Laevistrombus Canarium

Laevistrombus Canarium

Also called a Strombus Canarium

The Canarium I think is because it has a yellow tinge.

Anyway, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

This tiny guy is only about an inch in length, although they do get larger.

This is another non-poisonous shell from the collection out of the Philippines.

I just love them all.

So many happy memories,

Especially when it came to the day we actually lifted the shells from the ant bed 

and got to see them in the light of day.

I think it looks a lot like our conch shells here in the Gulf of Mexico.

I don't know if you've had the opportunity to eat conch, but I find it quite chewy.

I didn't care for it at all when the villagers offered it to me.

I ate it, because that was polite, but I didn't like the texture.

Reminded me of clam chowder.

Another day of clearing and cleaning in the She Shed with my daughter.

I pray this helps her on her efforts to clear the clutter from her life and allows her to create in an atmosphere of calmness.

Tomorrow I'm home.

Today is one step closer to the end of the 100 days for 2026.

I pray you're still with me, let me know somehow.

I know people are curious as the numbers keep going up.

Thank you for that, I am blessed by your being here to read the blog.

We all want to have left something more than footprints on a sandy water washed shore,

 that the waves wash away.

Stay blessed and know that I am praying for and with you!

Strombus Canarium, Acrylic on canvas 6 x 24

Day 63 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

 

Clypeomorous Bifasciata

Clypeomorus Bifasciata

Better and more easily pronounced, Double Banded Creeper

The scientific name is a mouthful, isn't it?

This little guy is an algae eater, slowly creeping along the bottom.

Hence the name, creeper.

This is another shell from our collection out of the Philippines.

Today found me helping my daughter in her "she shed"

She is trying to clear the decks for a project we are working on, but also just attempting to have room to move as she has a LOT of stuff to create with.

I'm trying to be rid of items in my studio; she is holding on for dear life to the things she has acquired.

I know that in organizing and shedding excess the mind becomes clearer.

I am going to try and help her realize this too.

The last time she asked for help, we did shed quite a bit of items into several sources that needed them.

Hopefully this time will be the same scenario.

This shell was interesting to paint because of the texture.

Most of these shells seem to have areas on them where the shell has experienced some type of hardship.

These hardships on the shells translate into patterns that are visible to the naked eye.

We are like that as well.

The wounds we carry constantly remind us of the hard times, 

but there is nothing visible to the general public.

They just wonder at the possible outbursts that are directed at them.

There is a cure for our wounds though.

That cure is Jesus and our fellowship with him.

Unabashed, complete, surrender is all he asks of us.

Trust God through his Son Jesus.

I can promise you that He is the Great Physician able to heal all our wounds.

He's healed mine, and he'll heal yours too!

"Double Banded Creeper", Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24

Day 62 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Omaria cone

Today's painting is another cone shell.

I am again surprised at the number of cones that my parents collected.

This one is called Conus O Maria, or Omaria Cone.

The patterns on these shells are quite complex. 

They challenge me to create paintings that are visually interesting.

I pray that you are not getting tired of the collection that my parents accumulated over a short span.

The cones are different, yet you may see some similarities with the "Cloth of gold" one.

They are very similar in color as well as shape because they are cones.

Yesterday I tried to complete a survey for Sunshine Magazine while I was cooking dinner.

I got to the end and was adding photos.

I pressed a button and it was totally gone in an instant.

30 minutes of carefully prepared, grammatically correct, properly spelled answers just gone.

I was determined to complete the task as I have answered their surveys before and got my photos and answers published. 

While the meal was finishing, I went back upstairs to complete the task.

I gave myself a time limit of 20 minutes with a timer.

I told Chris when the alarm went off, I had a few more questions to answer and photos to post.

I'm much better with a brush than a computer!

I completed the survey, added photos, and went back downstairs to finish the meal preparation.

Never a dull moment around here!

Another day in the Raccoon Retreat studio located in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

Omaria Cone, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24

Day 61 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

A Conus Textile

"Conus Textile"

Otherwise commonly known as a Textile Cone.

I much prefer the other common name, "Cloth of Gold Cone".

Such a pretty name for such a deadly creature.

I am amazed at the sheer amount of cone shells my parents brought home from the Philippines.

Back in the 60's it was common to collect shells as mementos.

My parents took it to a whole new level I believe.

I am looking forward to visiting the razor corals, fan coral, turbans, 

scallops, and auger shells, and yes more cone shells.

So many memories coming back as a result of visiting these beautiful reminders of my adventures with my parents in a foreign country.

Little did my mother and I know that dad was setting up things for the Air Force in 

Vietnam while we were there in the Philippines.

My dad was in a heavily classified position, so he didn't talk much about his job.

All I knew was when he went to Vietnam, I had a special set of wheels made from cassette tape reels that were my code breaking key when coded letters arrived from the base.

It was all very exciting to my young self and gave me a fascination for codes and word puzzles that sticks with me to this day.

Ah the memories of childhood.

Tropical islands, breezes, and salt water.

I long for the sea still.

I guess I'm still a mermaid deep in my heart.

I visit the sea with my brush daily, and yet I don't get wet!

Thanks for coming along with me.

A Conus Textile, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24

Day 60 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Just a little white paint today

"Just a little white paint today"

Actually, I got a lot of work done besides the painting of the rounds and flat pieces with two coats.

I also had two fillings done first thing this morning.

The entire right side of my face was numb for the better part of the day.

Also holding my jaw open so wide gave me a headache as well.

So, painting the rounds white gave me a small amount of something done towards art.

I also transferred a few more shell paintings to 6 x 24s.

More cones and other shells all showing front, back, and top views.

More paintings laid out to be completed on later days.

I'm also needing to figure out what to paint on several canvases.

If you have any ideas on what you want to see, let me know.

Anyway, tired of fighting the headache, so I'm going to go to relax a while 

before turning into bed for the night.

"Just a little white paint today", Acrylic on wood, size varies

Day 59 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Death in a snail shell

 "Death in a snail shell"

 This is a cone snail shell from the Philippines.

My dad was stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the country.

Mom and I arrived a few months later around Christmas time.

It was a happy time for me as my parents did a lot for and with me.

I had started first grade at E.R.Dickson in Mobile, Alabama.

When we moved, I started back to school. 

My parents eventually started their scuba diving as a hobby.

With the scuba equipment designed by Jacques Cousteau, my parents were able to go into the undersea world that became my later obsession.

My six-year-old self was able to spend many hours in the arm of the bonka boat owned by Tony Bahalana. As long as I stayed in the arm of the boat, I could swim and watch my parents below. I played in their bubbles and relished the shells my parents brought home from the sea. We had an ant bed near our home that they would put the shells into, and the ants did an amazing job of cleaning them. 

I am not certain how the cone shells were procured and cleaned without my parents becoming victims of the shells. I only know my parents collected many cones in various designs. They became my fathers obsession, as well as him identifying them and placing carefully written names. He put a label in this one that identified it as a Radiatus-1.

He got the Radiatus part correct. I suspect the #1 as the first of his Radiatus he captured. Radiatus or Rayed Cone. Also called Conus ochroleucus.

These are marine gastropod mollusks belonging to the family Conidae.

They typically inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans, they often bury themselves in the sand near coral reefs or shallow coastal waters. The death part, they can be beach collected if they are empty.

Live cone shells are highly predatory and very venomous. They use a harpoon like tooth to inject potent neurotoxins that can be fatal to humans. I remember one of the children from the village getting stung. The ensuing panic in the village had my father trying to save the child, and my mother rushing me away from the scene so I didn't see what happened. 

Needless to say, my parents had a long talk with me about not picking up any shells on the beach like this child did. My dad was deeply saddened over this child and not being able to save her. Later on, he was able to save another child with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Life lessons learned at an early age.

Death in a snail shell, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24 inches

Day 58 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

A pearl of great value.

Scripts & Strokes started back for our Fall small group session.

We had an incredible time bringing our pearls to life.

First, we talked about and heard from Psalm 119, the longest book of the bible.

 Psalm 119 is often referred to as a string of pearls.

Psalm 119 is a series of sections, each representing a Hebrew letter.

Each verse has its own independent story and valuable lesson taught therein.

We then spoke about the lessons about wealth from Psalm 119.

Pearls at that time were worth more than emeralds or sapphires.

When looking for wealth look no further than Psalm 119.

Psalm 119:14 "I have rejoiced in your instructions as much as riches."

Psalm 119:72 "Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver'

Psalm 119:127 "I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold."

Psalm 119:"I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure"

The we enter into the Parable of the pearl.

Matthew 13:45-46 " Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it"

The merchant found heaven, he was willing to sell everything he owned to procure this pearl of great value.

The pearl is Christ himself.

True salvation.

We search for this pearl.

Maybe we discover this pearl.

Are we willing to sacrifice everything we own to purchase this pearl?

Following Christ means we have to give Him our all, after all He gave His life for us!

"A pearl of great value" Acrylic on canvas, 11 x 14 inches

Day 57 of the 100 days~100 paintngs 2026

 

Still crabby

"Still crabby"

This one was intense.

Intense because of the detail involved in creating the piece.

This is the canvas I had asked Chris to build for me.

I told him I needed a 12 x 36 with a 6 x 18-inch opening.

I needed the canvas for a shark, specifically a Great White.

Problem is to match the other canvas's; the opening needed to be 6 x 30 inch.

When I saw the canvas stretcher bars, I said okay....

A short while later, I realized my mistake.

I apologized and told Chris yes, you made exactly what I asked for.

It was still usable and beautiful though, and I knew exactly what I wanted to paint on it.

He also built the one I actually needed.

The Great White is coming soon too.

I also heard from Paul and his friend Jeff in Oxford England.

Jeff recorded and incredible message to me that really touched my heart.

Paul commissioned the piece on August 6th called Epic Goals.

Jeff actually completed the swim of the English Channel.

I've been invited to join in on a zoom call Wednesday, where Jeff will explain the process of the swim.

I am looking forward to the experience.

Epic goals indeed. 

I know both men's story will make it into the book I'm writing that includes my journals.

The book will feature stories from my life experiences as well as my journals.

Jeff already said he wants to read it!

The message that Jeff gave me made me weep with the pure love of God.

"Still crabby" Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 36

Day 56 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Dead Men Tell No Tales VI

"Dead Men Tell No Tales VI"

SIX!

Number six.

I am in awe of the talent God has given me that allows me to create incredible works of art.

At least I think they're incredible.

The first one last year sold almost immediately along with a mermaid painting as well.

I was in shock because I never dreamed that something I created could actually be in demand.

I will definitely have to have more than one on hand, 

which means there will be a number seven on my easel soon.

These are an incredibly intense piece with lots of hours to create it.

Approximately 20 hours to be more precise.

20 hours and 20 years of experience behind a brush.

The couple from Tallahassee came yesterday and picked up their Dead Men 

for their daughter who is now a Marine Biologist.

She worked on a pirate ship while she was attending college.

The painting is apparently a gift for graduation.

We also delivered another one Friday to a gentleman that wanted one for his wife's birthday.

It was a completely new design with a new blunderbuss and sword.

They already own three of my pieces and their fourth makes them officially collectors now.

This latest one is a reverse of the fifth one. 

The very first one was actually a rerun.

Last year was the first year that we started making the rounds in earnest. 

I took an original octopus piece, painted the edges white, and reimagined it.

I designed the front panel with a Dead Men theme.

This piece also had angled wood pieces that made the transition from the front piece to the octopus.

Obviously, the Dead Men series has already grown by leaps and bounds.

At least to me they've come a long way.

I really enjoy designing and painting them.

I pray you enjoy them too!

I also painted 5 of the last shadowboxes white today.

I have rearranged the studio to accommodate the canvases that are stacked up 

awaiting my pencil and brush.

Lots of work ahead in the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama!

"Dead Men Tell No Tales VI" Acrylic on Wood Round, 23 inches round

Day 55 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

 

Crazy Cephalopod

Somewhere in the midst of my brain and trying to paint my husband will throw something at me that does indeed make me go cross eyed. (Or at least roll my eyes.)When he brought me this canvas I wasn't sure what I was going to put on it, or if I even wanted to paint it. This is one of the new sizes that we're going to be bringing this fall. They measure 16x24 in with an 8x12 opening in the shadow box. He brought me six others that are the regular rectangular shape with rectangular shape shadow boxes. He did bring me opposites so that I can do pairs. Then he grins as he presents this one! As I said I wasn't sure what I was going to put on to it at first. As I was painting the canvases white, and octopus appeared in my minds eye. 

Here ya go!

I also wasn't sure what to call it. Drunk octopus came to mind, but I don't drink. I also kicked around Kooky octopus too. I ended with Crazy Cephalopod, it seems appropriate especially since I just finished reading Remarkably Bright Creatures for the third time. If you haven't read the book, at least see the movie with Sally Field. It was an incredible movie and the actor they had playing her costar was very good.

That's it for tonight as far as painting goes. 

Chris and our son Jere drove to Florida to look at and then purchase a new to me scroll saw. Chris got to use it first, finishing the Dead Men tell no tales front piece this afternoon. I'll pray for the family every time I use it. The saw belonged to the gentleman's dad and is part of the estate they're liquidating. Chris got the saw, stand, and a bunch of blades for $150. It has a longer throat than the one that broke, so things will be easier to manipulate under the blade. It does have a finger guard too, although I may try the one from my other saw to see if it will fit 

I will put all of it to good use, I'm sure!

Goodnight folks!

Crazy Cephalopod, acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16*24 inches

Day 54 of the 100 days-100 paintings 2026

Behind the scenes

"Behind the scenes"

This is the background for the latest Dead Men Tell No Tales.

This one is the 6th in the series.

I never dreamt that a series about pirates would become so popular.

I've already painted the front piece for this painting.

The front piece took a couple of days itself.

Chris is lending a hand helping by doing some of the cut work.

In the middle of the cutting, the scroll saw just quit.

No power going to the saw itself.

We've tried several different things in an effort to fix the problem.

We bought it used from a cousin's father-in-law for $75.

It has been a great tool for several years.

Chris and I went and looked at a new scroll saw at a local hardware store.

It was $275, not bad but Chris has found another one.

Marketplace is a familiar place in our house and our son especially.

We looked at several scroll saws online and have been in contact 

with a man about the one he has for sale.

Tomorrow morning Chris and our son Jere are going to look at and possibly purchase this newish one.

It looks brand new in the photos.

The videos I've seen look like it's a nice addition to our workshop.

Another tool to create!

I have to stay here, because the fifth Dead Men will be picked up in the morning.

Everyone that has picked up their pieces have been thrilled with their art.

The Little Rebel was picked up today and she was very happy.

I look forward to seeing photos of Little Rebel in place at the tailgating party.

Never a dull moment around here!

Tomorrow, a new saw probably.

I am going to stay with our grandson in Saraland about an hour from here.

We'll go to church together hopefully.

Then home, and back to work!

Behind the scenes, Acrylic on wood, 23 inches round

Day 53 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Sometimes all I do is paint canvas

Sometimes all I do is paint canvas....

A LOT of canvas.

I painted a total of 20 canvases today.

Lots of white acrylic paint.

Brushes and rollers.

Tops, sides, and edges.

It all has to get done before I can actually create something to sell.

All a part of the process.

All a part of my artist life here in the Raccoon Retreat studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

I also gave myself a headache trying to enter shows that don't occur for 9 months!

Well 2 are in January maybe.

The other one is Mothers day weekend in South Carolina.

Reading the prospectus, it is an intense show to get into!

After I enter the shows, I need to get camping places as well.

Artist fees, jury fees, booth fees, camping fees.

All in advance, all paid in full.

Sometimes, Acrylic on multiple canvas, varying sizes

Day 52 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

An octopus for today

"An octopus for today"

This small painting was a lot of fun to paint.

This is another of the 4 x 12 canvases that I purchased several weeks ago from FB marketplace.

I love having small little works that allow new collectors to enter the market.

And I enjoy painting them!

Today was a run around day.

I chatted with the children's pastor this morning, both about this VBS and next year's VBS.

We barely have finished one and my brain is working overtime on the next year.

We talked about what went right and what needed some tweaking to make it better.

It's going to be a Marvel-ous VBS.

We both agreed it was a Super VBS!

We then returned the other package of the messy sphagnum moss back to the store.

Glad to shed of that messy bunch of green!

We stopped for lunch, and then hopped over to Goodwill.

We did a little shopping, then headed home.

Studio time for me and a nap for Chris and the dogs.

Chris realized we needed reservations at Fort Clinch for May of next year.

Fort Clinch already full of course as it opened two weeks ago.

We managed to find the state park we stayed at last year was available.

Reservations made and paid 9 months in advance.

Chris and I headed to the grocery store to pick up a few things, heading home before a major storm hit.

Chris was assigned dinner preparation, and I headed to the studio again.

I'm working hard when he tells me dinner is ready.

Dinner.

Back to the studio to finish my slippery friend.

A busy, hectic day as usual.

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

"An octopus for today", Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches

Day 51 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

NOT a painting !

NOT a painting!

Obviously, right?

I still worked all day on the Little Rebel for a client of my daughters.

I'm praying that it is what she wanted.

It measures over 21 inches.

She uses the one she had before as a centerpiece for tailgating with flowers and other items.

I started by gluing multiple sheets of foam board using gorilla glue to make a block.

This is the same way we made the sea turtle nest that is at the Dauphin Island Sea lab.

The turtle nest has a 'bulletproof' coating of PVA paint, glue and sand.

It is really hard.

I spent several hours carving the foam into the shape needed.

I worked inside a box to try and contain the foam pieces from going all over the shop.

Of course, Chris wanted me to use big tools, but they kind of scare me.

I started with the band saw.

Tried the vibrating cut off tool.

Went to my flex shaft Dremel with a cut off wheel and ended up with a small wire brush.

Moved on to my trusty razors, changing blades frequently because the foam dulls the blade.

Some more wire brushing.

Some additional added pieces.

A dimensional mustache, beard, and nose additions were made.

I also filled out the brim of the hat.

Incredible amounts of removal to see the final piece.

There's a whole can of foam pieces cut off.

This one is intended as a topiary of sorts.

I don't think it photographs well at all.

There is a lot of detailing that cannot be seen because of the sphagnum moss covering it.

I used super 77 to glue the moss to him and that stuff is so messy!

Both the moss and the super 77.

It has also been given a light coating of satin varnish to help hold the moss in place.

Did I say it was messy?

I did all the work outside in the heat with a fan running.

Thank the Lord, it's done.

And BOY am I glad to take that one off my plate!

I pray she loves it!

Today marks 16 years since we received our Certificate of occupancy 

for the Raccoon Retreat in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

For those that don't know, my husband and I built our home together in Fairhope.

It is the second house we built, and the third one that was only renovated.

We built the house here in 2010 in about 6 months.

I was here on the job site every day during the build.

16 years of living in our own little paradise that is our home.

Happy home anniversary to us!

Tomorrow, I have to paint a LOT of canvases as Chris stretched while I painted yesterday.

26 more to create upon, including a couple of really unique ones!

That's all for today folks!

Thanks for dropping by!

NOT a painting!, Foam board, glue and moss, 21 inches tall

Day 50 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

Sand Island Lighthouse

Actually, the lighthouse and the Oil house.

Originally lighthouses were fueled by Whale oil that had to be trudged up however many steps necessary.

I've been in several lighthouses, and their stairs are legendary in their amount and heights.

This one in particular is similar to Pensacola lighthouse in that it a tall tower.

The circular staircases in these marvels of engineering are a sight to behold, especially from the top looking down.

Sand Island lighthouse is not the one we currently see. 

I did work from the photograph though of the one that was post-civil war. 

The first one was commissioned in 1828.

It was built between 1837 and finally lit in 1839.

It was only 55 feet tall.

It was then replaced by a brick tower in 1859.

This tower was famously destroyed during the civil war.

The story is told that the lens had been removed from the tower by the confederate army and put into safe keeping. 

The Union took over the island and was using the tower to spy on the Confederates.

In a series of two raids the confederates snuck onto the island and planted dynamite on the second raid.

Problem was that the fuse was too short and the men nearly lost their lives when the tower came crashing down all around them.

This was 1863.

1864 a temporary wooden tower was erected.

In 1873 the current 132-foot tower was built.

There was a large house for the family and assistant keepers.

The house caught fire and burned in the early 1970s.

The island originally was over 400 acres and had farming on it as well as the lighthouse keeper and his family.

The current state of Sand Island is sadly, crumbling into the sea.

There have been multiple attempts to shore up the area around the lighthouse, but I am afraid the only thing that will actually save it is to move it.

History is fascinating isn't it!

Sand Island Lighthouse, Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches

Day 49 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

A little wiggle please!

"A little wiggle please"

Wiggle indeed!

These beautiful creatures are not only pretty, they're also pretty nasty.

Case in point, July 4th early in my marriage to Chris.

We all decided to go to the beach for a fun day.

I had bought a new one-piece bathing suit and was looking forward to body surfing in the waves.

I no sooner got in the water and surfed a couple of waves when I felt an intense burning inside my suit.

My chest was absolutely on fire.

I ran out of the water and told my mother what was going on.

My brothers, and husband kept bringing water to try and flush it out to no avail.

My mother and Chris had to hold up two beach towels so I could strip down on the beach.

I found pieces of tentacles in my suit.

I never saw the Portuguese Man of war.

I spent the next hour after washing my suit in an ice chest on my back with ice packs.

Definitely not a way to go to the beach. 

We never saw the jellyfish.

The tentacles can detach from the jelly but still sting!

They have something called a nematocyst and when it comes in contact with something they fire the barb like a harpoon into whatever it hits.

Not a pleasant experience for sure.

I still love painting them though!

Chris started stretching the canvases he built today.

I have precut all the canvas and laid it out in stacks.

He stretched; I painted.

Even with headphones and music I find it difficult to concentrate on painting while listening to the constant popping of the staple gun.

At least the new compressor I bought is not as noisy as my previous one!

"A little wiggle please!", Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches

Day 48 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Whale songs

"Whale songs"

Humpback whales will always be a favorite of mine.

They are wonderfully fun to paint and always sell.

I've put them on shadowboxes, sewing drawers, small and large canvas.

They've also been a part of poured backgrounds, in color and in sepia.

They also are a favorite of judges, earning me a merit award and judges' choice.

I love to listen to their songs when on marine life programs I watch.

All in all, a beautiful creature.

Chris built the stretchers I asked for today.

I ordered 16 x 24 canvas with an 8 x 12 shadowbox opening.

He built six offset and then he gave me one unusual, angled shadowbox opening.

More on this one later!

Chris is always keeping me on my toes for sure.

"Whale songs" Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches

Day 47 of the 100 days ~100 paintings 2026

 

Kraken destruction

"Kraken destruction"

This one was a wonderfully neat one to do!

I may add some coral in the background later.

So many shadowboxes to paint!

I asked Chris for a 12 x 36 with a 6 x 18 opening centered.

He made EXACTLY what I asked for!

Problem is that I needed a 12 x 36 with a 6 x 30 inch opening.

He made the one I needed the next day.

It will go with my other sharks and will have a great white painted on it.

The other one will most likely have a blue crab created on it to take full advantage of the large ends with the claws and the crab body in the middle.

I also requested a dozen 6 x 24 stretchers for my elongated canvas pieces that are popular.

They are nice little pieces for in between windows or doors.

They can also go above doors and windows.

Chris heard something different.

I came outside to tell him I was going to the Dollar store for our lunch supplies.

He was very proud of the 5 12 x 24s he had just built.

I said great and fixed lunch.

While we were riding the dogs later, we were talking.

He realized that I wanted the long skinny ones not the 12 x 24s

He started laughing so hard.

I guess he heard 6 x 24 and thought I said 12 x 24 shadowbox.

At least I don't need any more for the time being.

Although I have sent him a text for the 16 x 24s he made earlier this year.

These have an 8 x 16 opening offset.

I wasn't sure about them, but we sold both of them in the spring.

They haven't been shown here in Fairhope.

We'll see what comes out of his shop tomorrow!

Always an adventure, life with Chris and art!

"Kraken destruction" Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24

Day 46 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

"Devil" rays

Oh, the beauty of the Manta Rays!

Also known as "Devil rays" they are present in the Gulf of Mexico.

They are absolutely beautiful to watch.

I've never been fortunate enough to see them in person.

With the exception of a very small one while paddleboarding one day.

The only way I've seen them is in videos online.

Giant Manta rays are typically found in coastal and shelf edge waters.

The highest amount of nearshore rays are found near the Mississippi River Delta.

They are most common from April to June and from October to November

They range in size from almost 7.5 feet across, with the adults can have wingspans up to 22 feet!

The scientific community has discovered a giant manta ray nursery in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.

This is about 70 miles offshore from Galveston, Texas.

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary map.

Juvenile rays are cared for during their first 4-5 years here.

They then venture out into deeper waters as Adults.

They reach sexual maturity at about 10 years of age.

They only give birth to a single pup every 2 or 3 years.

They prefer warm nutrient rich water which is full of plankton.

They are filter feeders eating both plankton and small fish.

They sweep them into their mouths using their pectoral fins.

Fascinating beauty by our creator. 

I'm glad he gives us so many creatures to marvel about!

"Devil Rays", Acrylic on wood, 21.5 inches

Day 45 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Archers Lion

Today is Archer's birthday.

Archer is our first grandchild, and he is an amazing young man.

He turned 13 today.

I have a teenaged grandson.

It seems like yesterday when he was born.

I barely got to Mobile when our daughter and her husband rushed out the door because she was in labor.

We all went to the hospital and the waiting began.

I was glad I had a painting to work on while waiting.

I painted him a crab the day he was born.

Each year, he gets a new painting added to his collection. 

The first few years I choose the painting.

The last few, he has chosen what he wants for his painting. 

This year I had been working on the lion as a demonstration piece.

I asked Archer if he wanted it for his 13th birthday.

All his other paintings are on flat canvas.

This is his first shadowbox.

The paintings are supposed to stay with me until his 18th birthday, but they are starting to take over.

He mentioned he wants them in his room now.

Soon he will have all of them, ranging in size from 4 x 8 to 18 x 24 inches

I will help him hang them.

He has a wide range of pieces from a gecko to a sailfish, a rhino to a portrait of his dog.

They are all in sepia, so they all go together.

Each one has the date and the year on the back.

A funny aside today.

I asked for a 12 x 36 shadowbox with a 6 x 18 opening.

When I saw it, I realized my huge mistake.

The opening was too small.

It will make an awesome blue crab though!

I needed a 12 x 36 with a 6 x 30 opening.

He provided that today.

I also asked Chris if he could build me some 6 x 24 flats as they are a popular series and I am out.

I went to work in the studio, Chris went to the shop.

I worked for a couple of hours, then decided to fix something for lunch.

Tuna fish sandwiches with chips would do nicely.

No chips.

No sweet relish either.

I went out to the shop to tell Chris I was going to the store.

He proudly showed me 5 12 x 24 shadowboxes.

I said nothing, went to the store purchased the items I needed, then came home.

We ate lunch, then we went to pick up some art supplies I found online.

In our conversation, I asked if he could build the 6 x 24s now.

He started laughing.

I thought you wanted 12 x 24s.

I said no, I told you I had plenty of shadowboxes, I needed the 6 x 24s.

He thought it was so funny that he apparently heard 6 and 24, 

but thought I wanted shadowboxes 12 x 24.

The 12 x 24 shadowboxes have a 6 x 18 opening in them.

I now have 5 extra 12 x 24s.

More to stretch and stack up in preparation for more paintings!

And now I'm tired and ready for bed.

Goodnight!

Archer's Lion, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24 inches

Day 44 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

A very full day!

Well, the photos are backwards.

This one is actually the end of my day.

Painting several rounds and flat pieces with Kilz to begin the process for the rounds.

The wood has to be isolated to make sure things don't yellow from the glue in the wood.

So many steps to complete the rounds!

Speaking of rounds, I delivered the very special project to Paul today for his friend.

I can't wait to see the photos from that reveal!

I pray that his friend is successful in his swim of the English channel.

Headed to England next week!

I also took time out from my day early in the afternoon to rehang my space at Hello Gallery.

The Gallery is located at 18 S Section street in downtown Fairhope, Alabama.

Seven new works are on display, along with other pieces.

My morning started with getting everything ready for the many commissions.

I packed them up.

Called and texted the new homes.

One picked up today, one next week, and one the week after.

It's been a long day, but a productive one for sure.

Goodnight!

A very full day!, multiple pieces, acrylic on wood and canvas

Day 43 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026