They also have a blatant disregard for each other's space.

They will step on each other, push each other, and crawl over each other 

in their relentless march to the sea!

Once there in the ocean, they swim rapidly off into the water.

They are hoping to make it to the sargassum grass before they get eaten. 

There are numerous instances of babies missing limbs because some fish took a bite.

It seems everything is out to eat them.

Out of a nest of about 120 eggs, only one may survive to have babies of their own.

Less than one percent make it to adulthood.

It amazes me how God and Nature work to populate our wonderful world.

I have had the rare privilege of handling them at a hatching and I am still in awe.

Babies, Babies everywhere!, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 13 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022 SOLD!

 

Race to the sea II

Race to the sea II

This one was so fun to paint.

My grand here loves it, so he'll probably get it for his birthday in August.

This is part of the framework for the sewing drawers.

All in all, this machine has had some interesting "frames".

I look forward to finishing them!

Today is also the 4th of July.

A day to celebrate if you're into that sort of thing.

I don't mind getting together with others, but right now we cannot leave.

I have at least 3 dachshunds that are freaked out about all the 

bottle rockets and fireworks going off all around us.

I just cannot justify blowing up so much money that could be put to better use in my mind.

Other parts of the day were spent sending messages to folks about their commission works.

Two out of the three have responded very favorably and that makes this artist very happy.

The 3rd has not responded yet, but I'm sure it will be good.

 They will probably be picking up or shipping this week.

I will post more on these later, as they are part of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022.

I varnished, bought paint for a large project with 3~3ft. by 5ft. canvases.

I am still in awe that I get to earn money while having so much fun!

Getting ready for the fall shows is going to be a wild ride indeed!

Race to the sea II, Acrylic on wood panel, 5 x 15 inches

Day 7 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022