Oh! Another octopus?

 

It is getting late, so I'll try to be brief.

Maybe.

Then again, once I start the writing it's hard to stop.

Oh! Another Octopus?

Yes!

If you have not seen Sally Field in the Movie, "Remarkably Bright Creatures"

I highly recommend it!

It was only on Netflix though, kinda hard to get to see it.

I paid for a month, then unsubscribed and watched the movie.

It was wonderful.

It follows the book by the same name and was well done.

The studies the people did to perfect the octopus was fantastic.

Anyway, I've read the book twice and may read it again.

Marcellus is a beautiful creature, fully intelligent, and octopus are just amazing animals all around.

So yes, another Octopus.

Octopus and turtles are both popular in my sales and fortunately for me, I love painting both of them!

Another bit of history for the sepias.

People kept asking me, "Why don't you paint bigger?"

I used to tell them about all the equipment, tent, chairs, walls, and art all fitting in a PT Cruiser.

"I can't paint bigger."

Anyway, I prayed about it, and this is what came into my mind's eye.

Five-piece paintings, made from standard canvas that fit in a small bag.

March 11, 2017, I debuted this big boy!

This was the first weekend I ever had shown the five-piece paintings.

It was in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

I had this octopus and another five-piece that was turtles.

They both measured 36 inches tall and 64 inches wide.

Shortly after I opened the booth a husband and wife came in and 

took a few minutes to decide to buy this one.

They were designing and building a home for a television personality 

in the national newscasting network.

It calls home at Innerarity Point in Pensacola Florida home.

They also commissioned me to do a 4-foot x 5-foot Pensacola Beach sign!

Soon after the octopus sold, a gentleman came in and purchased the turtles.

He then commissioned a seahorse too. 

He left the five-piece with me for judging and told me he would pick up the turtles at Arts & Crafts the following weekend.

I was in complete and total shock.

Less than an hour into the show, and my entire weekend was paid for and then some.

God does that a lot!

He gives us so much more than we expect or could ever even think we could have.

This is why I listen when the Holy Spirit speaks, 

because he's got the plan and he knows what is best for me.

Nine years of multiples.

I have no idea how many have sold now.

I also designed and make a larger version that is 40 inches tall by 84 inches wide.

That size requires Chris to build 4 canvas to complete the piece.

Now that's a big painting!

And now I bid you goodnight!

God bless you for reading the blog!

Oh! Another Octopus? Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 42 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

A Venus comb

Another day, another painting.

This one is of the Venus comb my parents pulled from the ocean.

My parents shell collection from the Philippines was extensive, 

because they went diving as much as they could afford.

I got to go frequently, swimming in the arm of the Bonka boat for hours on end 

while my parents dove below.

It was an idyllic life, watching my parents dive below me, 

bringing me things from the bottom of the sea. 

We would bring the shells home and place them in the ant bed that was near our front door.

The ants did an incredible job of cleaning the live animals from the shell while leaving the incredible remains for me to see.

Beautiful memories of childhood.

I got the collection when my parents both passed away and 

I was clearing the house for my brother to sell.

I now get to look at them, enjoy them, and even paint them!

More history about the sepia series.

This is about the shadowbox canvas.

They started the fall of 2015.

This is the first time I showed them.

I had seen the canvases at Michaels, but in my mind were too expensive and keep my pricing reasonable.

I had a really good National Shrimp Festival that year.

I went to Michaels afterward to pick up small canvas.

They had all of their shadowbox canvas on sale, clearance actually.

The prices were too good to resist, and I love a great sale.

I bought all 22 they had, asked them to call the Mobile store to see if they had more.

I painted all of them and took them to Peter Anderson in Mississippi.

We sold half of them that weekend.

Chris asked if I could get any more of them.

I told him I had been researching, but they were nowhere to be found.

We finished the fall season with some of them left over.

The following Spring, I was at another show in Mississippi when my husband came to me and said, 

"I think I figured out how to build them", I said "Good, I figured out how to stretch them!"

We haven't looked back since then.

Chris has opened the boxes, made different sizes, made custom sizes, 

designed offset boxes and so much more.

We estimate Chris has built over 500 of them so far!

I am so grateful to have him on my team.

My 12th year painting on the shadowboxes.

I still love them!

A Venus comb, Acrylic on canvas, 15 x 30 inches

Day 41 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

I want to wrap my arms around you!

"I want to wrap my arms around you."

This beauty was started last night at Art Walk.

It measures 18 x 36 inches.

So many textures, so many little crevices.

This one was fun to paint. 

Every painting is fun to me because I love what I do.

God definitely created me to be a creator.

I truly love my 'job'.

I pray that I never lose the love of art and painting.

So many times, people tell me that the paintings I do are exactly what they have been looking for.

I never know what people want; I just want to create and keep my art fresh for the future.

That is why the sepia series has been going for so long.

The sepias came about as a result of multiple people coming into my booth saying;

"I just love your work, but I don't know if that color will go on my wall."

I literally was beating my head against the back of the booth and asking,

 "God, what am I doing wrong?"

I clearly heard, "You're not wrong, just go neutral"

Keep in mind, I was a very strong colorist at the time.

My oldest daughter did not think they would do well at all.

They started out in shadowbox frames that I bought from Michaels that were unfinished.

I had to paint them black, then brown and quickly wipe them back to finish them.

Then they had 12 x 12 canvases in them that were a trick 

to get one to fit as the frames were not consistent.

The first seven I did were a surprise with all of them selling in a reasonable amount of time.

I then made up my mind to have a bunch of them for fall shows.

Problem was, getting the unfinished wood from the store.

I had a really great manager from Michaels that worked with me and found 35 of them and had them shipped from California.

The next problem we had was transporting them.

They took up a lot of room in the van!

I ended up with an entire wall of them and had a spectacular show.

The show went so much better than I expected with several people coming back to get pieces, 

only to be disappointed when they were sold.

The year was 2010.

16 years for a series is unusual to say the least.

Most series for artists last 2 or 3 years before it becomes boring, 

or they've explored all they can or think they can.

I keep exploring, growing, and making the series fun for me and my collectors.

I am so grateful to God for the ideas and talents he blesses me with.

My work became neutral, before it was a trend!

This was also before Chip and Joanna Gaines became popular with their fixer upper series.

Their first episode was May of 2013 and started the neutral palette of colors for decorating.

God works like that, when you listen and act upon His guidance.

I was fortunate to have given my parents two of my pieces from that first year.

After my dad passed, I brought them home.

I'm still trying to figure out where to hang them.

Lionfish, who knew they would become an invasive species....

Apparently, I did, because I painted them way back then too!

Notice two things about these guys.

They are browner, sepia toned if you will.

My signature had not changed by then.

That happened in 2013.

I always considered myself to be a Christian Artist, but that year my signature started showing it.

They are still beautiful to me, and I hope to you as well.

God bless, I bid you goodnight!

I want to wrap my arms around you, Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 36 inches

Day 40 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

"Painting" with fabric

Our son is building a camper.

Well, Chris is building it, Jere helps when he can after work and on weekends.

I got pulled in to help with the cushion covers for the seats.

These will be in the dining area that converts into a bed at night.

My daughter in love and I went to a local shop to purchase the fabric for the seats.

I ordered the cushions and gave them to her for her birthday.

I finished the covers today as they are less than two weeks away from actually using the camper.

I'm excited for them and glad to help with this small part of a labor of love for them.

I pray they all fit in the camper as my measuring skills seem to be lacking lately.

She wanted a combination of the two fabrics on the cushions with the 

bottom ones different from the top.

I 've also made two pillows for the back seat area as well.

I then went to Artwalk tonight and started a painting but couldn't finish it!

There were so many people fascinated with watching and asking 

questions that I couldn't paint half the time.

Such is Artwalk, old customers, new possible collectors, old friends, and students.

It was a great time!

Until tomorrow, Goodnight!

Painting with fabric, upholstery material,

Day 39 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Epic goals

I am in awe of people that have epic goals.

I know that God places us in amazing circumstances that sometimes we don't understand.

This is one of those circumstances God has chosen to place me in and bless me through.

I was contacted by a gentleman on July 29th about a very special piece.

 This man in the painting is a good friend and business partner.

He is also apparently an incredible athlete and deeply faithful man.

His friend here named Paul had apparently called one of my galleries and they recommended me.

Over the course of our first conversation, this piece became visible in my mind's eye.

I told him of my idea and he loved it.

It took a lot of work to make it come close to the actual coastline on the front pieces.

The piece is relatively small, only 16 inches round so it will fit in his carry-on luggage.

There are also some of the channels and deeper regions near the coastline.

The photo he provided didn't quite give me what I needed, so I lifted the arm out of the water slightly.

It also had a tight timeline, due to Paul traveling to England.

 He will be in the support boat while his friend swims.

It also has a verse written on the outer rim of the painting.

I am so honored to have done this piece for him and his friend.

His friend lives in England and is about to embark on swimming the English Channel.

The swim can take anywhere from 13-14 hours on average.

The swim can be completed in 7 hours.

It has also taken 27 hours or more.

It all depends on the swimmer, the tides, changing weather, and the swimmer's personal stamina.

The shortest distance in a straight line is 21 miles or 34 km.

The actual distance is often 25 to 30 miles due to zig zagging, tides, and strong currents.

I'm sure God will be on both their minds as he does this epic feat.

This is the verse around the painting.

Psalm 137:7-10

7 I can never escape from your spirit!

I can never get away from your presence.

8 If I go up to Heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave,

you are there.

9 If I ride the wings of the morning,

if I dwell by the farthest oceans,

10 even there your hand will guide me,

and your strength will support me. 

Epic goals. Acrylic on custom wood round, 16 inches

Day 38 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Turtle babies

These little guys are always fun to paint!

I am so delighted I managed to get these canvases from marketplace.

The woman advertised 18, but when I got there, the number was 20!

They were a really great price and give me small canvas that I can hold and easily paint.

Finishing up on a commission which should post tomorrow.

I am currently working on cushions for our son and daughter in love's camper.

I always love a good sewing project, but wrestling these cushions into the covers is a marathon.

I feel like an octopus with an arm stuck inside the casing and another pulling the plastic bag out that helps me put the cover in place.

I love that they are letting me make my contribution to their first camper together.

It is small, very small but oh so cute.

We are rapidly headed to the finish line of completion on the trailer.

 Then Chris will likely help our oldest daughter with her new shop conversion.

Next in line will be repairs to the tiny house, as we've had some rather bad leakage around the windows that has caused rot in the wall. 

I just pray it's only one wall and will be easily fixed.

Never a dull moment around here!

One project to the next, and the next.

Maybe the commissions are done for now too!

Friday night is Artwalk night in Fairhope.

6-8pm at Hello Gallery, 18 South Section Street

I'll be painting live on the next Dead men tell no tales!

Come and say hello!

Turtle babies, Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches

day 37 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Dead men tell no tales V

I love it when someone gives me free rein to do a commission.

Pretty much all he told me was like this one and sent me a photo of Dead men tell no tales IV.

This is it below.

This is the one painted last month, that calls home with a marine biologist.

Her parents wanted it for the newly graduated daughter who actually worked on a pirate ship doing tours while she was in school!

Any way I was contacted by this gentleman, and he said we have several of your works, but he wanted to commission a pirate piece for his wife.

When he showed her the one I posted last month, she fell in love and said fingers crossed she still has it at the Shrimp Festival.

That's when he decided to commission the piece.

Apparently, it is a wonderful birthday surprise.

I pray she loves it, both for the work and the sentiment behind it.

Dead men tell no tales V is all new.

New blunderbuss, and a really cool sword with shell details.

Both are actual pieces of armory and are beautiful in their details.

The pieces of eight are new as well, with actual "pieces of eight".

They would cut them apart in halves, quarters, and eighths.

There is also a Venus comb peeking out from under the banner.

This one took a solid two days just to design it.

Then it took several days to paint it, and now it's revealed today!

Fortunately for me, I can simply reverse the design and use it again for the next one!

I can also create it in different sizes.

Whew it was intense!

I am also working on a really neat commission for a local gentleman that is for his business partner. 

It involves swimming, the English Channel, and both a map of England and France.

He is presenting it to him after he swims the channel from Dover to Calais.

Another really cool presentation and gift from a thoughtful person.

I love being able to bring dreams to reality.

Thank you, Lord, for the talent you give me!

Dead men tell no tales V, Acrylic on wood, 

day 36 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Octopus in my hands

I love the smaller format!

Not only are they much easier to paint, but I can also hold them in my hands while I am painting.

This makes this size portable and affordable for collectors.

It's been a long day of intense creating on the latest Dead Men tell no tales paintings.

Lots of cut work, lots of detail, I will finish it tomorrow.

I also got a confirmation for the latest commission, so it is a go now.

It combines several things that are memorable to the recipient.

It will also include a Bible verse.

Intense

Incredible

Interesting

Life here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio here in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama

But for now, Goodnight!

Octopus in my hands, Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches

Day 35 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Turtle and Pelican

The best part about being a professional artist?

People wanting and collecting your art!

 I am so fortunate to have collectors that continue to add to their collection.

I was contacted this week by someone who has several pieces of my work in their home.

He was inquiring about something that still blows my mind.

Last year, I started the rounds in earnest and opened the National Shrimp Festival 

with over 25 of them on display.

I sold half of them in just the first day!

I was in shock but shouldn't have been.

You see, I had prayed about the new series and the Holy Spirit revealed to me that the rounds were the next big thing in my art career.

The Sepia series was the beginning, over 15 years old and 

before Chip and Joanna Gaines became popular.

I was right on the edge of a new decorating trend of neutral tones.

The first ones were in shadowbox frames purchased at Michaels, painted, and distressed.

There were 12 x 12 canvases in the frames.

The frames were fragile, hard to carry, and difficult to obtain.

I then prayed again and started the deep edged canvas and no frames.

Still white backgrounds, and sepia toned paintings.

I loved wrapping the edges with the sea creatures I created.

The next big thing came as an accident, but also after prayer. 

I had glanced at the shadowbox canvas at Michaels, 

but had dismissed them as too expensive for me to invest in.

Lo and behold, I went to Michaels again after a successful National Shrimp Festival 

and they were on clearance!

I couldn't believe the price, and I had the money to invest in them.

I bought all 22 they had on hand.

I painted them all and took them to Peter Anderson in Ocean Springs, MS.

We sold half of them that weekend.

My husband asked, can you get any more of these?

I said no, they're discontinued and no one else makes them.

(I had been looking ever since I purchased them.)

We still had a few left in the Spring and my wonderful husband came to me and quietly said,

"I think I can build them."

Such joy!

I told him, "I just figured out how to stretch them."

My precious partner in art has built over 500 of them so far and has innovated the designs, 

pushing me to greater works of art.

This year will bring new pieces on unusual sizes and offsets.

I then prayed again about a question I kept getting asked at shows.

"Why don't you paint bigger?"

This was when the multiple canvas works were started.

They are several years old and still going strong.

I then started the rounds, and I have been so amazed at their reception.

Which brings me back to the collector's request.

Another round.

Another Dead Men tell no tales.

This will be the fifth one in the series!

So fun to paint, but such a headache to cut out with all of its openings to the background.

Still incredible to me!

I've also been commissioned to do an extremely customized round that will go to England as a special presentation gift for a friend and business partner.

More on that one later!

Yesterday's piece was this turtle.

I love painting turtles and hope I never have to stop.

I'm really happy too as our area is finally seeing the results of so many years of protecting turtle nests.

There are over 80 nests this year on the coast of Alabama alone!

I painted this one today, in between church, cooking and designing the new works.

It's an amazing time here in the Raccoon Retreat Studio, here in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama!

Turtle and Pelican, Acrylic on canvas, 4x12 inches 

Days 33 and 34 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

Mario, mushrooms, motorcycles, and Manatees!

Oh, how the days are flying by!

I appreciate your patience more than you'll ever know.

I have been creating, just not a lot of painting for shows.

But these little guys!

I really enjoy small paintings, and I hope and pray you do as well.

These guys are 4 x 12 inches and are so much fun to paint!

The smaller pieces enable me to ease back into a groove which will allow me to get back to posting and painting on a regular basis.

They are a study for the round posted earlier.

Just before my world went into hyper speed, I got lost in Super Mario World.

I don't remember if our children even played this game, other than a beta version.

Don't ask, it was S L O W....

They may have played it on their hand-held device as well.

I cannot remember what they were called, maybe it will come to me.

Anyway, the past few weeks are a blur.

We took Archer camping and made memories for him for a few days after I got started on the 100 days.

I then jumped full force into Celebration Church Summer Surge.

So much building of cardboard pieces, mushrooms, motorcycle, a throne, and a boat with a sail.

So much cutting with a razor I could barely lift my arm up because it was sore.

I chatted with the chiropractor about it because I was concerned that I might need surgery on that arm.

(This is the same one I fell on while loading up dinosaurs a year ago.)

But God!

My chiropractor said no, just keep using it so it doesn't freeze up.

Boy, have I used it!

After coming home from camping, I jumped into the deep waters of building.

 The paintings were not on my radar, nor were they my own pieces for sale.

I am honored to use my talents for God's glory and if one child is reached through my artistry he gives me, then so be it!

I also oversaw a full week of painting with the youth at the church.

We went through GALLONS of paint, yards of fabric, many feet of wire, lots of lumber, and scads of time while completing the sets.

The combination of time with me, the adults, and the youth was well over 

500 hours just in the build week alone.

I am eternally grateful for the experience of working with these future leaders of our church.

Some of them will go very far, I'm sure!

Last Sunday found us doing the actual building of the sets in the new sanctuary.

I was nervous because I was concerned it might not be enough to fill the space. 

After 3 1/2 hours we were completely in place, and the space was filled with Super Mario.

The following day I went to see how the children reacted and was 

delighted to see so many parents enthralled as well.

 I could see the adults pointing out things to the children and 

reminiscing about their own childhood memories.

It did my heart glad to see the kids interacting and parents photographing as well.

Our church served over 450 children!

Then came break down day on Wednesday.

It all came down in 1 1/2 hours, with some being reused in our children's church for the next month.

One of the children witnessing the break down, said it looks so sad now.....

The boat and four of the mushrooms went to the Eastern Shore Repertory Theater 

for their production of Moana today actually.

I also had precious children requesting coins and stars to take home.

Two of the figures have been spoken for, with one of the youth requesting Bowser and our grandson wanting the Yoshi for his room.

Next year will be an experience for sure.

We were breaking down and I heard the pastor ask the kids do you want to know about next year?

My inner kid screamed YES!!!

I ran into the room to see.

I think the Teens watching me in the back thought I was crazy, 

fist pumping and yelling YES, YES, YES!

I don't think they've witnessed a grandparent age adult acting like that.

I need to pull my brother into it as he LOVES Marvel comic movies.

I will get immersed in that world for sure.

I can already see the Holy Spirit working on that one, with images ALREADY popping into my head!!!!

I must write them down, so they don't keep me awake nights planning for next year.

It's going to be another big year; I already can tell.

Manatees Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches 

Day 10 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

2 days, no paintings

The past two days have been intense.

I have been working hard on the Super Mario build for Celebration Church.

This is another major build, as there are multiple parts and pieces required to complete the sets that the children will be immersed in when coming into the program.

Mind you, this will only be the foyer.....

The stage will mostly be created visually on our church's large led screen in the main sanctuary.

I'm having so much fun creating these pieces.

I am immersed myself in the world of Super Mario, constantly getting ideas for how to build.

I pray as I create, and the Holy Spirit frequently answers me.

While working on the first couple of the mushrooms, I have to admit struggling somewhat.

Some help please!

The base of the large one was simply covered in paper and not making me happy at all.

The larger one is over 40 inches tall.

They need larger bases to keep them from toppling over, and I need a way to remove the caps to make them easier to paint.

The second one is the one in front and has a new design.

As I worked, the ideas started flowing and the new design was born.

I even rebuilt the larger one's base and cap attachment.

I am now much happier with the result, but I am going through massive amounts of cardboard.

Fortunately, I have a large amount from Sarah and her job at Bass Pro Shops.

Thanks Sarah!

(Hey I need more LARGE boxes!)

I still have an incredible number of coins, thwomps, bricks, boxes, and trees to build.

The trees are going to be quite large, with bases made possibly from pallets, wire pieces, and fabric.

Still mulling that one over in my mind.

There's also a motorcycle, two gates, and a main entrance.

Backdrops on the 28 panels we painted with over 3 gallons of Kilz.

(Thanks Chris! It took the two of us 4 hours, so I would've been 8 hours or more by myself!)

Fortunately, there is a week planned of youth painting the scenery.

I just have to get things projected and planned.

The new sanctuary is much larger than the space we decorated before!

Today was a full day of working on more mushrooms.

I'm afraid I may see them in my sleep.

My arm is reminding me of my age.

There is lots of razor cutting of double thickness cardboard.

I am in my element of creating, recycling, and just plain fun!

I will forge on because I am working for the Kingdom of Jesus. 

I will be filled with pure joy as I work.

Days 8 & 9 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

Cardboard, masking tape, hot glue, 16 hours so far!

 

Octopus for a sibling

An incredible day indeed!

This is the "Octopus for a Sibling".

This same octopus is a recreation of one seen at Chain of Parks in April.

Unfortunately, the first one was sold before they could come back to get it.

They also ordered the Manatees from yesterday.

This piece is larger than the original one they saw.

I am praying that it is everything they hoped for when Christmas comes with a wonderful surprise.

I am honored to be a part of the gift.

I am also incredibly happy to be done with the commissions part for the 100 days.

The rest of the paintings will be available after today.

I also was helped greatly by my husband today.

We painted the Kilz on all of the panels today for the VBS.

This preps the panels for the drawings and then the painting to begin.

This Summer surge will be incredible as it will be an immersive experience for the children.

They will enter the "Gate" and into the world of Super Mario.

There will be trees, mushrooms, a throne, a motorcycle, and probably more.

I have an incredible amount of excitement bringing things like this to the minds of children.

It brings me closer to God as well, because this allows me to work side by side 

with the Holy Spirit within me.

The Holy Spirit throws so much at me when I'm working, and I love it so much!

Sometimes though, I have to ask Him to slow down as I cannot keep up!

Each VBS is an incredible experience for me as I grow every time as an artist and set designer.

Thanks for coming along on the adventure with me!

Octopus for a sibling, Acrylic on wood, 16 inches

Day 7 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

All the chubby mermaids

Chubby Mermaids, Sea cows, or manatees.

How about all of the above!

I've heard them called by all of these names.

I've even had someone call them walrus!

Hint, no tusks....

This is another commission that I am working on.

This one is about the same size as their turtle they purchased.

The couple have requested two.

Manatees are their piece and an octopus that their sister missed out on at a show.

She came back to purchase it, but it was already sold.

They even grabbed a screenshot of the piece so they could ask for it to be recreated.

I am making it larger for her as I want everyone to have an original.

It will be an awesome Christmas present!

Another hint, if you like something at a show, ask the artist if you can put it on hold for an hour or so.

I typically do not take a deposit and only a phone number.

If someone comes in wanting something on hold, and the time is not up, I will call the person 

and give them first right of refusal.

But, a caveat, if you put it on hold and don't come back in time don't expect it to be there.

I had a guy ask how long it was on hold for and I told him until 3pm.

Promptly at 3 I was looking down at my logbook and then a voice said it's 3 o'clock as the money appeared under the brim of my hat.

"It's mine"

He happily tucked the work under his arm and walked away.

She showed up 15 minutes later...

Stomped her foot and said I knew it would be gone!

I really hate it when people are disappointed. 

Hence why we have a sign in my booth that says, "I should've bought it when I saw it."

Whenever someone hesitates to put something on hold, we point to the sign.

I do enjoy it when something catches ahold of people and gives them the joy of ownership.

It's just hard to make a decision sometimes.

I really understand....

What I've learned to explain to people is this. 

 That you are buying a piece of my life I cannot get back.

That part of my life is contained in that work of art.

So, you literally own a piece of me!

We started the day with church and then a delightful ride on our 'new to us' boat.

The boat is aluminum and had over 22 holes that had to be repaired.

Chris sanded and sanded, then painted it a beautiful blue.

He built a windshield very similar to the one on the boat I remembered in my teenage years.

While sitting on her today, I was facing the wake and the shape of it made this beautiful V that I remember so strongly.

I had many happy hours behind the boat while water skiing and also while holding the helm while my 

father skied as well. 

I drove a boat from about the age of 14.

I've also really begun the VBS build in earnest now.

I went to Goodwill to purchase a barstool to build the motorcycle on.

And a chair to make into a throne for the girls to have photos in.

Each year I attempt to have interactive works for photo opportunities, and this year will be no different.

It's going to be amazing.

At least that's what I'm seeing in my imagination.

Another day in the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

Thanks for coming along for the ride!

All the chubby mermaids, Acrylic on wood, 24 inches

Day 6 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Dead Men Tell No Tales IV

The front piece for "Dead Men Tell No Tales" is done!

I painted a lot today on the entire front piece for the painting.

I stopped and cooked dinner, then cleaned up.

My neck was making my head hurt today, so it was a difficult day to complete this one.

I am unable to quit, even when hurting, so I paint.

After cleaning up, I contemplated not going to fireworks but sucked it up and off we went.

I am not unhappy that I spent the time with my son and husband.

We rode bikes to and from so we beat most of the traffic coming home.

I was a nervous wreck while riding and took a deep breath when we got home.

Then I headed to the studio and finished the day's work.

I am tired and am going to bed after a shower.

It's been a long day!

I pray you like it!

Dead men tell no tales, Acrylic on wood, 24 inches

100 days~100 paintings 2026, day 5