The wisdom is in the eyes III

Happy 4th of July folks!

Unfortunately a great deal of the celebrations are cancelled as far as fireworks are concerned. 

Chris and I really enjoy driving to friends house, and walking to one of the bluffs to watch the show.

This year, we planned to have our grand with us to watch the show.

Maybe next year we can all enjoy the shows.

Wear your mask please!

Anyway, I painted the third turtle in this series, The Wisdom is in the eyes. 

The first one I created has already found a home here in Fairhope much to my delight.

The galleries are all starting to sell the pieces they have on hand. 

Of course, that means they need new ones!

Fortunately we still have a good amount of the stretcher bars we got from Habitat for Humanity.

When we picked them up way back when, I had no idea they would come in handy sooner rather than later. Chris is taking them, nailing two of them together and adding the shadowbox in the center. Originally, he was going to just make ten, but he got a bee in his bonnet and put them all together. I don't have room to store them in the studio, so they'll have to reside in the barn until I can put canvas on them. They'll get painted and taken to galleries or packed up here for shows later this fall!

Speaking of shows,

I got accepted to the National Shrimp Festival again for mid October.

We already have our camping reservations as well at Gulf State Park.

Hopefully the show will go on as planned. One year, a hurricane named Michael messed up our plans and we lost one day of the show. Last year, we had a late start on Saturday because it was pouring down rain. It flooded the show site and we could not enter because of the possibility of electrocution because all the booths have power at the show. There was literally electrical boxes floating, so they cut power to the entire show. We managed to get in a little late, and the show went on. 

You never know what the weather will do at any given day. 

We have endured 120 degree heat indexes, tropical waves with lots of rain, 

bitter cold in April, tent damage from a downdraft storm, 

and the ever present overlapping and over saturation of shows in an area.

We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.~Proverbs 16:33

I still miss the shows, the interactions between collectors and artists are hard to beat!

Alfred is slowly progressing on his piece.

The fisherman will be very nice once completed, I'm sure.

We've had numerous conversations through Whats App about the presence of God in his life now and in his past history. Alfred was in a gang that was a cult basically and managed to escape them to a normal life. He was a teacher for 20 years in the government school system. Somehow, his retirement pay has been taken and he cannot get it. He has a friend that is working on getting it returned to him. I don't know how much good it will do though, right now the Zimbabwe dollar is in rough water. The US dollar is preferred but hard to get. Right now, the US dollar is worth 90 Zim dollars. A loaf of bread is about $1 US right now. Most people are not able to work at this time though because of the covid crisis. If you're only making $3 a day and your rent is $90, how do you eat?

The country as a whole is not doing well. 

This is not finished, although Alfred tells me the fisherman is done.

He was unable to send it before the power went out on his phone.

This saddens me, as one of the things I wanted to bring on the mission 

was solar chargers that can be used for phones. 

The pandemic has taken a lot from a lot of people. 

Can you imagine it in a third world country?

I cannot, and yet, I've been there when the power was out and internet down.

No power, no water either! No shower after a hot sticky day on bush roads.

But day in and day out?

Could you?

The wisdom is in the eyes, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24x24

Day 6 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

The Wisdom is in the eyes II

Good grief!

I am much better with a brush than a computer!

Last night, it was the internet being down that was the issue.

So, I just posted to Facebook.

Tonight, when I am trying to sign in to blogspot, there is an account under my gmail account. After a lot of confusion on my part, I realized that google was trying to sign me in under my gmail account. It was all VERY frustrating! I managed to keep my cool and finally realized the problem was the gmail address. When I put in my original address under MSN, here we are!

This was after calling Mediacom about my internet issue. They have made an appointment for next Wednesday, but I asked the young lady on the phone if the modem was the issue since the automated system could not contact the modem. She said possibly and I then asked may I take it to the Mediacom center and trade it out? (It has been cutting in and out for weeks now!) She said she would put that ticket in and off we went to mediacom after I battled with the cord situation under my desk. I picked up a new modem, brought it home, figured out how to sign it in, delete the old one, and connect. I'm sure glad that's done!

(I'm keeping the appointment just in case there's another issue!)

Anyway, yesterday I had someone contact me about the first turtle I posted with a colored eye. She happened in on a thread I was involved in about art. She contacted me through messenger, and I gave her my direct phone number so we could just text that way. After making arrangements, she came to the studio and fell head over heels in love with him. 

She purchased him!Oh my!

Again God shows up, giving me my greatest desire!

I want to really be the best possible artist I can become, and through prayer and dedication to my craft, I am getting there. I read somewhere that it takes ten thousand hours to become a master at something. I figure I'm at about 7,000 now.

God really does want to give us the greatest desires of our heart, and he is really revealing himself to me as of late! I am continuing to sing His praises!

I have not heard from Alfred for the past couple of days.

Apparently, the electricity is down and his phone was dead.

Not surprising, we lost power several times when we were there last year. The electricity is spotty at best. The internet and cell phone service is not much better. Fortunately, it is their winter, so it is not terribly hot. Anyway, I expect to talk with him tomorrow on the 4th of July. Just another day for them in Zimbabwe.

The intelligence is in the eyes.

My husband has been pushing me for some time to add colored eyes to my sepia pieces.

I tried two turtles last fall, adding them to my Big Fish Trading Company inventory. They sold rather quickly, and the gallery owner wants more to come. I could not find my inventory sheets from the gallery, so I asked her to send me photos of them. She had told me she sold 4 of the 24x24s the last week of June. She then sold one of my largest pieces to date on the 30th, 

a huge piece (for me) measuring 43 x 67 inches. 

An odd size, yes!

You see, they are part of a large amount of stretcher bars we picked up from habitat for humanity when they gave them away! I have enough for three of the big ones eventually. In the meantime, Amy wants creatures with painted eyes..........

And I am happily creating here at the Raccoon Retreat studio here in Fairhope.

I am resting on the fact that my Father in Heaven loves me and I love Him!

Here we go!

Computer repaired, roll of canvas purchased, internet up, pool surviving with gorilla tape, 

husband wood turning in his own studio!

He sold 5 Prayer bowls today!

"The intelligence is in the eyes"octopus "The Wisdom is in the eyes II" turtle both 24 x 24

Acrylic on Shadowbox canvas, Days 4 & 5 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

The wisdom is in the eyes I

Today's painting is a requested one from a gallery I am in that is a wonderful handmade furniture store as well. Big Fish Trading Company came to my booth at the National Shrimp Festival a few years ago, and both of the owners loved my works. They said my pieces would be perfect with their furniture as it too has a coastal theme. As an artist doing outdoor shows, we hear this quite frequently from small shops to galleries wanting to display our works. I took their card and really didn't pursue the lead until 7 months later after all my spring shows were done. From the moment I walked in the door, I saw what they were talking about with regards to my works fitting right in to their beautiful style. 

It has been a wonderful working relationship ever since. 

If you want to see their beautiful custom furniture go to bigfishtradingcompany.com

I can promise you won't be disappointed with their custom works in their showroom at

21860 Hwy 98 in Foley, Alabama

Anyway, Amy told me she had sold the original sea turtles with colored eyes 

and wants more in the store. And so, here we are with "The Wisdom is in the Eyes I"

In the meantime, a tale of two sets of money.

Last night we discussed with and gave a check to Gib Leonard.

 He is one of the main founders of Buy A Brick.

He runs the Foundation, building schools, clinics, and sinking wells in Zimbabwe, Africa. He also has provided internet to schools, feeds children, and done countless other projects.

The foundation is in their 17th year..

 We were supposed to go to Africa in August, but the pandemic is preventing that journey for now.

We really wanted to go, as we had projects to work on, and classes to teach.

The people in many parts of Zimbabwe are hurting, hopeless, and hungry.

Interested in donating?

buyabrickfoundation.org

I can assure you that the money is spent in Africa and not on a corporation in an office.

Gib and Leigh Leonard are boots on the ground, hands open and honest, as well as some of the hardest working people I know. I am honored to call him and his wife Leigh friends.

This Foundation works! 

Anyway, I digress.

We gave Gib a check for the money we raised at a yard sale in March before the lockdown started.

This money has been intended the entire time for our trip to Africa in August.

It was a large check and we were happy to give it now to Buy A Brick.

We asked that part of the money go to Alfred to help him with rent 

to keep a roof over him and his family's heads.

Our personal goal is to eventually start building homes with land over there as well.

Today I stand as a strong witness to the power of our Lord!

Remember we gave a check just last night......

You CANNOT outgive God!

This morning,

A new gallery I am in, is called the Stewart Heath Gallery.

This morning, barely 2 weeks after I joined forces with Stewart Heath,

She sold two large pieces.

 (She had sold two others previously within 48 hours of joining.)

The total of the two pieces is almost the same as the check we wrote last night!

Again, You CANNOT outgive God!

If you want to see my works at the Gallery, 

it is located Eastern Shore Center, Spanish Fort, Al Suite 713

Alfred is having internet problems so he was not able to send his work for today.

I texted back and forth with him during spotty internet coverage.

I am also leading him gently in the ways of our Lord.

He is seeing more and more the hands of our Father protecting, providing, and guiding him during this pandemic. He is now lower than low, finding it hard to get motivated to work in his studio.

He is getting better with prayer and praise for what he has, not what he doesn't.

He also told me today that Moses and his family sends their love. 

Moses, whom I know as Samson is another beautiful soul that is a musician and artist. 

I wanted one of his pieces last year, as he had started a new process with wonderful texture.

I pushed him with color when he attended one of the classes I taught at IRoCK lodge.

Anyway, an exciting day here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio.

The day began with a walk at dawn looking for turtles. 

None spotted, we went home and began our day.

Me painting in the studio, Chris woodturning out in the shop after cutting the grass.

Ending the day with a violent thunderstorm, heavy rain, wind, and flooding.

Peaceful now, ready for night with the rain gently hitting the roof.

Sweet dreams to all!

The Wisdom is in the Eyes I, Acrylic on Shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24

Day 3 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Turtle walks and Fisherman talks

Well day two is here. 

Blogger keeps trying to push me over to the new view, 

but I cannot find where to create a post in the new format. 

I am very pleased with this sea turtle today.

The day has proved long though, as I did not sleep well last night.

I awakened at 1:30 and could not go to sleep until 3:30.

Being awake has it's perks though, I was able to have a conversation with Alfred in Zimbabwe.

The situation there is not good, and there is no end in sight with the virus in tow.

I am encouraging him to create in spite of the world surrounding him, crumbling government, lack of money, but hopefully not food. Clean water is probably a concern as well. 

I have not seen Alfred's new home, but he says there is space to create. 

I am just trying to get him on track long distance. 

As artists, we are greatly affected by the environment around us. 

At least I am for the most part. 

I try not to watch the news, instead listening to 

Pandora with it's wide variety of music that I have selected to listen to while I paint.

My world is full of sea turtles, octopus, seashells, mermaids, and other sea life that is contained in my most loved area on this big blue ball we call home.

Today I offer a hawksbill turtle.

While not in our part of our gulf of mexico, 

they are still an important part of the species that is sea turtles.

I am trying to stay optimistic about shows for the fall this year.

However, I read this evening about one being cancelled in Birmingham, Al for mid September.

I do not have a show there, my first one is not until the end of September in Daphne.

We also don't have as many cases of Covid here as in Birmingham.

Just praying the shows go on with safety as a priority.

However, we artists still have not heard from a major show in our area for mid October.

Ominously quiet...........

Trying not to think about it too much!

I am pushing forward as the galleries are open, and they're starting to sell!

The fisherman by my friend Alfred will be beautiful, I'm certain.

He and I had an extended conversation today, long and late into his night.

He was still texting after midnight his time about various things. 

I was just trying to nudge him in the direction of completed pieces.

Alfred has a wonderful opportunity, with a collector wanting virtually everything he could create.

Oh if as artists we all had that problem!

He has told me he will be painting, but he does not think 

he can get more than one done every two days.

I told him that was fine, he just needed to discipline himself 

to keep working despite the situation in Zimbabwe.

He was so focused today his daughter told him, 

"now you can buy us a house, you are so serious"

Get this, a HOUSE in Zimbabwe can be purchased for under $10,000!

Can you imagine buying a house here for that!

Goals for Alfred, goals for me.

I must get to bed, I have to get up at 4:30am to walk for the sea turtles!

Day two is done!

Turtle walks, Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 24

Day 2 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

On the Main Hard Road

Thus begins the 100 days for 2020!

It has been a while, but join me on this journey of creating for shows.

This years posts promise to be interesting, with the pandemic still upon us, looming possibilities of more shutdowns, and lack of shows this spring.

The fall shows are also in danger of not happening as well.

Wear your masks people! Stay home unless you need to go out......

This virus is not going away, it's not a matter of if, but when you may get it.

I am praying for the scientists to develop both a cure and a vaccine quickly.

When the pandemic hit in mid March, I was preparing for multiple shows in the spring. After the initial closure came, all the shows followed suit. I had two new ones this Spring and was looking forward to the journey's with my husband on the road. Our local show, Arts & Crafts was the first, even before the official shutdown. The rest followed like domino's each one leading to the next. Only two shows rescheduled, one I could not accept because it would being during the National Shrimp Festival in October. The second one put theirs on the calendar for late June. 

It too, would eventually cancel.......

Then there was the teaching, and church.

All succumbed to the virus.

I lost three classes and a small group at my church.

Our mission trip to Zimbabwe probably will not happen either.....

It became hard to create.

As an artist, inspiration comes partially from creating, 

then the rest comes from both the pure joy and the actual selling of pieces. 

I love the connection to people and miss the interaction between me and the collectors that purchase my works. Instead of making art, I started making masks for the frontline workers.

I also had a short stint at the Mobile Museum of Art, reclaiming masks that had been found in a warehouse. It was a welcome respite from the staying at home.

To date, I have sewn over 700 masks, giving them away thanks to donations.

It was my only way to help in a helpless state.

Now we find ourselves trying to return to normal.

My normal this time of year is painting for shows.

This piece is called "On the Main Hard Road"

There is only one major road through Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

These elephants were crossing as we came home to 

IRoCK lodge one of the first nights I was there.

IRoCK is the lodge built by  Buy a Brick Foundation to give missionaries

 a beautiful place to stay while in Zimbabwe.

IRoCK stands for "I Rely on Christ the King".

It truly is a magical place to stay with beautiful people that work there.

Please join me on this beautiful journey with a twist.

The twist is that my friend Alfred from Zimbabwe will be 

joining me on this adventure of 100 paintings in as many days.

He is a fantastic painter, with an amazing eye, and beautiful ability.

His situation is much worse than ours, no government support, no income because the country is shut down, money that is worthless. You see, Alfred lives in Victoria Falls and their main industry is tourism. Alfred is a teacher that is out of work since the shutdown.

Over 50% of the people have left because there is no work as a result of the shutdown. While they have released some of the measures in place, much like our country the numbers are rising. As an artist, he too is having trouble creating much because he has lost his joy. 

People are starving, literally..... 

Food has become a very expensive commodity, but everyone has to eat.

We recently found out about a nursing home that had 15 people starving from lack of food. Through teamafrica.com we were able to help get funding to them and the food was delivered. 

We're both hoping to find our joy in the next few weeks and months.

He sent me this today, a quick sketch done in charcoal. 

It actually is a commissioned piece, so it means a little money in his pocket.

Very little it seems. Hopefully with God's grace he will find his groove and start finding the joy of creating again. I am looking forward to seeing his pieces fly from his hands.

I only wish we could hug his neck, bring him paints and canvases, and food for his family.

But our mission is probably not going to happen this year.

We will know more about refunds later next month.

Meanwhile tonight I painted with my Scripts & Strokes group tonight.

I sketched the canvases, poured paints, provided brushes 

and then went live on Facebook to teach the class. 

The reading had to do with Abraham, Issac, and a sacrifice.

We did a painting for Jehovah Jireh, "The Lord will provide"

Indeed he does, just when you least expect it!

I am expecting from my provider, and I know he will provide!

On the Main Hard Road, Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 24

Day 1 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Completion

Go big or go home!

I really must use this concept for Peter Anderson in my booth.

I absolutely LOVE it!

The collector is very happy with the results and I also heard my coveted phrase.

"It's better than I imagined!"

I always enjoy hearing that one!

When I sent him a photo, he was ecstatic in his response.

We will deliver it tonight after set up.

Today is set up day!

I adore watching the tents popping up like mushrooms, filling the space with excitement.

There is such an energy there, all the vendors setting up for a rather large party on the Gulf Coast.

If you plan to come down, wear comfortable shoes, and bring an  insulated water bottle.

While it will not be overly warm, but you do need sunscreen as well!

I am so excited!

This completes the 100 days, it has been an adventure as usual hasn't it!

The blog now has over 71,000 hits on it!

I've also been nominated for best artist in Baldwin, voting continues until November 3rd.

I will probably continue for a few days at least, I have multiple canvases awaiting my brush.

There are also 2 more shows after this one, and the shows in Florida after the first of the year.

Christmas and galleries are waiting as well. 

I will be drawing for the winning entry tomorrow morning hopefully.

That's if my brain remembers during the hub bub of the first day at the 

Annual National Shrimp Festival at beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama.

"Completion", Acrylic on multiple canvases, 12 x 12's and 12 x 24's

Day 100 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

A Teaser

Tonight a teaser for the finale!

This guy is a 12 x 12 sepia on canvas.

At the Jubilee show, I was approached by a gentleman that had one of my shadowbox turtles

He had a vision for a grouping of paintings to go with his shadowbox.

I could see what he was talking about and we agreed on a price.

After set up tomorrow we deliver the final pieces to go with his turtle.

Because of this sale, Jubilee will no longer be a zero show!

I love the final product!

You however will have to wait until tomorrow!

Day 99!

We set up for the biggest Shrimp party on the Gulf coast tomorrow!

Thursday the show begins.

October 10th~13th 9~6pm

Booth A18

A Teaser, Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 12

Day 99 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019