The End of the 100 days 2023!

I cannot express the feelings I'm having now! I have finished the hundred days in actually less than 100 days. It has been a journey this year with wonderful people pushing me along. Thank you so much! On to finishing the show!

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

 

Do you know how to make God laugh?

I love rollercoasters!

However, the one I'm on currently is a little too much for me!

Do you know the answer to the title question above?

Do you know how to make God laugh?

Got it?

Read on for the answer to this query.

We should all remember God's plan is perfect.

 We don't always understand it.

We don't always like it. 

But HIS plan is perfect!

Case in point.....

When you last read the blog, I was on target to finish the 100 paintings in the 100 days 2023.

I was rapidly completing the sewing drawers and they will help reach the finish line.

I was caught up and confident I would complete the task.

Those were MY plans.

Then God stepped in and said here ya go!

My dad is quite elderly, and his health is not the best.

He does alright but insists on living alone.

He doesn't get enough exercise and his diet is well, not so great.

My brother and I were calling the house, and he did not pick up.

I live an hour away, so my brother drove over to check on him.

He found him in a sorry state, unable to stand or walk.

He had a similar health scare in March and April.

He told all of us to never call an ambulance again.

We said okay back then.

Then Sunday happened and it took two hours to convince him to call 911.

He did, and we got him to the hospital.

He was dehydrated, very weak, and upset at the time things were taking.

CT scan of head clear.

Chest Xray clear.

Blood work not so much.

Infection somewhere, bilirubin elevated.

Abdominal ultrasound clear.

Brought back to ER room.

He then had a seizure, apparently caused by his pacemaker kicking in because of tachycardia.

Nonresponsive for a few minutes.

Now he's admitted to hospital to figure this out! 

Cardiologists are now involved again.

Scary!

Needless to say, I have spent the last few days at the hospital with him.

He is now getting better, but still needs some surgery for his heart as he has not one, but two blockages!

Hopefully tomorrow will take care of his problem while in surgery.

More pelicans!

Dolphins!

Humpback whales!

Meanwhile, I'm trying to pack for the Shrimp Festival starting on Thursday.

So, as you can see, I am close to completion of the 100 days.

We were supposed to set up on Wednesday.

Bad weather moving in with high winds and heavy rain.

God's plan, Let's do Thursday instead.

So, show is delayed.

I can go to my dad's surgery.

We don't have to set up in the wind and rain.

God's plan, is PERFECT!

The answer to the question:

Do you know how to make God laugh?

"Tell Him your plans...."

Kinda funny, right?

Multiple days, Acrylic on Wood panel, each about 5 x15 inches

Days 80-91 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Wild ride today!

 

These days are running by so fast now!

I am just hanging on for the wild ride to the end of the 100 days by the

 beginning of the National Shrimp Festival next week.

I am very excited to be able to paint these miniatures framed by the 

drawers from vintage sewing machines.

The first set of 28 was because of a neighbor who wanted my husband Chris 

to take her machine base and make a table.

I asked her what she wanted to do with the drawers, and she just said get rid of them.

I didn't want to just throw them away.

Chris figured out how to cut them in thirds and they make perfect little shadowboxes.

The backings are thin wood panel from a recycled skateboard ramp.

Our son uses the machines to make steampunk lamps as well. 

They are recycled, fun to paint, and affordable too!

I also must apologize because the photos are not edited.

My phone is acting the fool these days, and my husband dropping it a few minutes ago doesn't help.

Anyway, tonight is 10 paintings total.

Not all painted in one day, but I can paint several in a day!

I love painting miniatures.

Enjoy the menagerie!

Here's looking at you!

Sandpipers central!

Octopus escaping!

Pelican Piling.

You can see my messy easel and some collected art too.

Seahorse with coral.

Notice this one has the lock mechanism still in the drawer.

They just are lovely to look at, and so fun to paint!

Wild Ride today! Acrylic on recycled wood, each about 5 x 15 inches

Days 70-79 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Pelican parley

I love painting these guys.

They are so incredibly interesting to create.

So much to do, so little time left before the big show starts next week.

The 50th National Shrimp Festival in Gulf shores, Alabama.

I have all the paintings done to fill the double booth and am now working ahead.

I am really excited to see how the booth looks with it going from sepia to full color in one space.

Tonight was Artwalk in Fairhope.

I was painting live while it was going on from 5:30-8:00 pm.

I actually worked on two miniature paintings for the sewing machine drawers.

They make a really great presentation for the paintings, giving them the shadowbox effect.

Two whales done, lots of people chatting about my works.

Hopefully conversations lead to sales.

I also spent time setting up the rest of the sewing drawer paintings.

So, I know what to paint.

I have the patterns ready to transfer and then just create!

Our pelicans here are an incredible work of God.

To see such a gawky bird fly so gracefully is beautiful.

They dive so hard, going after fish.

It's a wonder they don't die with how hard they hit the water.

You always know when the fish are in the bay, because there will be pelicans sitting on the water.

They're sitting because they can't fly because they're so full of fish!

Pelican Parley, Acrylic on Shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 69 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Curly cephalopod

I don't know if I'll ever tire of painting octopus.

They are a never-ending source of differences.

Beautiful, smart, and great escape artists.

They have to have special tanks to hold them in while in captivity.

There are also octopus that will crawl on land to get to a tidal pool.

That would really be a sight to see!

Nothing makes me happier than to encourage a child in their art journey.

My son asked if I had an easel to give for a birthday present.

I showed him the little easels we use for Chris's wood bowls.

He just giggled.

They are tiny.

But above that, on another shelf was French box easel someone gifted to me.

Never used, and a great gift to set her on her way.

I advised him with some paint purchased.

We then rounded it out with some extra canvas I had, an apron, a palette knife, and a water dish.

I can only imagine the surprise and joy from this precious child of God.

Happy Birthday!

I'm also toying with completing the 100 days before shrimp Festival starts next week.

How in the world?

God has placed in my mind to really concentrate on smaller works that are more affordable.

My starting price is $295.00 for my works.

Not much, some of us would say.

These smaller works will retail for $95.00 and are still unique, beautiful, and affordable.

I can make them less in price because I can complete several in a day.

They are totally unique because they are vintage sewing drawers, 

cut down to make miniature shadowboxes.

I've done them before, and they are super popular.

The vintage aspect, affordability, and recycled as the wood used is a former skateboard ramp.

The end of the 100 days is going to be fun!

Giddy up!

This is about to become a wild ride!

Curly Cephalopod, Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 24 inches

Day 68 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Flying high, but how low can you go?

The paintings are so much fun to create and see the final product.

I am really getting excited to see the booth in place at the National Shrimp Festival.

One week from today we'll be down in Gulf Shores!

These pelicans are such characters.

Their diving, eating until they are so full, they can't fly!

Trying to swallow things that are too big to eat.

Gawky when they walk, graceful when they fly.

I love painting them!

"Flying high", Acrylic on shadowbox canvas 24 x 24inches

Octopus are peculiar creatures indeed.

They can regenerate an arm.

They have nine brains, one in their head and one in each arm!

They can change color on a whim.

They have a beak like a parrot!

They can fit through a hole with their entire body, if their beak goes through.

They can unscrew a lid from a jar if the jar has food.

Slippery, intelligent, sometimes creepy, always peculiar.

Most of all, fun to paint!

"How low can you go?", Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16

Days 66 and 67 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Octopus my octopus

Another day, another shadowbox.

I've really been working hard in the studio, bringing pieces to completion.

I still have shadowboxes to paint, so there will be more to come.

I need lionfish, so they'll most likely be soon gracing the easel.

Anyone who knows me, also knows I was a professional seamstress.

February of 1993 my family and I were rear ended by a drunk driver.

I was left with basically permanent damage to my neck and shoulder.

Two herniated discs and nerve damage to my shoulder.

My seam stressing career was pretty much over.

But God stepped in and opened a door.

A door that was a childhood hobby.

Painting became my passion as a way to work through the pain and damage.

Eventually, painting became a business as well as a passion.

But, the sewing still calls my name.

I now sew only special costumes for incredible organizations and individuals.

So much fun, and such creativity.

This type of sewing is allowing my artistic side to be showcased in incredible ways.

My machine doesn't get near the use it did, but there are still times the 

1500 stitches a minute are put to full use.

This particular machine, a Pfaff 260 is a German made machine that was made for industrial use.

My machine was then sold for home use and found it's way to me in about 1984.

We paid an astronomical $400 back then!

Many years of hard use and it's still going very strong.

Problem is, it's in a big 2ft x 4ft table.

It takes up an incredible amount of room.

Good thing my studio is large, because this machine will never leave.....

My husband was looking for a straw hat at Goodwill.

He is familiar with the Pfaff brand and found one yesterday at Goodwill.

He came sheepishly to me and said, "I found something".

I could not believe my eyes as I looked at an almost perfect, pristine, performing, Pfaff 260!

I don't NEED another machine.....

But the seamstress in me was dancing with joy, looking at this barely used, wood cabinet full of 

the book, bobbins, needles, feet for different uses, and even has the wheel you use to make the decorative stitches work.

It was taped shut.

I told my husband I just wanted to see one thing inside.

We carefully removed the tape and found the chain drives intact.

This machine is not as fast as mine, the motor is only 7200 rpms.

(My baby has a 1/3 horsepower motor, hence 1500 stitches a minute.)

No third hand, hmmmm.

We plugged it in, and it actually ran like a champ.

Zigzag was frozen, but otherwise looked brand new.

Research proved by the serial number it was manufactured from 1961-1962.

The same as my machine, except a smaller cabinet, smaller motor, and almost a barn fresh find.

Needless to say, I bought it....

Getting it home, we sprayed it with wrench release, oiled the ever living daylights out of it.

The poor machine sucked up oil as we put it in the oil ports.

It runs, and we actually got the zigzag to work partially.

Historically, the machines were shipped from Germany with a combination of Vaseline and kerosine to keep them from rusting on the long trip here.

Problem is, this combination caused almost a varnish to form when the machine was in use, that gummed things up a bit.

Really stiff, but found paperwork where it was worked on in Mobile by Geo Givens and son in 1988.

Then a receipt showing it had a cleaning done in 2011.

I don't know why it ended up at Goodwill.....

I took the head to the shop in town today for a cleaning, adjusting, and repair of the zigzag.

Needless to say, I am ecstatic to have another of my favorite machine ever under my roof.

I am eternally grateful to the family that donated it to Goodwill.

It will stay downstairs until I can rearrange my studio make room for the "new" machine.

Octopus my octopus, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x16

Day 65 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023 

 

Turtle flight

Turtles really do look like they're flying when they swim so gracefully.

I love to watch them when I get to go to the Marathon Turtle Hospital or Loggerhead Marine Center.

Both are wonderful areas to see live rescued sea turtles.

Always a joy for me, especially when they can be released back to the sea!

Speaking of joy, we are one day closer to the 50th Annual National Shrimp Festival!

10 Days until set up day!

Equipment is getting ready for two tents.

Artworks are getting packed, wired, varnished, and finished.

The Motorhome is getting cleaned and ready for us to spend several days in it.

Also getting food lists ready, as we like to eat, drink,  and snack while on the road and at shows.

This prevents us from spending so much money at festivals on food that doesn't agree with us too well.

Turtle Flight, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16 inches

Day 64 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023 

 

Turtle flipper

Truly amazing creatures these sea turtles!

Their skeletons are beautiful.

(Trust me, google it!)

Such a wonderful creature God has made.

They can survive large shark bites as well.

I once photographed one at the Tampa Zoo that had a large bite out of it's side.

Knowing that the shark took part of her skeleton, but didn't hit major organs actually blows my mind.

They are intelligent, beautiful, and endangered.

They can get caught in fishing nets and drown, or get struck by a boat and get bubble butt syndrome.

Bubble butt makes it impossible to dive, because they have air trapped under their shell.

They have to become permanent residents of an aquarium or a place 

like the Turtle Hospital in Marathon Florida.

They have to periodically have weights glued to their shells allowing them to dive normally.

They are endangered because out of a nest of over 100 eggs, only one may survive to adulthood.

Then they have to come back to the beach they were born at to lay eggs.

Amazing, beautiful, curious, and graceful.

So happy I get to create paintings of them!

Turtle Flipper, Acrylic on Shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16

Day 63 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Great Blue too!

Great Blue too! 

I say this because this is a "mate" to the other one that was already done.

I picked up another Great Blue Heron from the gallery this week.

Frequently, but not always folks want a left and a right of a particular creature.

So, here he is, ready for the show!

I am moving along now with the paintings completed, today is number 62.

I am behind because of our mission to Africa this summer.

38 more paintings to go!

I will not have the 100 finished by the Shrimp Festival.

I am however, going to continue to post and complete the 100 days.

When finished, I will draw for the winner of the painting valued at $295.00.

This will most likely coincide with the Peter Anderson show in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

First weekend in November will be the drawing.

I pray everyone understands.....

Great Blue too!, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16 inches

Day 62 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Seahorse

What a day today was!

I am amazed at the calm and peace I am given these days when confronted by a situation.

I started my day as usual, with coffee and Bible study to get me on the right track.

If I don't start this way, I seem to be out of sorts all day.

Anyway, I got up from Bible study, reading and journaling, then sending messages out.

I stripped and made the bed.

Started the sheets to washing and because I had a chiropractic appointment, I did not head to the studio.

I then started picking and choosing clothing for the upcoming trip to the National Shrimp Festival.

Four days four outfits.

Except I couldn't pick which four, so I had Chris help later in the day.

I also talked to Chris about the hat situation I have.

I wear a hat to shows instead of sunglasses because I want people to be able to see my eyes.

I collect pins from areas we go while doing shows.

Problem is, it's a lot of pins and they are poking me in the head and making my hat feel really small.

I asked if he could remove the spike on the back, then drill holes in the pins so 

I could sew them on the hat band instead.

He got them all altered, and I had a pile on the counter awaiting my needle and thread.

I then headed to my appointment and came back home.

Into the studio I went, finishing a good bit of a painting I was working on.

I packed several paintings, marking the bags for the National Shrimp Festival.

It was then time for lunch.

Except lunch was not here at the house.

We took Sister to the Catfish restaurant because it is her birthday today.

When we returned, I had Chris choose outfits for the show, and I packed the bag to go into the camper.

So many small things to think about when getting ready for shows.

I also repaired several earrings with bigger hooks, so I don't have to fight them anymore.

I heard talking going on outside, so I went over to chat with another 

sister-in-law that came for her sister's birthday. 

I grabbed the pin project and chatted while sewing on the band for the hat.

That done, it was time to feed the dogs and take them for their daily ride.

Ride done; I begged off cooking tonight, opting for leftovers or sandwiches.

Finally made it back to the studio to paint for a couple of hours.

Back to the calmness in a situation.....

I tried to send photos to my email, but I am getting an error message.

So, I sent the photo to the blog, via my phone, then edited on the computer.

Years ago, when I started the blog, I would've totally lost my mind to get an error message like that.

Instead, I have signed out of my account, and will be turning off the computer in an effort to figure out the situation tomorrow.

Long, interesting, hectic, day.

Actually, a typical day around here.....

Never a dull moment at the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama!

Seahorse, Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 16inches

Day 61 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

Looking good!

I posted Frequent Flier a couple of days ago.

I realized in my booth set up; I needed partial color on a couple of the larger shadowboxes.

So, I added color to him yesterday.

I have gallery in particular that loves the partial color on the pieces.

Specifically, they will have me add color to the eyes, so they are in stark contrast to the sepia creature.

Big Fish Trading Company has sold several of them over the years.

I took ornaments to Big Fish today.

60 ornaments, boxes, and tissue paper will have them ready for Christmas.

I can't wait to see the tree when it's decorated in the store.

I love working with them, they are so easy going.

 They are never upset when I have to remove pieces for a show.

Surprise though this time, I only asked for my steampunk seahorse print!

Amy was shocked that I didn't want anything else.

"Here's looking at you kid" is another sea turtle of course.

This one has a colored eye as well. 

I am looking forward to the reactions from people when they see the booth.

I'm really getting excited too!

These two turtles will be at the top of the back right wall at the festival.

I am finally finished with the booth plan paintings.

Anything I do now will be extra stock held back until needed, or they'll head to another show.

Even then, if they don't sell, Big Fish Trading Company or Hello Gallery will take them for sure!

 Ah Dolphins at play! Nothing is a happier painting than these little guys.

If you ever have a chance to go on a dolphin cruise, take the time to see them.

Dolphins are the real jokesters of the sea, frolicking in the waves as they play.

Did you know?

Dolphins' bellies turn pink when they are happy or make little dolphins.

It is a precious sight to see them when they are happy.

We once had a cruise on a 4th of July coming into the Mobile River.

We had a real treat when a pod of dolphins joined us, leaping off the bow waves.

Happy memories of happy times at sea.

Looking good! Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, Each 12 x 36

Days 58, 59, & 60 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Frequent flier

I do seem to be on a turtle kick these days.

Sea turtles are one of my favorites to paint for sure!

It's even earned me the nickname "Turtle Queen" from one of my girlfriends who is also an artist.

I just really enjoy painting them every time.

We are still waiting on booth assignments from the National Shrimp Festival for this year.

I do know I'll be close to where I was last year on 182.

I can understand the logistics of running a show this large.

 I don't envy the people who are in charge.

Hats off to the committees, volunteers, and paid staff that run this show every year.

It is a monumental task, keeping artists, locals, and volunteers happy, or at least satisfied.

17 days until we set up for the show!

I have enough headaches myself, trying to coordinate a double booth.

My show schedule is complete now for fall. 

Already the spring shows are starting to have applications ready for artists submission.

We have money tied up in jury fees, booth fees, RV reservations or hotels for months before a show.

Prints ordered, mats and bags, business cards, labels, shopping bags all have to be purchased and ready.

Canvases, paints, varnish, wires, brushes are all expenses that have to be paid in advance.

Ornaments painted, clay made, ornaments completed, over 200 of them this year alone.

Two different boxes for ornaments, labels, bags, hangers, tissue paper, so many things.

I have no less than 3 shows to enter for March/April/May of next year on October 1st.

It's a LOT of work!

And most artists wouldn't have it any other way!

Frequent flier, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 36inches

Day 57 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Interesting

I wonder what goes through the minds of the sea creatures when they encounter humans.

Are they as curious about us as we are of them?

Do they wonder why we stay at the surface, of blow bubbles when scuba diving?

I know there are some turtles that have tried to ahem, "mate" with divers.

I've always wondered what goes through their minds.

I know what is in mine right now.

I am listening and watching numerous programs about the sea and sea life while I am painting.

National Geographic rocks by the way!

So many wonderful shows and people that are champions for the animals and reefs.

I think my path might have been different, had I stayed in California as a teen.

I may have taken up scuba diving or become a costumer in the movie industry.

Who knows, I only know God has a plan for me, 

and I've never been happier than when I let go of control.

God's plans are certainly much better than mine!

I love the path he has taken me so far on in a few short years.

I never dreamt I would become a professional artist, married to the man of my dreams, travel the world, and living in the paradise that we call home here in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama 

God's plan is really good for me!

Interesting, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16

Day 56 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Yin-Yang turtles

This is the really large canvas with 5 pieces making a polyptych.

Greek for the word poly meaning many.

This is the beginning of the work, layering in skin wrinkles and outlines.

I also had painted the eyes, but they still needed shadowing and highlights.

The multi canvas series is several years old now, but this is the first time I've done one in color.

It is made with a canvas in the center that is 16 x 40 inches tall. 

Each one of the side panels is a 16 x 30 and a 16 x 20 on each end.

The entire piece when displayed is 7 feet wide.

I love the colored turtles; this piece puts me one step closer to the set up for the National Shrimp festival.

The show is 19 days away now, and I hope to complete several more paintings before the big day.

Each piece makes me happier than the one before.

I am grateful to God for the talent He's given me, and the ability to complete the tasks before me.

This second photo is while in progress.

I had started to add the colors to the flippers and the back of the shells.

There was still a lot of detailing at this point, although they look finished.

So much fun, making rapid decisions for color, detail, and shading.

So large I cannot photograph it in my studio, because I cannot put a back board behind it.

So, we took the beast downstairs and hung it on the fence to take a photo.

I love the combination of the weathered fence and the color of the turtles.

It makes a lovely presentation.

I took a photo of myself with the painting so you can see how big it really is in person.

And yet it seems small.

I have "maps" of the walls for the show, placing each piece where it needs to go.

It also gives me a good idea of how many more I have to make to have the look I want.

The show is really getting closer now and I am on hyper drive at this point.

I tell Chris, I am in "show mode."

This discipline is the only way I will have enough pieces to display, sell, and replace works that sell.

After we photographed the turtles, we took it apart while outside making it easier to take back upstairs.

I then spent a couple of hours painting the sides of the canvases.

This is so when viewed from the side, you still see a completed work.

I'm really excited to see what people think about them!

Yin-Yang turtles, Acrylic on canvas, 40 inches tall 72 inches wide.

Day 55 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023