A crabby situation

"A crabby situation"

Blue crabs are so plentiful around our gulf coast.

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

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

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

We went to go fishing and crabbing that night.

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

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

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

I also didn't ever pick up one again.

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

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

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

Seagrass and sargasso seaweed seem to be their favored places.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best catching activity is from March through November.

July through September brings the biggest crabs.

They must measure 5 inches across from point to point.

You can catch a bushel a day per person.

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

"A crabby situation" Acrylic on wood, 18.5 inches

Day 77 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Still crabby

"Still crabby"

This one was intense.

Intense because of the detail involved in creating the piece.

This is the canvas I had asked Chris to build for me.

I told him I needed a 12 x 36 with a 6 x 18-inch opening.

I needed the canvas for a shark, specifically a Great White.

Problem is to match the other canvas's; the opening needed to be 6 x 30 inch.

When I saw the canvas stretcher bars, I said okay....

A short while later, I realized my mistake.

I apologized and told Chris yes, you made exactly what I asked for.

It was still usable and beautiful though, and I knew exactly what I wanted to paint on it.

He also built the one I actually needed.

The Great White is coming soon too.

I also heard from Paul and his friend Jeff in Oxford England.

Jeff recorded and incredible message to me that really touched my heart.

Paul commissioned the piece on August 6th called Epic Goals.

Jeff actually completed the swim of the English Channel.

I've been invited to join in on a zoom call Wednesday, where Jeff will explain the process of the swim.

I am looking forward to the experience.

Epic goals indeed. 

I know both men's story will make it into the book I'm writing that includes my journals.

The book will feature stories from my life experiences as well as my journals.

Jeff already said he wants to read it!

The message that Jeff gave me made me weep with the pure love of God.

"Still crabby" Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 36

Day 56 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Two for one!

Two for one!

And no, the painting background is not orange on one end.

It is white, the lights in my studio throw a warm glow so as to not hurt my eyes.

Anyway, this was yesterday's painting.

I just simply was tired at the end of the day and forgot to post after 2 hours at Artwalk.

Playful dolphins are so much fun to paint.

I photographed these guys in separate shots while on a dolphin cruise out of Orange Beach.

We went about 10 years ago, and the photos have stood me well.

Did you know that dolphin's bellies go pink when they're happy?

Now you do!

They also go pink when, ahem, making baby dolphins.

Interesting facts that stay in my head this many years later.

This is today's painting.

"Crabs Jubilee"

I also have dozens of photos of blue crabs I've taken over the years.

My swipe files are pretty full as well.

Swipe files are photos from the internet that are free, photos from friends, and sometimes students.

I essentially have two file cabinets full of photos, drawings, and calendars.

It's an incredible amount of reference material to have at my fingertips.

My studio is full of them, and they are used frequently.

Today was a kind of relaxed day although I woke up out of sorts.

I didn't know what I wanted to do today, besides paint.

The grandson is staying the weekend, so I chose to spend time with him and Chris.

This puts me in the studio later in the day than I want to be.

I asked Chris to take care of dinner tonight and he did!

We had salads with smoked chicken and a delicious piece of cake someone made for me.

We got the cake Wednesday night after service, and it was gluten free!

It was also incredibly tasty!

Multiple layers with raspberry filling and a strawberry on top!

We have frozen some for a later date.

Took grandson for ice cream, and I went back to the studio.

Now I'm done for today and yesterday.

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

Goodnight!

Two for one! Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24, and 16 x 16

Days 95 & 96 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Crustacean Celebration

I have yet to see a jubilee in person.

There are numerous photos and people that have seen one.

Jubilees happen in two places in the world.

Here in Mobile Bay and Tokyo, Japan.

Pretty cool huh!

We seem to have more here because of the shallowness of our bay.

Mobile bay is one of the largest in the United States.

It is 31 miles long 24-mile-wide estuary in Alabama.

Our bay is also known for the Battle of Mobile Bay during the civil war.

Several rivers feed into the bay, hence the name five rivers delta.

We are a major port for the United States.

We also were known for Naval Stores and tap and pitch production during the early part of our history.

I am having a bit of a jubilee here in the studio.

Large amounts of paintings that need to be varnished, wired, and packed for shows starting in about three weeks.

Crustaceans are defined by their exoskeleton, segmented bodies, jointed legs, and two antennae.

They must shed and regrow in a process called molting.

This is how we have soft shelled crabs.

As an invertebrate, they lack a backbone and a spinal column.

They belong to the Phylum of Arthropoda, this includes insects, arachnids (spiders), 

and myriapods (millipedes, and centipedes).

If you want to look a spider in the face, look at a crab!

Crustacean Celebration, acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24

Day 81 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Crabby indeed!

Crabby indeed!

Not me, the crab.

Blue crabs are such an iconic part of our Gulf Coast lives.

People see them when I paint them and if they're from up North they ask if they are Maryland blue crabs.

No, but they are very similar.

I don't know if they taste the same though.

I love a big plate of fried crab claws.

The broiled ones are pretty awesome as well.

I realized after posting this, I need to add the smaller legs on the underside.

That will be tomorrow for sure.

I got the call from the vet today.

Trixie doesn't have Addisons disease!

There are some other issues though that we are having to try and settle.

Her Cortisol and other numbers are high.

Possibly because of beginning kidney disease.

Such are the events surrounding a dachshund of 17.

So, no teeth cleaning for her at least for now.

With the vet's advice we are putting her on a kidney diet food.

Probiotics, and Ora chews for teeth.

Antibiotics 7-10 days per month.

She's already on Antibiotics for her wound that may have been an abscess.

I pray the Ora chews help her teeth get better.

She's still chewing quite well; they are just very dirty.

Which is confusing to me because I had her teeth cleaned within the past year.

She actually had to have one of her canines removed.

The one tooth missing causes her to sleep with her tongue poking out in the cutest way.

So far so good with her progress and hopefully health is coming back soon.

I finished booking shows for Spring of next year this morning.

I also called about camping in Melbourne, but we are still a month out from being able to make a reservation for next year.

I already have Little Talbot Island reserved and paid for almost a year in advance of the show.

Most shows have the ability to boondock in Artist parking, and we will do it if necessary.

Sometimes either the Campgrounds are ridiculously expensive, or so far away we don't even try them.

Boondocking is basically dry camping.

You use your water tank to flush the toilet, sink full of water to take a "bird bath" and brush your teeth.

All waste goes into either your graywater or blackwater tank.

You also have minimal lights.

Most artists have generators to run their campers.

We are fortunate to have invested in solar power and batteries.

This allows us to recharge phones, my square, and batteries for lights and fans.

We do it frequently when on the road.

Never underestimate large wipes used in hospitals for cleaning up.

But nothing compares to hook ups with hot running water for a shower.

Once, when coming home, we had both been cold for days.

I rented a campsite, we got hot showers, and we ran the fireplace for heat.

It was pure heaven on earth after days of being cold, wet, and shivering outside.

Such is the weather for outdoor shows.

We can never predict what will happen with weather.

We've expected warmth and got cold so bad the news centers were warning people to be aware of falling iguanas out of the trees!

We've expected warmth and had to go shopping at thrift stores hunting for clothing to wear in addition to what we had brought with us because the temperature dropped.

I've bought a bathing suit while on the road because it was warm enough to go swimming in January.

Chris only brought shorts one time, needed long pants.

I only brought one bra for a three-week trip and had to go to the store to buy two more!

We've brought cold weather gear, only to have to purchase short sleeves.

We look at the weather and pray we get it right.

Most of the time we do.

We cannot carry both warm and cool clothing as there is only so much room in the camper.

We do carry wet weather gear in the storage under the trailer.

We prepare, but as Proverbs 16:33 says "We throw the dice, but God determines where they land."

I'm just grateful to have a husband that doesn't mind tagging along on "adventures in show land".

That's enough for today.

Goodnight!

Crabby indeed! Acrylic on Shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 73 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Crustacean station

Today's piece is a blue crab from our local bay.

Mobile Bay is one of the largest bays in the United States.

It is home to Middle Bay Lighthouse.

Famously Admiral David Farragut said, "Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead!"

This was during the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil war.

Problem is, torpedos back then were not as we think of torpedos.

They were bombs mounted from chains forming a formidable fence blocking the bay.

We commonly call them mines now.

Anyway he was charged with capturing Mobile Bay and he charged in full throttle.

There is a really good video somewhere of the mine system the 

Confederates placed at the mouth of the bay.

The battle was won and the Confederates lost Mobile to the Union.

Today's work is another one of the new series.

The legs are so delicate, I had a lot of fun (not!) cutting the legs and keeping them 

from breaking in the process.

These pieces are a challenge for sure!

Today found me using the heavy brad gun to secure the upper part of the cut-out art to the round.

I had already glued them down, so it should've been a piece of cake.

I just have to be careful to hit the wood correctly.

After I nailed them all, I filled in the holes with white acrylic that will 

have to be touched up with sepia after they're dry.

I happily nailed 5 of them.

Filled the holes.

I then decided to do the set up for the seahorse.

Now mind you, the seahorse was being put together with glue then nailed.

The seahorse kept sliding on the frame because the glue was wet.

I was alarmed and then realized there were no brads in the gun!

I had to reshoot all of them, and refill the holes again.

So frustrating.....

Chris doesn't want to nail them. 

(I think he's a little intimidated by the thinness of the wood.)

I don't blame him, I'm intimidated too!

We also rehung my space at the gallery in downtown Fairhope.

The gallery is located at 18 S. Section Street.

I love my space at the gallery!

Crustacean Station, Acrylic on wood, 13 inches round 

Day 7 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

My days are puppies!

This series is fun to create, but also challenging.

"Crabby" is 5 x 24 inches.

Some of them were painted while in India, some painted here after we got home.

I thank God every day I have a husband that thinks creatively too!

When I first made the series, they were in color and only 4 x 24.

Last year, Chris made them wider, and they are so much easier to paint.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

The dolphins are so much fun and so full of life!

"Dolphin party" 5 x 24 inches

"Pod Patrol" Humpback whales

5 x 24 inches

"Turtle traffic jam"

Shadowbox, Acrylic on canvas 24 x 24

"A Turtles eye view"

16 x 16 inches 

Acrylic on canvas

"I'm coming out!"

Octopus Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24 inches

I also managed to paint at church as well.

I teach a class called Scripts & Strokes on Tuesdays and 

we have a lot of fun doing paintings based on scripture.

This little guy is on an 11 x 14 canvas and was painted in about 2 hours.

Life here is crazy hectic.

I'm hoping to finish up my dad's estate soon, so I can put that behind me.

The Executor position is a large job taking many hours.

It also fills my brain with things I would rather not think about.

(Money, balancing checkbooks, insurance, and so much more!)

It has drained me frequently to the point of not creating.

As if that wasn't enough, we picked up TWO wire haired dachshund puppies last week.

I've wanted wire haired dachshunds for years and the opportunity for well-bred beautiful girls 

was just too much to pass up.

As I type, I hear our boy, Bandit (12 years old active senior) 

barking and the smaller yips coming from the girls.

We actually got the girls for him to play with.

Tootsie and Ruby are fitting right into our pack.

I am getting a frequent side eye from Divya and Trixie, asking "Mom make them stop!"

Fortunately, now they play hard, and sleep hard.

Puppy pads, puppy food, puppy proofing are all going on here at the Raccoon Retreat!

Oh, and in between running up and down the stairs to check on them, and play with them,

I am painting!

My days are puppies! Days 67-73 of the 100 days 2024

All works are Acrylic on canvas,

 

 

Lively living

Lively indeed!

We are living the lively life these days.

Chris (husband) and I are active seniors.

We came home from India early last Thursday morning and started into our routine here in Fairhope.

That routine included taking our new LIV camper back to Americus Georgia to get a replacement AC.

We really didn't want the rooftop, but the under-bunk unit that was ultimately recalled just didn't cool down enough.

We had made the appointment over 6 weeks in advance for the repair.

We left Wednesday to camp overnight and be at the dealership when they opened at 8:30am.

We were told that it would only be a couple of hours......

We left for breakfast and came back only to be told that there was an 

emergency repair that was ahead of us.

But we should be done by 4:30 we were told.

Okay, we hung out for a while, then got lunch and came back for the duration.

Turns out, not only was our AC replaced, but our axle was flipped as well, 

as the tires were rubbing the wheel wells.

We were informed every step of the way, even when the refrigerator problem we also

 had turned out to be a slight wiring problem.

Meanwhile I painted.

And painted...

True to their word, we were done at 4:30.

On the road we went to our next stop at Lake Martin.

Now Lake Martin is a bit tricky as there are lots of back roads and scenic highways to get there.

It was supposed to take up to 3 hours, but with rain and slower driving we were close to dark.

Our wonderful host met us at the top of the driveway and Chris decided on the better part of valor to not try to park the camper down a steep hill.

We put the camper on a flat land at the edge of the road with the van and locked up.

We were shown a lovely guest room with a claw foot bathtub in the bath.

The real reason we were there though...

Dachshund puppies!

Wirehaired to be precise.

I've wanted a wire-haired dachshund for years and another artist had a litter.

We've been in contact for months.

Months of anticipation and anxiety.

Are we ready for puppies right now?

Puppies are a lot of work to train and keep happy.

Chris and I are committed to raising them up right!

Besides, Bandit needs playmates as he's still a very active senior at 12.

We brought them home, and the girls are settling right into our pack, albeit a bit nervously.

Our three dachshunds are all seniors, but they are warming up pretty fast 

to the feisty balls of fur we brought home.

Now, though our Bandit seems to have injured himself, not because of puppies but old age.

We're keeping a close eye on him and crate resting him away from the pups.

If needed, I'll be taking him to the vet on Monday.

Such is life here at the Raccoon Retreat studio.

Dachshund Central in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama

Playful dolphins and angry crabs, Acrylic on canvas, each 5 x 24

Days 65 & 66 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2024

 

Another day?

As you can see, these are unfinished pieces.

Still needing their erasing, varnishing, framing, and hanger.

But I am 5 days closer to completion.

I was supposed to complete the 100 paintings today.

This brings me to numbers 92-96.

4 more to go!

One painted last night, then the other 4 during a hard day's work.

I enjoy these small works, as they are an affordable alternative to the large pieces I create.

I painted, because I stayed home today instead of staying with my dad in the hospital.

He told me yesterday to go to the show, and how much he appreciated how much time I spent with him.

But again, God's plan....

Dad did have his surgery today.

I was told by his nurse that he did well, and cardiologist said they got to do what they needed.

His cardiologist has yet to call me to tell me how it went.

I only know because I was proactive in chasing down information.

I painted rather than wasting the day doing nothing.

Plus, it helped keep my mind from racing thoughts about my dad, the weather, and the show.

About the show....

Yesterday afternoon I had been reading about large amounts of rain and wind coming in today.

I prayed the people in charge would move the show out one day, 

rather than have us set up in the nasty weather.

I was also calculating in my head how many hours it would take for us to set up the tents.

My plan was Thursday morning early (about 5 or 6am) for the opening at 10 am.

Little did I know my husband was having the same thought process about setting up Thursday!

On the way home I received an email telling us the show 

was being postponed until opening at 2pm Thursday.

No set up in 4 inches of predicted rain, and 40 mph winds!

At least set up was optional today.

If you wanted to set up today, you could.

We may head down to our campsite tonight after the system has passed through.

That way, we could get up at 5am instead of 4am for a 6 o'clock morning set up.

There were some people that took a chance though today.

I have seen too many destroyed tents and inventory to put mine at risk at this point.

Some of the ones that took a chance today did not fair very well.

My girlfriend headed down, and told me there are several flattened tents already, mangled frames, missing roofs, with inventory out in the weather.

There will be several scrambling to find tents tonight or tomorrow.

I don't have an extra one, or I would put it out there.

We sold one of my heavy tents after a storm system hit Arts and Crafts here in March of 2022.

Maybe the husband will agree to go down tonight!

Such is the Artists life, at the whim of the weather.

Proverbs 16:33 We throw the dice, but God determines where they land.

Every time we enter a show, we are throwing the dice.

God determines if it is favorable for the most part!

Favorable for my dad today, favorable for me because I got to paint!

Another day? Acrylic on wood panels, approx. 5 x 15 inches

Days 92-96 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

Crabs for two

Crabs for two!

Two days, two crabs.

I enjoy painting these guys, their faces are so interesting.

Good thing I enjoy painting them, they are always sold fairly quickly.

Anyway, this pair is on another 24 x 24 shadowbox.

They make for a bit of a headache while painting around the box and edges.

I still find them fascinating.

I also painted several canvases today for 5-piece paintings.

The multi canvas works are a popular item in my booth.

I have sold so many I have lost count.

I am so grateful God gave me the idea a few years back.

They make for an interesting painting, and they are impressive to look at.

Most popular are turtles, then octopus.

The first one I sold was an octopus to a contractor for a house in Pensacola, Florida.

It is in the front door as you walk in the house.

It is absolutely gorgeous there.

I sold the turtles at the same show to a realtor from Gulf Breeze.

We love them, because they fit in a single bag, stacked together.

I have now designed a rather large octopus that will be available this show season.

Typically, the works are 3 x 5 ft. 

The new work will be 40 inches by about 84 inches.

It will be on 16-inch-wide canvases, with two of them having to be built.

The 16 x 30 are not available commercially, so they will be custom made.

The octopus will be impressive for sure!

This crab is on another custom canvas.

These works are on 5 x 24 inch canvases.

They are very interesting to create!

Normally these are 4 x 24, but Chris apparently measured the inside, instead of the outside/

This makes them about 5 1/4 wide.

I have a total of 7 to work on for shows.

It's definitely an adventure working with my woodchuck, Chris!

Chris and I have our 44th wedding anniversary tomorrow.

So many wonderful memories and things we've done together.

We've also raised three great children, who have families of their own now.

We've also built two houses together and renovated one too!

Not too many marriages can relate to building together, unless they've actually done it themselves.

Crabs for two, Acrylic on custom canvases, 5x24 and 24x24

Days 22 and 23 of the 100 dasy~100 paintings winter 2022

 

Miniature blue

Today was a full painting day.

Several pieces started, and one finished today.

This one is on a portion of a New Home Sewing machine.

One of the most beautiful wood machines I think I've ever seen.

These drawers are different in that each one has a solid wood base in them.

This is one of these bases. 

I carefully taped off the edges and painted the white in several coats.

There was something in the finish that kept bleeding through.

It took two coats of Kilz before using the white acrylic for three more coats.

The crab was then transferred to the wood and painted.

So much fun to paint!

Miniature blue, acrylic on wood, 5 x 15 inches

Day 16 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022w 

 

Days 5,6,&7

Wow!

Still painting, but the days got away from me!

Two are 12x12s the large one is on wood panel.

I really enjoy painting on wood, because it offers a smoothness that canvas cannot.

Unfortunately, that wood is also too smooth at times.

The paint just behaves differently, sliding around a little more than I want at times.

It is challenging my painting prowess for sure!

I am very deep into a Mardi Gras train as well, spending several hours a day sewing.

The main base is pretty well done, but much like a house slows down in the process of the finishes, 

the train is doing the same right now.

I am in the process of "icing the cake" so to speak.

Yard after yard of rhinestones.....

I never dreamt 2 years ago when I said yes of course I can do that, that my art would be doing so well.

I am enjoying it as much as I can, because this one is for a family friend of over 30 years.

This train will probably be the only one I ever create too!

I already have over 160 hours in it, with many more to come.

We've also ordered many yards more of the rhinestones that have to be stitched in place by hand.

I'm having a love hate relationship with it.

I am having to be very disciplined to do my painting, then work for several hours on the train.

It's the only way I can get it all done!

Such is life here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio, here in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama!

Blue crab mania! Acrylic on canvas and wood panel.

12 x 12 canvases, and 15x30 wood panel, Days 4,5,&6 of the 100 days~100 paintings

 

Another 100 days!

This fall was an incredible season with over 50 paintings sold at the shows.

The sales at the galleries have not slowed for me as well. 

Now my inventory is very low.

A great problem to have indeed!

Then there's the "problem" of winter shows.

I have two winter shows coming up in January down in Florida.

Starting with March Arts & Crafts here in Fairhope, we have a total of 7 shows for Spring as well. 

I have also been waitlisted for one show. 

Spring show season was wonderful earlier this year, with over 80 pieces sold.

So, I begin again with 100 paintings~100 days 2022 winter version.

The plan is to blog and post every day until Arts & Crafts.

Once again, I'll be giving away a painting valued at $295.00 at the end of the 100 days.

Join me in this rocking, rolling, wonderful life we call art here 

at the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

Middle bay lighthouse Day 1 SOLD, a crabby situation! Day 2

100 days~100 paintings 2022w Days1 & 2