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