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

 

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