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

 

 

Manatees and Completions

This is todays painting of the chubby mermaids.

Manatees if you will.

Always a wonderful animal to see, these gentle giants are in constant danger of boat strikes.

Herbivores they eat the grasses that can also get torn up by boats.

So many people just don't realize they are a close inhabitant of our coast.

This piece is one of the smaller ones, measuring only 11 inches.

Still a fun piece to paint!

Here is the completed turtle with the background added.

I was finally able to get into the shop and cut them all on my scroll saw.

Always a crowd favorite sea turtles are some of my best-selling pieces ever.

This guy is 16 inches round.

Finally, the background added for the manatee painted yesterday.

I love how they almost are like bumper cars when in the water, gently floating into one another.

Still need to sign this one I see though!

Each day is a new challenge, and a new solution found.

God gave me a very creative spirit and most of the time I can find solutions for issues that arise.

One issue right now in the studio is the sheer number of paintings.

I need to erase, varnish, and put hangers on them.

Then they will be packed away until the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

That reminds me!

Here is the show schedule if you want to see them in person.

I always love a sweet hello!

Loran Chavez

Fall show schedule 2025

*Annual National Shrimp Festival

Gulf shores, Alabama

October 9th,10th, 11th, 12th

9-5pm

*Jubilee Festival

Daphne, Alabama Lott Park

October 17th & 18th

9-5 Sat. 9-4 Sun.

*Mattie Kelly Festival of the arts

Destin, Florida

October 25th & 26th

9-4pm

*Peter Anderson Festival

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

November 8th & 9th

9-4 pm

NOTICE Peter Anderson typically held first full weekend in November.

2nd weekend this year because the Thunderbirds are doing a show on the first weekend.

*Covington Three Rivers Festival

Covington, Louisiana

November 15th & 16th

9-5pm Sat. 9-4pm Sun. 

Manatees and Completions, Acrylic on Wood, size varies

Days 36,37, & 38 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Manatees and completions

I spent time today to finish both the sea turtle painting and the octopus with pirate theme.

I don't have a photo of the background for the turtle; it's just a reef with coral.

I am pleased with both of them, although I still have cutting to do on the turtle.

The weather has not been cooperative, making it difficult to get to the scroll saw to cut out the pieces.

So, I paint them and will cut, sand and finish the edges afterwards.

Obviously, it's better to do finish work first so the mounting to the tray can take place.

After mounting, the holes must be filled in and painted if needed.

It's a bit of a challenge, but I think I'm up for it.

This tray is another 16-inch tray ready now for its dimensional piece to be added.

I am always happy with manatees, the sea cows of the water.

They are just so majestic in their floating.

So comical with their faces.

So still in danger from boat strikes and cold stunning.

They are amazing creatures to watch and I'm happy to paint them!

Manatees, Acrylic on canvas, 16inch round

Day 37 & 38 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Two days, two paintings

Ah! 

The pure joys of painting Dolphins and their playful dancing.

I love the way the brush just cavorts along with the playful jesters of the sea.

I really enjoy painting them so much!

Joyful Jesters 6 x 24 inches Day 35 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

Yesterday, I spent 12 hours traveling, driving, and hunting for fabric with a Queen for one of the Mardi Gras organizations in Mobile, Alabama.

Our long day is why I didn't post last night.

It is an honor for me to be asked to do this, and I willingly jumped at the chance.

(Even though it involves another 15-foot train)

Since this will be my second experience, it should go easier since I have a game plan in place.

At least in my head!

January is going to come way too fast for me!

Today I painted this guy!

"Swimming along nicely" Day 36 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate with going into the shop to cut him out.

That will have to wait until tomorrow when I'm rested 

as I don't want my fingers near the circle of death which is my scroll saw.

The circles are still really fun, and I am looking forward to an entire wall of them at the

 National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

They are really going to pop off the black walls.

Things are humming along here in Fairhope, Alabama

I pray things are humming for you too!

God bless and Goodnight!

Two Days, two paintings Acrylic on canvas and wood

Days 35 & 36 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Dachshunds are our life!

This is a gift for my sons' girlfriend.

She wanted one of the smaller rounds that I have left in my studio.

Hobby Lobby no longer offers these rounds, so my series with them is having to end.

I have enough left to do this for her birthday.

I'm not sure if it is finished, but I may revisit it at a later date.

He is a cream-colored dachshund, so the sepia may not be the best choice.

We also unpacked, uncovered, and separated the old Flourish sides from my equipment.

I now have 2-10ft walls in the old style, along with a 5ft wall. 

This makes a complete tent set up, great for a beginning artist doing shows.

There are also 2-10 ft walls in the newer style along with a 7ft wall.

This set includes the bottom Sta-bars with new clamps to attach them to the legs.

I'm also including the framework we built for the 7ft wall. 

I'm kind of sad to see them go, because they have been with me since 2007.

The older walls were from another artist that gave me an incredible price on them.

The newer ones came from another artist in Mississippi.

Knowing what they cost now, whew!

Dachshunds are our life! Acrylic on wood, 12 inches

Day 34 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Flourish's, missing parts, and a unicorn!

Today is Dahlias Birthday in India.

She has turned the big 4 today.

Each year, each grandchild gets a painting for their birthday.

My hope is someday they will cherish the paintings that are pieces of their lives.

Archers birthday is next on the 12th of August.

We got the delivery of the new Flourish sides yesterday.

The brackets work beautifully with the Extreme X6 tent.

I now have proper Sta-bars for the tent.

I also have the wall parts for both a 7 and a 5-foot wall.

This gives us a beautiful doorway with no visibility to the back of the tent.

We had lots of "discussion" while building the walls the first time on Friday.

The heat was unbearable and the sweat rolling down our backs 

did not make for terribly polite conversation.

It definitely was a challenge as the paperwork sent was not very helpful.

It was difficult to determine which part was which and getting a correct count of brackets and poles.

We adjourned for the day as I painted at Artwalk last night.

We tried and conquered on Saturday as you can see.

Just as I imagined, the pieces look spectacular against the black.

They really pop!

I am sending our feedback to the company.

We are also missing a male pole that belongs to the Sta-bar for the second tent.

That was a part of the problem.

Photo showing the missing pole.

We also have to come up with some sort of storage system for the large number of pieces and parts.

These poles are heavy to say the least because they are made of steel. 

My other Sta-bars are aluminum and much lighter.

Chris wants to build a box out of wood. (more weight!)

I would rather have bags.

This will be our next "discussion".

We don't get angry, but we both believe we are right.

 I try to explain the pros and cons of my point, Chris just says let me build it.

Box or bag?

Both are viable options.

Flourish's, Missing parts, and a unicorn! Acrylic on canvas, 6x6

Day 33 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

A Pirates life for me!

This one still has a little tweaking to do, but I'm done for tonight.

In the morning when I'm fresh I'll add some more shadowing and shading.

The drawing alone took a solid day of moving things around until I was happy with the design.

Now that I've painted most of it, the angle of the blunderbuss maybe should've shifted slightly.

Too late now I suppose.

I started painting the upper panel at ArtWalk tonight and people were fascinated to watch.

Lots of talking and handing out show schedules because they want to see more.

Any way I look at it, it was a very long day.

The Flourish sides arrived today with all their pipes and pieces.

I thought I was past all these tinkertoys, but here we go again.

We plan to set up one tent tomorrow and use them on the frame.

So many pieces to figure out.

And then their drawing because I am using them slightly different from their ''normal'' set up.

I am really looking forward to seeing the canvases and rounds against the black fabric.

I'm sure it will be stunning to say the least.

I also met with a queen today for the design of her dress and train.

This one will be spectacular in both scale and color.

I am looking forward to the challenge.

A Pirates life for me! Acrylic on wood, 24 inches

Day 32 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Seahorses and Sirens

This is the completed seahorse dimensional painting.

It was an adventure to create and cut out the seahorse to fit.

This piece measures 15 inches.

I am still enjoying the works, just not able to post every day.

Last night I was just too tired to stay awake much past church.

It had been a long day of designing and tracing off pieces, then cutting them out to go on the rounds.

We then were off to the church for the breakdown of the Lost world.

It took eight hours to put into place.

Wednesday evening took two hours to break down.

The long neck and the tyrannosaurus rex have a home in children's church for the next two months.

Our pastor is also using 4 of the panels to decorate the stage along with two of the gates and sign.

Several of the plant decorations are being used as well.

The velociraptor and triceratops are going to the Daphne public library.

Unfortunately, the Pterodactyl had to go into the trash bin.

He was just too big and difficult to hang.

Excitement is already building for next year's Summer Surge.

This is the first year I've heard so much positive feedback from everything.

I've heard from both Pastors, their wives, and many parents.

I am amazed at what the Spirit allowed me to create.

Next year........

This one!

"Siren" is 14.5 inches and was interesting to paint.

You will have to see this one in person to really appreciate the detail and the cut-out portions.

The background was nearly a disaster as I forgot to paint it before gluing her down.

Fortunately, I was able to get my brush down into the back and make seaweed.

She is a lovely addition to the series.

More wonders to come!

Tomorrow is going to be a tough one!

It's a 24 inch piece, recycling an older octopus that I'm trying to salvage.

It's going to be pretty amazing.

Long day

I've managed to have a studio day today.

I left for lunch, only to get back at it when we got back.

This seahorse will eventually be on a tray, but it needs to be cut out, sanded, and painted on the edges.

I have two seahorses drawn on the tray and I will paint them tomorrow.

Then the seahorse will be affixed and ready.

The rest of my day was spent designing another 24-inch dimensional painting.

This one will be spectacular, I think!

It will be a visit back to a painting that I have had for some time with an octopus on it.

I am adding the dimension after drawing and drawing all day on it.

Tomorrow finds me also taking down the sets for the summer surge, Lost World.

I think the kids have had fun with the design and lots of photos 

have been taken with their respective dinosaurs.

It will be lot of work, but altogether worth it as we salvage and store some of the pieces.

That way, we only need paint for most of the flats.

I'm looking forward to the next year already!

Long day, Acrylic on wood, 16 inches

Day 29 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Seahorses, coral, and more dinosaurs!

This one is a part of the series of elongated canvases for between windows or above doors.

I had people ask for years before I actually started this series a couple of years ago.

They began as 4 x 24-inch canvas, then we expanded them to 6 x 24-inch.

It gives the effect of the elongation with a width that is easier to create on.

Anyway, this is today's painting!

This is the final stage design consisting of a dozen flats that can be repainted from year to year.

Pastor Tim puts the wings onto the body after hanging the Pterodactyl.

 

The triceratops in place with its background panels.

The tyrannosaurus in place on opposite side of the foyer.

Velociraptor "Blue"

Long neck in place.

I still cannot imagine it is all finally done, and the children are enjoying them.

Some of them seemed in awe, others were non-plussed.

Oh well, they're done, and they have homes.

At least temporarily!

Two will stay at the church, maybe three.

The others will go to the Daphne public library and may make a tour around Baldwin County.

Sundays set up took over 7 hours to complete.

It was a late night.

Many hours, many hands, many hearts are in this, the biggest Summer Surge I have designed to date!

I am forever grateful to everyone who lifted a brush, cut a leaf, taped a leaf, painted a panel, painted a dinosaur or a leaf.

Those who prayed for us, but most especially the parents that allow their children to come and learn a little about Jesus!

Seahorses, coral, and more dinosaurs, acrylic on canvas,

day 28 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Eyes, bodies, wings, toes and a footprint?

Eyes painted today!

All five dinosaurs have eyes now.

A much quieter day of steady working.

I asked Pastor to not give us help today from the youth.

I knew we just had a few things to do,

Each one of the creatures got some final touches added.

The scope of the work was a lot more than I thought.

We had several toes to paint on each of the creatures.

We also touched up horns and bodies that needed some tweaking.

The biggest project was the Pterodactyl wings.

The kids painted the tablecloths yesterday and we carefully put them together on the armature.

The wings measure about 15 ft total.

The body will hang below.

The whole bird will be in the cafe area.

We also had a request from one of the pastors for a 5'9" Sauropod footprint.

Once the foamboard arrived, we set to work as I knew it would take awhile.

Ella Rose did an excellent job on it, happily painting away!

I love my husband, but I seem to always look drunk in photos he takes.

Ever the comedian, Chris put sunglasses on the long neck while I was working on it.

At least he thought it was funny.

My sense of humor was long gone after a long day.

We spent from 8:30-5:30 at the church today detailing.

This week is over.

The dinosaurs, walls, backdrops, props, are all done!

I am toast tonight.

I'm sure a good nights rest, and I'll be back again tomorrow.

I pray the children are as excited as I am!

Eyes, bodies, wings, toes, and a footprint?

Day 25 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Pod Party!

"Pod party"

Anyone who has been fortunate enough to have seen a pod of dolphin's play is indeed blessed.

Their antics of chasing the fish or simply playing can be a joy to behold.

Chris and I were fortunate enough to actually see a hunt by a pod near one of the piers.

The pod was large with little ones in their midst.

They were after a school of fish, but the little ones were not able to keep up.

The largest one, (we assumed a male because he was huge) started swimming around the group.

This scared the fish into the center of the pod and the party was on!

Everyone started jumping and diving into the ring and eating their fill.

It was so fun to watch!

We also wrapped up the youth helping today at the build for the dinosaurs.

I've never had so many adults curious about VBS.

They hear about the dinosaurs and have to come see them in person.

I am so happy that the kids are excited, the adults are excited, and the staff is excited too!

The best part is, the dinosaurs seem to have a home possibly touring Baldwin County in the libraries.

Two of them will stay at the church until October for the series the children's Pastor is teaching.

There is also an individual interested in possibly homing one or two.

The panels have all been painted, 16 of them twice, once for background, again for details.

The youth of KOTC and others have worked incredibly hard on this project!

Sarah and I will be putting details on the creatures on Friday, hopefully finishing up early in the day.

Sunday is set up day!

Whew!

For now, I'm putting this tired body into the shower and then the bed.

Goodnight.

Pod party, Acrylic on wood, 17 inches

Day 24 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Just clowning around!

Theres no clowning here for sure!

Just a lot of good old fashioned hard work.

I have been fortunate to be able to create several sets for the Vacation Bible school at Celebration Church.

I am so grateful for the talents God has given me, allowing me to help Him further His Kingdom.

Yes, it's a lot, yes, it's exhausting, yes, it's fun.

We painted

A
LOT 

TODAY! 

Palm branches got sprayed, two sets of flats had trees, 

and palms added to the backgrounds painted yesterday.

The stage is getting detailed and so are some backdrops we used over 10 years ago.

The stone gates are looking amazing.

The kids are really starting to see the whole picture coming to life.

It all will truly be beautiful indeed.

I am always amazed at the end result myself.

We also had an emergency run around while the youth that were helping were eating lunch.

Sarah and I brought our lunch to the CK building to eat and have some quiet time.

I heard thunder, then when I heard louder thunder, we both jumped up and ran outside.

We scurried around, picking up and bringing in all the items 

that were laying on the ground drying outside. 

The palm branches were not quite dry, so we propped them up against the fence.

We got everything in just as the rain started to fall.

Then the bottom fell out.

I prayed the palms just painted that morning were dry enough to hold their paint.

Heart pumping action for sure.

The KOTC had rehearsal for the VBS.

So, we packed up everything for the night.

I headed home, took dogs for a ride, ate dinner, got ice cream!

I then headed to the studio to paint as I have been itching to get back to my easel.

This "Just Clowning Around" is a small piece (11x14).

It is the demonstration piece for Hello Gallery.

I am teaching how to paint this little guy September 9th from 5:30 -7:30 pm.

It will be a fun class for sure!

It is now hot shower time for me!

I bid you Adieu!

Just Clowning Around, Acrylic on canvas, 11 x 14

Day 23 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

I "Arted" more today!

The youth were all working hard today.

We will be ahead of the game by tomorrow evening.

I'm so proud of the kids, taking instruction, following through, and completing tasks.

They are an amazing team to have.

Of course, today we started painting the dinosaurs.

The kids are very excited to work on them.

But before dinosaurs, we worked on more leaves for the jungle atmosphere.

I am buying a container and storing these leaves for future use.

Not going through this again!

We've gone through almost 1400 feet of wire, several rolls of tape, and two large rolls of green papers.

Resorting to standing on a chair to reach the long neck's upper reaches.

The kids are excited to see them come to life under their hands.

By the time we're finished they will have several layers of paint on them.

The belly is worked on while the dinos were on their sides.

Several teams working at once.

Sometimes you have to get under the dinosaur to paint!

I think they're having fun!

Although I know we're all tired of leaves, wires, and paint.

Sets this big are a lot of work.

The stage is 10 separate pieces with a working door on one side of the stage.

Each alcove is 4 pieces X 2, the large alcove under the balcony is 8 pieces.

There are two reserve pieces for whatever we need.

Of course, the set dressing on Sunday will pull it all together.

I painted too.

 Really, I did!

I painted the upper parts of the set, to look like palms are peeking up out from behind the wall.

I set up and painted leaves by the dozen, changing them from flat to fabulous.

I then handed over the leaf painting to another team.

I also directed a lot of kids in their works.

Our total today was 78 more hours.

Go team KOTC!

I went to the hardware store to get more wire tonight as well as more green paint.

We have large palm branches to spray.

Multiple panels with palm branches and plants to paint for backgrounds behind each of the dinosaurs.

Gates looking more like stonework paint.

Greenery to assemble with several hundred leaves.

Really hectic, really head hurting (me trying to paint, while being asked "what's next?"),

 really fun, fun, fun!

I Arted more today!, Paint on multiple canvases, (including dinosaurs)

Day 22 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025