Thursday, September 23, 2021

Somewhat Crabby


Somewhat Crabby.
It's what I'm feeling now because I may have a cold coming on.
I don't have time to be sick right now.
I'm praying it's just fall allergies acting up.
 Hopefully the sore throat is from talking too much during class today while teaching.
But my ear feels stuffy too.
I really don't have time to be sick.
Fortunately, the next few days are quiet with no classes, or church.
I also don't want to go to a doctors office where there may be really ill people.
Praying for sure.

Somewhat crabby, Acrylic on wood panel, 24 inches round
Day 87 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Another close up!


These birds are just magnificent!
I really enjoy painting them too.
This is a companion piece for last nights entry.
Hopefully they will sell in pairs, as they look really great together!
Either way, they are helping me get ready for shows.

The entries for the Winter /Spring events have really started rolling in as well.
I've already entered Arts & Crafts Fairhope, and Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts for Spring.
There are a few other shows to put in for in the Spring, Melbourne, Amelia Island Shrimp Festival, and Art in the Pass/Pass Christian, MS. 
I am looking at Del Ray again as I've put in for the Cape Coral Show in January as well.
I am having to adjust photos for Zapp though, so it will accept them as entries.

In the middle of all this, I have a couple of projects for the Children's pastor at our church as well.
God calls, I listen and act upon the callings.
Mardi Gras regalia, sewing for my own tent, projects for sale.
It's all a part of my studio and artist's life!
I'm so grateful to have a mate that loves what I do!

Another close up!, Acrylic on wood panel, 24 inches round
Day 86 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021


 

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

I'm ready for my close up!


I'm into the rounds again!
Only four this time, I promise.
I had a great time painting this guy.
I've read a couple of articles too!
It seems these guys will eat seemingly impossible meals.
One of the Great Blues actually ate a juvenile alligator!
I'm still respectful of these giants of the bird world.
Their beaks kinda scare me.
But, they are beautiful birds.
Creepy sounding, but beautiful nonetheless.

Onto the next day tomorrow!
It's been a long day today and I'm ready for the comfort of my bed to read.
Goodnight!

I'm ready for my close up!, Acrylic on Wood panel, 24 inches round
Day 85 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021


 

Monday, September 20, 2021

The encounter IV


The encounter IV
Does this guy look familiar?
He should.
Actually this one is a reverse of the original one.
I try to give everyone and original when they purchase from me.
I may paint the same turtle over and over, but it will be on different size canvases,
reversed in it's pose, or in some cases, flippers will be moved.
This guy was fun to paint!
I had to do a replacement painting for one that sold yesterday.
After my flying trip to the gallery on Saturday, the lovely couple bought 4 of my pieces!
Today I got to see why.
There bedroom is decorated in black and white.
I was in absolute shock when I saw where the paintings will call home.
So beautiful together!

They compliment the decoration, don't you think?
I am simply wowed by this combination and so delighted that my works are a part of their lovely home!
Thank you Lord for provision!

The Encounter IV, Acrylic on Shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24 inches
Day 84 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021



 

Sunday, September 19, 2021

Oh what a glorious day!




Two herons, two days.
Oh what a wonderful day!
It's Sunday here and we go to church service now since Covid restrictions have been lifted.
We missed our church family while out on Lockdown.
I cannot imagine what it's like in other countries.
I know we really enjoy it a lot in person.
Any way,
Glorious day!
Why?
My husband of 42 years, almost 43, decided to acknowledge Jesus by getting baptized this morning!
It was a surprise to me that he had made that decision as he always 
told me one of his friends from work had baptized him.
Well they had, but it didn't feel right.
So he made my day in church today!

Our son was also able to repair our oldest daughters car that went kaput yesterday.
He determined from the video that it was the battery.
When he got to the car, he confirmed it.
He took sister and picked up the battery and installed it.
The car started immediately.
Our Son, her brother is amazing with cars, especially jeeps.
We then met for a delightful lunch downtown at the Bone and Barrel.
It was heavenly, laughing together and eating a really great meal too!
The only thing missing was the youngest daughter.
Hopefully Covid will settle soon, so we can all get together again.

Meanwhile, I paint.
And
Paint I must!
Because after taking paintings to Stewart Heath Gallery yesterday.
The couple came in and bought 4 today!
This is the same couple that bought my Seahorse the night I taught the class at the gallery.
They are redecorating and decided these were the one's they wanted together.
All told the grouping is 2 ft tall and 4 1/2 ft wide.
I am so grateful to be able to create and make money while doing it!
Thanks be to God for a great day!


Oh what a glorious day! Herons, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24 inches
Day 83 (and 82!) of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Saturday, September 18, 2021

Whew!


What a day!
I ran errands with our oldest daughter this morning with both of us taking 
advantage of time to spend together,
We let the house about 6:30 and got back at 12:30.
Hobby Lobby was the main stop and we both got supplies for upcoming projects we both have.
It was a precious time spent together and we got lunch.
Actually we brought lunch home to the crew at the house.

We then both went to my studio as I was looking for something for one of her projects.
We found the molds she needed and I showed her how to use them.
Her projects are always so interesting and complicated!
We took apart the sloper we made for an outfit we're working on for Mardi Gras too.
Then she had to leave for a job here in Fairhope. 

Chris and I then took the dogs for a ride and I got a phone call from one of my galleries.
What do you have right now in the studio?
Someone that has purchased one of my pieces may want more.
I told her what I had, and she asked if we could bring them at 6pm after she taught a class.
I said sure.
Then came the mad rush to get wires on the backs.
 I also had to varnish 7 pieces praying they would be dry enough to transport at 5:30.
About the time we were to load up, we get a call from our daughter.
Her car won't start.

Chris and I divided and conquered, he went to help our daughter
 and I loaded up and headed to the gallery.
I made it in time, signed in all the pieces after she chose what to put in inventory.
I then drove home.
7:00pm
While I was driving home our daughter texted dad was taking her home as the car was dead.
Cooked a quick meal, and ate.
Just as we were finishing, Chris came home and he ate as well.
8:00pm
Cleaned up the kitchen and dragged myself upstairs to work.
What you see is it.
I got the rounds painted white tonight!
That's all!
I'll find out tomorrow if the any of the pieces will fit in the collectors home.

Whew! Acrylic on wood panels, 24 inches round
Day 82 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021





 

 

Friday, September 17, 2021

Octopus rising


Today was interesting.
I love days like today.
Most of the day was spent cleaning the studio, putting things away.
I am clearing out in preparation for Mardi Gras work.
It also means a great time spent with our oldest daughter while creating.
In my former life, I was a professional seamstress, making anything from bridal attire to business suits.
Other times I was creating costumes or pageant wear.
Mardi Gras was a large part of my creativity until a drunk driver hit us at a stoplight.

After the wreck, the children were scared to ride for a while in the back of the van with good reason. 
Everyone else recovered quickly from soreness, but me not so much.
A month later the MRI said why.
Two herniated discs in my neck between C4-5 and C5-6.
Numbness in my two outer fingers on my right hand.
It was not until years later when still having issues, 
that I talked with a chiropractor who was also a friend.
I asked him, is this nerve damage and he said probably.
The seat belt had most likely yanked everything out of place.
I live with it every day.
Some days are diamonds, some days are dirt.
Some day even, I may have to look at surgery.
Hopefully not for a long time though!
I say this not to get people to feel sorry for me.

I say this because I am a conqueror.
Prayer has helped a lot along this dusty road we call life.
I should not be able to paint the way that I can at all.
Granted some days the brush flies from my hand, 
others the headaches are so intense it's hard to function.
Most days God grants me the ability to create in ways I never had before.
Other days he slows me down to remind me to stop and smell the roses.
Every day is a great day because I choose joy!

Octopus rising, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16
Day 81 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021