More of the future is here

More baby turtles today. This year's 100 days began with four commissions. One of them was for baby turtles on the 6 x 24 canvas. I told the collector that I would paint two and he could choose one of them. This is the second one. Hopefully one of them is sold already. I really enjoy painting these little guys every time. Specifically, this collector wanted the ones coming out of the nest.

Today is a special day. It is our youngest daughter's birthday in India. A joyous day for sure when she was born. It was an incredible day that is burned into my memory.

Today is July 2nd. This is interestingly enough the apex of the year. There are 182 days before, and 182 days after. The first part of the year we climbed toward the middle and from now on there are less days in the year. Just an interesting fact that is really neat.

Christina, the one whose birthday is today was born on the second of July. My mother, (her grandmother called Manna) was born on May 2nd. My birthday is October 2nd. She was absolutely delighted that her daughter, Dahlia was born on August 2nd. Her birthday this year she will turn 5.

My day was filled with painting, sanding and going on a date with my husband. We went to see Young Washington and it was an incredible movie and story. Well worth the time to see it.

Speaking of well worth the time. I have a bit of history for my dimensional pieces that began in earnest last year. These works are a long process that begins with unfinished wood cut into circles with a router. These pieces are sanded carefully using a drum sander. They are then backed with a thinner layer which forms the background. They are glued and nailed around the edge. Each one is then painted with Kilz so that the glue layers are trapped beneath the painting layer. They are then painted again after more sanding with Acrylic paint. Chris gives me a piece of wood that matches the round, which allows me to draw the dimensional top piece. This piece has to also be painted with both Kilz and Acrylic. The top piece is then cut with either a band saw or my scroll saw. The scroll saw is used on more delicate works like lionfish fins and octopus legs. Most complex are the Pirate pieces because of all the open cut work allowing the base of the pirate ship and reef to be seen beneath. The dimensional piece is then sanded carefully from the back. The background must be painted first. I then take the dimensional piece and nail blocks underneath which are nailed from above and below. The edges of the top piece are painted on the edges, then the creature is then painted as well. I then varnish the back and the top piece to protect it. I add a hanging wire as well to finish the work. Almost 20 steps total!

So, when you're looking at a piece of art. 

There are hours of decisions, drawing and painting. 

In the case of the dimensional works many more steps are needed to complete the piece. I am grateful for the many people who have let go of their hard-earned money to purchase one of my works. 

The artist that you purchase from may really need the income or the 

validation that comes from creating.

I am so blessed to be able to create and actually make money with what I paint.

From the bottom of my heart, Thank You!

More of the future is here, Acrylic on canvas 6 x 24

Day 3 of the 100 days!00 paintings 2026