I'm "Arted" out today!

Each of these VBS builds are different and yet the same.

What an incredible day at Celebration Church.

The Youth and adults we have are amazing and wonderful.

I painted some, but the youth got an astounding amount of work done today.

Uncomplaining for the most part, they dogged until they were almost completed with 

Every

Single

Panel!

Sixteen to be exact.

I am so grateful for them.

There also was an amazing team of ladies cutting hundreds of leaves.

Several bunches of leaves had wires attached as well.

We have some purchased leaves that did not have wires.

Hopefully we can save all of them this year, instead of having to make them again.

If you remember, there were leaves two years ago too!

It's a lot of work!

The boys at the table were cutting wire for the leaves.

They cut wire ALL day!

I've also had to go buy more wire to put on the larger leaves.

It's going to be a jungle out there.

The guys also started the build on the "Gates"

There are two sets, one for the entrance into the sanctuary, the other is for the stage.

We also removed lights from the galaxies from last year, and taped the holes.

Two will be painted for the stage.

I'm not sure yet what will happen to the other two.

We also used scraps of paper from the leaf cutting to build "rocks".

Sarah is also there; I just didn't get a photograph of her working.

She painted 9 flats for the stage today.

I'm sure she's tired of the gray paint!

My right-hand woman for sure.

I can always count on her beautiful smile and generous laughter.

The youth are extremely excited to paint dinosaurs tomorrow.

Anyway, it was a full day of working together.

We were there from about 8am to 4:30 pm

20 people x conservatively 6 hours each

120 hours!!!!

Did I paint?

On sets, yes.

Did I get a painting a day done?

Technically, not really.

Space and Grace for me today.

I truly am "Arted" out.

Goodnight!

I'm "Arted" out today, No painting, just hard work!

Day 21 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

The load in that almost didn't happen!

Tomorrow begins a long week of painting and finishing up the dinosaurs.

Today though, we were loading up the paints, brushes, trays, cups, and tarps

We were having to move the dinosaurs again, for the twentieth time.

We had to move them to get to the paint.

Once in the corner, a paint can fell over spilling almost an entire gallon onto the floor.

All over boxes of art projects to be done, my extra tile for the bathroom, and just plain everywhere.

Using two dustpans, I scooped up most of the paint and put it back into the bucket, sawdust and all.

We then used newsprint and a wet t-shirt to get most of the mess.

My skins not so lucky, I have dried paint all over my legs, hands, and arms.

I then chose the paints I wanted to use, and we loaded up the van.

The van also has the Velociraptor inside.

We then got the trailer from the side yard to pre-load the dinosaurs for morning.

Once we got the trailer, we started up with the triceratops.

I was fine going up, but coming down my Keen shoes slipped on the grating.

I went down of course.

In the process of falling, I put out my right hand and felt the blow into my upper arm and hand.

As I sat there praying, "Lord please don't make this bad!"

Chris yelled out "Loran! are you okay?"

I said, "I think so", he was still supporting the dinosaur on the trailer.

"How did you fall?"

The Keens have become slick and hardened on the bottom.

I may put them in the garbage tonight, so I can't get them back out.

They really are my favorite shoes, and I have several colors.

I was shaking my hand, wondering how I was going to paint with a broken finger.

The shoulder is squeaking too, so I think Ibuprofen will be my friend tonight.

Needless to say, an exciting evening.

Good thing I painted earlier today!

The finger, I'm typing with it as we speak.

I expect it will be jammed up tomorrow.

I pray it is not!

"The enemy within the ocean" Acrylic on wood, 16 inches round

Day 20 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Unfortunate visitor

Our unfortunate visitor comes to us compliments of probably a hurricane.

Or as it?

Many people think hurricane Andrew introduced them to the Atlantic.

A Scientist even wrote a paper stating that they were released from a private aquarium during the storm.

Andrew was 1992.

The first lionfish was caught in Dania, Florida north of Miami in 1985.

Kinda makes you think.....

There may have also been some releases from people discovering 

that they would eat everything else in their tank!

I know my dad threw ours into the garbage after it ate something in our tank in the Philippines.

There may have been some in the ballasts of oceangoing vessels 

releasing their home water into new territory.

Anyway, they seem to be here to stay.

They have no known predators.

They are the apex in the ocean.

However, not on land.

We can eat them after the spines are removed.

I've heard they are a delicate whitefish.

Nothing in the ocean wants to eat them apparently because of the spines.

They are venomous, but not lethal, at least not to us.

Their spines on their back will cause a very painful sting, akin to a bee or wasp.

Divers are having some fun removing spines and feeding them to sharks to convince them they are tasty.

When we travel, we look for lionfish on the menu.

Invariably, they are sold out!

I have yet to try one.

Lionfish are a problem because they eat the tiny gamefish just as they are starting to grow.

Their stomach can expand up to 30 times!

They also have extremely large mouths for their size, 

allowing them to eat something larger than you would think.

There is another problem, the females can lay up to 2 million eggs every year!

Now there's a real problem.

Divers can also clean a reef off of all the lionfish they see.

But they will be back the next day as they can swim deeper than we can.

Unfortunate visitor, Acrylic on wood, 12 inches

Day 19 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

l
 

Pelican line up

What a day!

Not that it was hard, but it was intense.

Chris is happily using up scraps in the shop now.

He cut up the Luan-plywood I bought the other day into smaller pieces that are easier to handle.

This bad boy used up a scrap that was rather large, as this round is 24 inches.

I was cutting it this morning on the scroll saw and I saw Chris photographing while I was working.

This sawing takes intense concentration to make sure the piece doesn't slip into cutting off something you want to keep! (Fingers, pieces of wood, etc.)

I heard him behind me working on something as he revved up the screwdriver as he was walking toward the front of the shop.

I kept happily working.

Out of the blue I heard a loud snap as something hit the floor.

Unfortunately, I let a "Damn!" out of my mouth before I could stop it.

I checked the saw first then quickly turned to see a piece of lumber that had hit the floor.

Chris was happily screwing a piece of plywood to the wall for the radio.

I didn't say anything at that moment as I was mulling over my response.

I finished cutting, and I quietly asked Chris to come over.

I then asked him, "remember my childhood?"

He shook his head not really.

I then asked if he remembered the movie, "I can only imagine"

 where the dad hits the kid in the head with his plate.

He again said not really.

I then told him, when the wood hit the floor, it elicited a trauma response in me.

As a child, (NO I don't hold it against them! AND I have forgiven them!)

my father's favorite way to discipline was to hit me upside the head.

My mom let him.

As if that would knock some sense into me....

I told Chris when the wood hit the floor, I ducked as if struck.

I wanted him to know I love working with and around him, but I need some warning in the future.

Getting older is definitely slowing us down, becoming more thoughtful in our actions.

Also, more thoughtful in our words, I hope.

Years ago, I would've blown things way out of proportion and been yelling at him instead of calmly explaining, hey please don't do that again.

I've also found a groove this year.

The paintings are coming fast and furious.

I already have the next two cut out and ready to begin.

Do you have something you want to see in the rounds?

Please tell me soon!

Pelican line up, Acrylic on wood, 24 inches

Day 18 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

A pelican parley

Oh my!

These guys were so fun to paint!

Well, I guess they're all fun to paint for me.

The hardest part of these paintings is finding a way to make the upper wood piece fit on top 

and actually, make sense.

There is an incredible amount of wood pieces going into them.

This one however, was from a scrap of wood from another piece.

Waste not, want not.

I thought I needed to buy more wood to use, 

but I think I'll be okay as far as the upper parts are concerned.

I'm still trying to find a source of the 20- and 24-inch rounds though.

This makes me nervous as I really want the big ones as well.

I have two 24s already and are working on the designs for them.

I also worked on the VBS today for a bit. 

I painted the brackets for the torches on the gates both for the front and stage.

We also picked up more masking tape, screws, and found a gallon of Dark blue paint to mix and make sky blue for the flats behind the dinosaurs.

The sets will be amazing for the kids.

Hopefully their imaginations will be set on fire for the majesty that is the creations of God.

Very hot, very busy, very close to completion for the church at least.

Each day is a day closer to the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama in October.

A Pelican Parley, Acrylic on wood, 14 inches

Day 17 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

 

Are you game?

Are you game? 

I am!

I am willing to try almost anything.

I will not skydive, however.

(Why someone would want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane is beyond me.)

I also will not jump off a bridge in Zimbabwe.

(Don't even ask Gib! I will not!)

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy thrills, but I am protective of my body.

I also get paranoid of my hands this time of year.

And I'm using a scroll saw!

 My husband laughed at me the other day when I referred to the circular wire protecting the blade

as the "circle of death".

I really don't want to cut myself now or any time.

But accidents happen, I just pray not to me!

Most accidents happen because we become complacent and careless.

I feel like referring to the wire as "the circle of death" reminds me to be careful.

I did cut this guy out today and he is delicate!

So delicate, I can't brad nail him to the edges.

The multiple glue points should be enough to hold him in place.

The beard and the point on his nose also have a bamboo skewer glued to the back of them and painted.

Interesting ways to do art here in the studio!

Interestingly enough, I was talking to my son, Crecious in Zimbabwe today.

(We "adopted" him and his sister a few years back.)

We provide some support for them while they are going to school, 

keeping them from bad job situations.

They will be self-supportive next year, and we couldn't be prouder.

They are in their 30's and both parents have passed away.

They call us mom and dad.

He asked if dad was cutting the wood for me.

I said no, all me.

Chris doesn't have the patience for tiny, delicate, cuts.

Crecious couldn't imagine me using power tools I suppose.

I sent him a sarcastic video of me cutting on the scroll saw.

I guess he believes me now.

It was worth the laughter.

Yes folks, I cut them out myself after designing them.

I also worked on the VBS today for a period of time.

I made the stands for the torches on the gates for the Jurassic sets.

This VBS will be epic!

I said that last year too!

Meanwhile,

Chris was working out in the "barn" painting and cutting foam for stands for leaves.

We have lots of leaves to cut and make for the sets.

Chris gave me the blessed gift of working on the show in my studio for October.

I love that we work together, even when we are not together physically.

Are you game? Acrylic on wood, 18 inches round

Day 16 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

 

Killer whales in the Gulf!

Hard to believe, but absolutely true!

For years I've had people ask if I paint Killer whales.

I responded that "I usually don't as they are not in the Gulf of Mexico."

Folks, I stand humbly corrected as of this year.

There are Killer whales in the Gulf.

They are not seen frequently, as they are further into the Gulf than most folks go.

They have been studied (when they could find them!) for 26 years!?!

The scientists have identified 49 individuals with photographs.

There have been noted long term relationships of 16 years.

Our Killer whales have a different DNA from their cousins.

Most recently, they have been spotted off the coast of Destin June 5th, 2024.

They also seem to have a saddleback on them, making them distinct from other killer whales.

If you want to read more, the Frontiers website has more scientific data.

Killer whales in the Gulf!

Who knew?

Now you do!

This series is definitely different and so lovely.

I got another 10 Trays in the mail today, so I'll be painting them white shortly.

Behind the scenes work is real here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio.

I worked really hard to make "Black" Flourish sides this spring to use during the Isle of eight flags Shrimp Festival in May.

They were okay, but my dream was to have the real deal.

They are black mesh, with a black covering that lets wind go through.

We searched while in Florida to no avail.

We even made an hour and a half trip, only to find they were not what I wanted.

In my readings online, I discovered that they were the elusive unicorn as far as finding them.

Apparently, they were backordered frequently.

So, I called Flourish to see if they were still making them.

Sadly, they were not.

The person that had made them for years, suddenly retired.

I was asked if I wanted to be put on a waiting list and I said yes!

I knew they would be expensive and a serious investment in my business.

I got a call today!

Sage said I was the only artist that answered the phone!

After a lengthy conversation with Sage, (great designer btw with Flourish Company).

I ordered enough sides to do the double booth at the 

Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

I will also have sta-bars that fit my tent as well! 

I've had the bars, but the brackets have been an issue since getting the Hex legs on the Extreme tent.

There will be 3-10 ft sides, a 5 ft side, and a 7 ft. Enough to do a double booth with a French wall.

The walls will work for Peter Anderson as well, allowing people to walk in from both sides of the tent.

I am so happy they are coming soon.

We'll have to set them up before the show to get our heads around the framework.

That way, we won't be bickering at the show hopefully.

As you can see, the paintings are shown on a black background that really makes them pop!

I cannot wait to see how elegant the booth will be.

After we get them, I'll be selling the old flourish sides at a good deal for someone that needs them.

 

Killer whales in the Gulf!, Acrylic on wood, 16 inches round

Day 15 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

A different kind of painting!

I am giving myself grace and space today.

Yes, I painted but it was a lot of preparatory work for a lot of projects.

We bought a full sheet of Luan at Home Depot the other day in preparation for the wood that goes on top of the rounds.

We had it cut into thirds, and I had Chris bring it to the studio.

Even though it is good quality wood, it must be prepped before the sepias go on it. 

A layer of Kilz, then two layers of white acrylic paint.

While I was in the mood, I decided to paint the rounds I had from Hobby Lobby as they are no longer available to purchase.

The four rounds from Hobby Lobby are now going to be a part of the dimensional series.

There are two other 12-inch rounds being saved for a couple of pet portraits that are due soon.

This will clear out of the studio the Hobby Lobby frames, clearing the way for others to step up.

I've also ordered a set of trays that are five pieces that nest. 

They will be a great addition to the dimensional rounds.

They also must be Kilz coated, then painted with white acrylic paint.

So, no actual painting for sale today, but a lot of painting nevertheless!

Never a dull moment around here.

We also went into the barn and painted some more of the dinosaurs.

They start out with masking tape covering the holes and holidays in the paper mache.

They are getting a coat of deep grey paint as a base for the detailing that will come later.

You can see the t-rex in the background here.

This is the velociraptor.

I'm hoping the team can paint him to look like "Blue" the raptor in the Jurassic movie that was more trained than the rest.

"Blue" after his coat of grey paint.

You can also catch a glimpse of the Pterodactyl off to the side.

We will be happy to get them to the church as they take up a LOT of room.

Lots of work, Lots of love, Lots of talent for His glory! 

A different kind of painting! Latex over foam and chicken wire base with paper mache.

Size varies from 10 x 4 feet to 5x 10 feet 

Day 14 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Great pacific

Occasionally, I want something a little different.

The Great Pacific Octopus is much larger than most other cephalopods.

I love them though.

The textures and colors they can achieve are astounding.

They are also fun to paint!

This one was particularly interesting because of the detail cuts necessary to create it.

Today found us going to church of course in the morning.

We then went to the grocery store to pick up a few things.

After that, we headed home.

I needed to work on the dinosaurs today, but the heat was very oppressive.

Temperatures in the 90s but feeling much more warm.

Not a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Chris suggested we wait until evening, so we did.

Much cooler, especially with the fans running.

This freed up my afternoon to go to the studio.

I painted this octopus and worked on the trophy for the Summer surge.

The trophy is turning out really well.

It was also made much easier to construct using an old lamp and a globe that spins.

Adding paint, a triceratops, and other elements make for a really cool trophy.

This VBS is so fun for my creativity.

Great Pacific, Acrylic on wood, 14 inches round

Day 13 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Creative Cephalopod

My days are going very well, with lots getting done 

for both my studio work and the pieces for our church.

I have always loved painting Octopus. 

Creative Cephalopod was a challenge.

The cutting of the legs and subsequent sanding pushed the limits of this delicate creature.

Every leg is shown, but there is one leg leaving the frame.

I may add the end of the leg into the background as it seems jarring to me without it being completed.

Making my senses sharpen, by challenging my artform.

Indeed, again I am growing as an artist.

This growth comes as a result of an answer to prayer.

Each new series I do since the sepias started has been a result of prayer, listening, then acting.

Some of the challenges are looming, but I am able to create because of my creator.

As Artists, "We were created to create!"

The sepias began over 11 years ago, as an answer to "God what am I doing wrong?"

I distinctly heard in my spirit, "not wrong, just go neutral." 

The sepias began as 12 x 12 canvases in hand painted shadowbox frames.

The frames were hard to get, and a pain to paint twice.

Don't even get me started on trying to find a canvas to fit the frame.

Once the frames became difficult to find and were no longer cost effective, I had to pivot.

I started doing white backgrounds with the sepia and deep edge canvas.

This effectively got rid of all frames in my studio.

I then discovered shadowboxes at Michaels.

They were very expensive, ($70) so I hesitated to purchase them.

This was when I was first getting a good reputation and reasonably priced.

I had a really good Shrimp festival in Gulf Shores and went to go buy 4-inch canvases.

When I arrived, every shadowbox canvas was on clearance.

$10, $11, and $12 each.

There were 22 of them and I bought them all.

I painted them over the course of three weeks.

I took them to Peter Anderson in Ocean Springs.

We sold half of them that weekend.

A few months later, the shadowboxes were selling, and we were down to the last few.

My husband came to me and said, "I think I can build them."

I said "Good, I figured out how to stretch them."

The design has changed slightly over the years, with additional shapes and offset shadowboxes.

They are almost a decade old now.

My wonderful husband and life partner Chris has built about 500 of them so far.

I then had people asking, "Why can't you paint bigger?"

Bigger involves 5 canvases with a common painting.

When I started the multi canvas pieces, with the first two selling at the first show they debuted in.

They are also several years old now and still going strong, with an even larger canvas for bigger homes.

I then started adding color to the shadowboxes and they have been well received.

Which brings us to the rounds, which started about four years ago.

They have been a popular series for collectors, but Hobby Lobby is no longer carrying them.

Time for another pivot!

Still staying true to the sepias, this new series is a bit more work.

Probably about the same as building the shadowboxes, but very different.

I am getting used to them and a new fine-tooth scroll saw blade works wonders!

Less sanding for sure.

I took only two of the dimensional series to Spring shows.

Selling one and asking opinions about the other one.

Overwhelmingly, people loved the uniqueness, the work, and the detail.

I am seeing in my mind's eye an entire wall of nothing but the rounds done this way.

It's going to be a wonderful summer!

Buckle up, it's going to be a wild ride!

Creative Cephalopod, Acrylic on wood, 19 inches

Day 12 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Freedom

Freedom

We are so lucky to have the freedom we have in our country.

Freedoms that are guaranteed by laws.

There are many countries that don't have free speech or free movement.

We are so fortunate.

Freedom includes the animals of the earth and the oceans.

They have the right to be able to be the creatures God intended.

This delicate balance God designed is rapidly becoming destroyed by the people that inhabit the earth.

Our urban sprawl, our voracious appetite for new things, fast fashion are all rapidly destroying

life as we know it.

Storms are becoming more intense and frequent.

Fires are raging.

Floods are happening more often.

Our planet is heating up, melting the glaciers and raising the seas.

I'm sure you're all aware of the problems were facing now, but what of our children and grandchildren?

What are we leaving them in our wakes?

We can all make the small steps necessary to help the world we live in.

We can recycle, we can reuse, we can repurpose much like our ancestors did in previous centuries.

Many things can find new life if we make the effort.

Teaching our children about the world they live in can make them more 

aware of the impacts they have from day to day.

My small steps are clothing I've had for years, recycled wood in my art, making several stops instead of small quick trips back and forth.

I gift things away, repurpose them frequently.

I also pray a lot for solutions to problems I have here in my studio.

Books that need new homes, paint not being used, art supplies that I'll never touch again.

Why do we hold on to the things.

They hold memories, memories of when we purchased them, or were given them, or pieces of family members that have passed.

Things we need freedom from.

I am discovering the freedom of lightening my load and the number of things my children will have to go through after I'm gone.

Freedom to be an artist, freedom to be a good human, freedom to go to church.

Freedom for the animals to live in a non-toxic environment, especially in the sea, where plastic is an incredibly bad presence.

Freedom, Acrylic on wood, 16 inches

Day 11 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Free to be me

This one was so lovely to paint!

After a morning of travel back and forth to Mobile, (2.5 hours).

I came home to get started back on dinosaurs.

I am currently finishing up the triceratops with a lot of help.

You see, our church family is amazing because there

 is always someone willing to lend a hand when needed.

Talents and gifts are like that, to be used for the Glory of the Kingdom and are a 

form of Worship as well.

My gifts astound me frequently, as there is always something asked of me, and I say how?

Somehow the how becomes clearer and the talents are always fun to see bear fruit.

But there is usually one person I can always count on to lend a helping hand.

That person for me is Sarah.

She is always cheerful, ready to get messy, and we have many deep 

conversations while we are working together.

It really helps that my grandson is apparently becoming fast friends with her son Luke as well.

The boys play together, and Chris took them today to have lunch and go see a movie.

I am glad God sent them into our lives.

The reason Sarah is so wonderful is because I can walk away and 

trust that the job will be done to the best of her ability.

For example, I had a meeting with the Children's pastor less than an hour after we got started.

I left Sarah in charge of herself, and she zoned in to complete a large portion of the Triceratops before I came back.

I'm so glad to call her friend and fellow Christian.

When I came back from the meeting we quickly went to finishing the paper mâché.

They actually went quicker than I thought they would, considering we had five of them to build.

We've also got quite a bit of detail work left on them.

But first a layer of dark gray paint on everything.

We can then detail them during the mass build the last full week of July.

Summer Surge is rapidly approaching, and I am racing to the finish line.

It's going to be epic!

I painted this evening after a meal of pizza and salad.

Always delicious and a good time with family.

I chatted with my sister-in-law while painting and hearing about her day.

Grandson came upstairs and started a program on Disney that we were both watching.

I continued to paint, remembering talking with my dad while creating.

I used to talk with him almost every night while painting and I miss learning about family.

He was very proud of me as an artist and would speak frequently to the nurses while in the hospital.

We don't tell our loved ones how proud we are about their accomplishments nearly enough.

Complement someone every day, tell them how much you appreciate them being in your life.

Thankful for Friends, Pastors, Talents, and Gifts from our Father in Heaven.

Thankful for those of you that read the blog, and sometimes leave comments!

Free to be me! Acrylic on Wood, 15.5 inches

Day 10 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Close encounters of the dolphin kind!

Dolphins are the jesters of the sea!

They can be extremely comical in their actions.

They can help set charges on enemy vessels.

They have also been known to help rescue people when in distress. 

They truly are wonderful creatures.

They are so much fun to watch, especially when they are happy or mating.

(Hint, their belly's turn pink!)

Happy dolphins also jump and play.

They also can hunt in pods.

We once watched a pod of dolphins that were hunting.

They had a couple of babies with them.

There was also one really large one, (possibly a male?)

Suddenly the largest one swam in lots of circles around the pod.

This scared the fish they were feeding on into the middle of the group.

Then there were lots of splashes and dives as dinner was served!

This was amazing and fun to watch.

We typically have them coming up the bay into the shallows in the morning.

They come back down in the evening, putting on a show near the pier.

I've also had a close encounter while paddleboarding.

I saw the pod with a particularly large one.

I thought it would be fun to paddle amongst them.

Suddenly without warning the largest one shot straight toward the beach throwing a rooster tail wake.

It was after a large fish that swam to the shallows to escape.

The dolphin almost beached itself in the process.

I was really glad I didn't have a front row seat to that show!

Close encounters indeed of the dolphin kind!

I'm so glad we live near the ocean.

Close encounters of the dolphin kind, Acrylic on Wood, 15 inches

Day 9 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

A horse you can't ride!

I am getting into a routine with the paintings now.

There are a LOT of steps that have to be done in the correct order.

Find and source the trays.

Paint trays with Kilz to prevent leaching of the paint.

Paint with white acrylic, twice.

Get round wood pieces cut to fit, Kilz them, then paint white.

Design the drawing of the piece to fit.

Cut out top piece using the scroll saw.

Sand top piece, using Dremel tool to detail.

Paint background on round tray.

Attach cut out to round frame using brad nails.

Fill holes with white paint.

Paint piece in Sepia.

Sign.

Varnish.

Put hanger on the piece.

I am having a really fun time designing them!

Sarah and I also worked on a dinosaur today.

Getting closer to the finish line with these big bad boys!

Soon we'll be painting them black as an undercoat for the detail paint.

They're going to be awesome.

Now I just need to find them homes afterward so they don't end up in the trash.

They would make great decor for a child's dinosaur birthday party actually.

The triceratops alone is 10 feet long.

A horse you can't ride!, acrylic on wood, 16 inches round

Day 8 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

 

Two days later!

Two days later!

Still painting, but life is catching up with me.

I completed the whales today, with sanding, fitting, and painting the background.

I think the third whale was the perfect touch.

A quiet background, fitting for these majestic creatures.

Yesterday was a full day of "dinosaur-ing."

The last one we're building is large, probably 10 feet long.

While they are not life sized, they are large and impressive.

Sarah helped again yesterday, wiring and wrapping vast amounts of paper around the frame.

My grandson and her son played hard in the pool while we felt the sweat trickle down our backs.

We will visit this dinosaur again on Tuesday together, probably to finish the main paper mache.

Chris and I then went to a function last night for a family member, so I didn't get a chance to post.

Grace and Space for me.

I also managed to make a reservation at two campgrounds while at the computer this weekend.

One in Covington, Louisiana in November for the Three Rivers Show in downtown Covington.

This is an excellent show, very well run and a stellar artist dinner Saturday night.

We are looking forward to it!

I also reserved a site on Little Talbot Island, Florida for a show next May.

Yes, you read correctly May 2026.

Turns out it was the LAST site available for a trailer camper.

Problem is, I don't even know if I'll get into the show on Amelia Island the first weekend in May.

Once you get caught up for the next round of shows, the following season comes calling!

I typically have 5 in the fall, and up to 8 in the spring.

Needless to say, as an artist you are on pins and needles wondering if you'll even get accepted.

You see, all of the shows I enter are juried.

This means you submit photos and a jury fee.

You have about 30 seconds to catch up to three judges' attention. 

They then score you on your works and booth shot, sometimes reading your artist statement as well.

Most of the time, I have been fortunate to get into the shows I apply for.

Although Mainsail is one show I just cannot seem to get correct in my application.

I'll keep trying.

It took me three years of applying to get into Mattie Kelly in Destin.

It's now one of my favorite shows in the fall.

I am still waiting to hear from Mattie Kelly, Peter Anderson, and Jubilee in Daphne.

Jubilee is a given, as I took an award last year, but I still had to apply.

I'm also needing to rehang my space at Hello Gallery in downtown Fairhope.

It is in serious need of a refresh!

I also painted this one entirely today.

I took a full day in the studio to get something done.

Unfortunately, it means a mess I have to clean up. 

I sanded the pieces today that I am currently working on.

Sanding means a LOT of messiness.

Sometimes life is like that, creating messes that we have to clean up.

I'm so glad we have a Savior to clean up our messes from our sinfulness.

That's definitely not my department! 

After cleaning up, painting edges, finishing fronts, and then gluing down the works.

We have to put a block of wood behind them to make them sturdier.

Of course, these pieces will have to travel before selling,

 so, they have to be able to withstand some movement during transport.

They will also be brad nailed, filled, then touched up before varnishing.

Finally, they will have their hangers added.

So far, I have four completed of the 24 I want to show at the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores.

I am also praying for the many victims of the flooding in Texas.

It is heartbreaking to hear of the death toll climbing.

I pray the families have closure soon.

I cannot watch the news about it, as I am a visual artist and cannot get the scenes out of my mind.

The enemy knows just where my opening would be easiest. 

So, I shield myself from watching the news for that very reason.

Going along swimmingly, acrylic on wood, 13 inches

Days 5 & 6 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025