Heron the hunter

Today's entry.

I learned something incredible about herons yesterday.

Appalling actually.

A photographer caught a Great Blue Heron in the act of hunting.

I've seen them eat a snake before.

We also saw one of our locals eat a tiny turtle while in the park one day.

Herons move very slowly when hunting, and bring their necks back to strike  at their prey.

They stand very still, watching the water for a possible fish snack.

This was not however what this heron caught.

There was a Momma mallard and her five ducklings swimming nearby.

One of the ducklings came too close and became a meal.

I would not have believed it, had I not looked at the photos.

I'm already scared of these beautiful creatures because I've had them swoop in 

while walking the beach for sea turtles at dawn.

They make the weirdest sound as well.

Creepy, fascinating, and now on my dangerous list even more!

I am one step closer to the Freedom Arts show at the Wharf today.

I've sent in my application and booth shot.

Now I wait for acceptance.

This show is a herculean task for the city of Orange beach, but I think they're going to pull it off!

Heron the hunter, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16

Day 78 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

An Attitude II

Still in the mode to fill in the show in Mississippi.

One more tomorrow, then Chris heads over to allow those that have purchased pieces to take them home.

In deed a wonderful problem to have.

Regardless, the art is being seen, in air conditioning, and protected.

It has been wonderful so far!

Today found me in day two of the art camp in Mobile.

Whew!

These kids are challenging my artists mind, creativity, and stamina!

I love it, all of it!

Taught until 12.

Then headed back to Fairhope for lunch with Chris.

One o'clock found me at church working on VBS items which starts next Monday.

I am so excited to be almost finished with a lot of really cool items to make the kids happy, and me too!

The theme is "I Wonder" and I truly wonder what they will think when they see the amazing things we've created. 

I never could have done half of this without the incredible help of lots of people from the church.

Usually, I am the person in charge and doing the vast majority of the work.

This time has allowed my creativity to soar, with lots of hands willing to do lots of painting!

Lots of extra large items on hand to make them "Wonder!"

I jumped in the pool for about an hour, then had leftovers for dinner. (Thanks Chris!)

Cleaned up, started the dishwasher.

Off to the studio.

Printing up photos of the kids in Graffiti class for their next project.

Finishing same photos with clear gesso to seal and allow them to work on top!

Last, but not least painting this evening!

An Attitude II, Acrylic on canvas, 12x24

Day 29 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

A very full, very fun, very fascinating day!

 

Sea Turtles for Two!

Well now!

Yesterday (Sunday) was incredibly jam packed.

We watched church online and started our day.

Delightfully, Alfred finally got the funds we were trying to send to him for a while.

He immediately went to his Landlord and paid rent for both July and August.

That done, his family also got some groceries to be able to eat.

I received a delightful photo of Praise with sausage and sazda piled up to eat.

They all went to bed, singing God's praises with full bellies and happy hearts.

Meanwhile, my Sunday remainder was spent at the desk, trying to pound out 

more of the illustrations for the book. 

I am trying to get drawings done for approval from the author, then start on the paintings.

As a side note, I met with the author today and she loves the drawings so far!

I am still trying to finish them before we would have left for Africa on August 9th.

They will be done in watercolor, so they should go fairly quickly.

Anyways after a long day at the desk with breaks few and far between, I was too tired to post!

Why turtles again?

Saturday I got a message from Stewart Heath Gallery.

I need turtles ASAP!

I was taken aback as I had just delivered turtles the week before.

Then the photo popped up on my phone of the sale of one of the turtles I had brought previously.

What a problem to have!

I have a gallery that is making sales!

I am SO grateful that Stewart Heath nudged me into coming to her space.

She has actually pursued my work since before opening almost two years ago.

Recently she messaged me and asked again.

After prayer, I was led to go and leave some pieces with her.

She has given me a rather large space and I love it!

These turtles are for her Gallery to sell.

www.stewartheathgallery.com

Sea Turtles I & II, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24, $325.00 each

Days 28 & 29 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Just a little crabby

It has been another day on this earth that never fails to amaze me.

I am talking with Alfred in Zimbabwe on a daily basis.

We have sent him money to help with rent and food for his family.

It still has not arrived, and he is so patient.

I pray it arrives sooner rather than later, I don't want his family to go without food or shelter.

Each day we talk after I have sent him one of my readings for the day from the Bible.

He looks forward to them so much!

We are discussing each day his walk with God.

He is becoming closer than he has ever felt with his Maker and loves our discussions.

He is still creating, he is just much slower than I am.

He is also experimenting with new materials and textures.

I am really looking forward to seeing his new works coming from the pandemic and his own experiences with hospitals while fighting tuberculosis.

He believes his TB is completely healed through the power of prayer warriors here.

Why am I so impressed with him?

He has told me he was a gang member for years and realized it was not the path he wanted to take.

He left the gang, but wandered aimlessly in his path to Christianity.

I am so grateful to be a part of his conversion.

He loves God so much and believes there are better things to come.

I am working hard on the book as well.

I am determined to complete this task and complete it well.

Time will tell, I am frustrated on a daily basis.

Today, I just could not take my light box that Chris built about 20 years ago any longer.

It is heavy, bulky, hard to turn on and off, has screws in the way, and is too dark for my needs.

So, off we went to Hobby Lobby to purchase a light box. 

Now is when I miss Alabama Art Supply.

We used to sell large light boxes, this one is small but usable.

It is also MUCH brighter!

Stewart Heath Gallery sold another piece today.

Before I knew I had sold something, she sent me a text, I need turtles ASAP.

I was thinking, I just brought you two!

She sold the large one today.

More turtles.............Shadowbox ones too!

Coming soon from the Raccoon Retreat studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama!

Oh!

And I painted a crab today!

Just a little crabby, acrylic on hardibord, 10 x 10 inches

Day 27 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Shells times 2

It's a two for one day today!

The paintings are getting done, but the posting is not!

I am getting my show equipment and paintings ready for our first show this weekend.

Our first foray is down to Orange Beach. I am looking forward to dusting off the equipment, setting up the tent, and hanging for a show. 

Years ago, I used to go to this show when it was very small. 

 Almost nobody came to the venue, and at times there seemed to be more artists than patrons. 

You get it, a very small show.

Fast forward to current year. 

It has become a much larger show, well attended, and a beautiful venue. They have also expanded the prizes and there is also a very nice awards banquet on Saturday night. 

Looking forward to a local show that gets our feet wet before the big one here in 

Fairhope, Alabama next week.

NEXT WEEK!?!?

This realization hit me this afternoon, that one of my favorite shows is next week.

EEK!

I'm excited, nervous and going crazy at the same time.

We have a LOT to do in the next 2 weeks.

The week after A&Cs is Gulf Breeze and we will be boondocking there.

If we cannot get the U Haul camper completed enough, 

we will take the Gypsy Gal if she doesn't sell.

Boondocking is basically not plugging in, just sleeping, 

and maybe some light cooking and bathing. 

The bathing will have to be baby wipes of course 

as there will be no running water to use. 

The bathroom is a cassette toilet that we already have.

We will also have to have battery powered lights.  

Who knows, if I do well enough at the first two shows, I may spring for a hotel!

The work on the new/old Uhaul camper is progressing nicely enough, 

although not fast enough for either of us! Chris has put in many hours of fiber glass, 

rebuilding holes in the walls, rebuilding the floor, and practically restructuring the door. 

I am spending precious time removing the stickers that are cracked, layered and apparently painted!

We are purchasing a set of new stickers for the camper as we do want people to know it is a UHaul.

We are getting closer to  the gel coat and then,

there's

the dreaded

windows....

You see, this "egg" is 35 years old and the window seals have never been replaced. There have been several attempts to patch them, but it's time to do a complete reseal.

We found what we hope is the correct seals and will attempt this in the next week.

We've heard it is a test of your marriage, doing them together.

Together we must though as we don't want to lose windows that are irreplaceable.

I'm looking forward to conquering them!

This weekend, my "boys" will be rewiring the camper for both 110V and 12V. 

They will be working on this while I am at the show on Saturday in Orange Beach. 

Life is hopping here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio!

Blessings on you all this day as well!

Shells times 2, Acrylic on canvas, 6x6 inches

Days 90 & 91 of the 100 days~100 paintings Spring 2019

African Elephant

I have for years painted marine life with quite a bit of success.

Today however, I was inspired to create something different.

I read an another article about the poaching and killing of elephants in Africa and 

as usual it saddened me greatly.

There are many animals being exploited for their holistic properties, their hides, or purely as a trophy for a hunter. How the random killing of animals has become so easily watched or read about baffles my sensitivity. 

Our society has become numb to the mistreatment of animals. Abandonment, outright cruelty, and just plain not taking care has become the new normal.

However there are a few of us that speak up, stand up, and help when they can.

The sad thing is, it is not only animals that have become the forgotten in our society and on the whole, our world.

After watching the movie, Machine Gun Preacher, (the Sam Childers story) I realized that one person can make a difference. While I do not condone the actions of this sinner turned preacher then mercenary, I understand his why. The children were being exploited, horrifically mistreated, and turned into soldiers against their will. He built an orphanage for these children. 

In his own way while fighting his own demons, he became a saving grace.

He also shows that one person can make a difference.

I have a couple of people in my circle that are doing the same thing. 

One person making a difference is the 

director of Buy a Brick, Gib Leonard

This is from his website buyabrickfoundation.org

In June 2004, I  traveled to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on a mission trip with a few members of our church, Providence in McLean, Va.  I personally was touched by the love of the people, the friendly happy hearts that each one seemed to have towards life. As I looked around, I continued to see more and more people with this wonderful attitude, though living in poverty, with high unemployment, school buildings that were falling down, schools that needed to be built, teachers that slept in the closets at the schools. There was a serious tugging on my heart to do something about this...but what? The need was so great; a whole lot larger than our church could handle, so, The Buy a Brick Foundation was born,  a Non-Profit that raises funds and then goes and builds at the most needed villages in Zimbabwe. Fourteen years later, I would never have been able to comprehend that we would have built or rehabbed 14 school block buildings in seven villages, built a Clinic called The Leonah Clinic named after a young girl, Leonah Sibanda, who was attacked by a buffalo 2000 yards from the school. We have been building in the area's of  Victoria Falls and Hwange District.  Honestly, I thought Africa would be a cool place to take in a little adventure, a safari, take in the awesome sites, and in the process, do a few good deeds along the way. I had no idea that my life would change dramatically as a result of my first two weeks in Zimbabwe in 2004. The people of Zimbabwe touched my heart and have become a major part of my life ever since I first stepped on their soil.

I invite you to go to the site and see what amazing things the God is doing through the foundation.

I am one person trying to make a difference in our world.

The proceeds from the sale of this painting will go to buy a brick, to feed the children that may only get one meal a day at the school.

African Elephant, Acrylic on canvas 12 x 24

Day 51 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2018

Diving girls

These little ones are fun! Painted on recycled wood, they are sold at the Artist's Gallery in Downtown Fairhope. 

Fairhope Diving Girls , Acrylic on recycled wood, 5 x 8 inches

Day 27 of the 100 days~100 paintings

Postings with Apologies

"Pier Pelican"

Whew!

What a summer it has been! 

I have had more wonderful things thrown at me in the past few weeks than I can hardly stand!

I have had commissions, classes, and chaos! Mediacom has been iffy at best, with internet floating in and out at will!  Apologies to you all, my readers and followers for my not being diligent in my duties as a blogger and painter. I have been painting constantly, but not posting a painting a day. 

Thus begins the second half of the 100 Days~100 Paintings. It is now about 50 days until the National Shrimp Festival, and this year we are moving to the street outside of Fine Arts and into the world of Arts & Crafts. My friends have pestered me for years to move out there and so I have! Hopefully, we will be near our friend, George Kearney, as this will make Christopher's booth sitting a more enjoyable experience. Those of you who do outdoor shows will understand you can request placement, but there are no guarantees! I have also received congratulations letters from our usual shows for the fall, so we will be busy from the end of September til December.

Enough said, on to the real meal, the paintings! 

For the next 50 days I am painting and posting 2 a day so I can catch up and have enough inventory for all the fall shows.

The Pelican above is our local bird that hangs out at the public pier. He is always caging for a meal, looking for hand outs from the fishermen and cast netters. Recently, there has been a small battle between him and a Blue Heron that has decided to move in on the Pelicans easy pickings.

"Pier Pelican" 8 x 10 , Acrylic on Gessoboard Day 51 painting 1 of the 100 Days

"Chris is a turtle!"

This guy is one of the turtles rescued by the turtle hospital in Marathon Florida. He has lots of tumors on him that are not depicted here. We walk every Saturday during turtle nesting season to look for nests. On the way back, we pick up the myriad of parts and pieces of plastic that are so deadly to these beautiful creatures. I love painting turtles and probably will always have a few in my shows. 

"Chris is a turtle!" 12 x 12 , Acrylic on canvas, Day 51, painting 2 of the 100 Days.

"Sea Shells, She Shells"

I have seen this so many times on the beaches on and near here. Buckets in tow, they pick up every shell they can find, until moms gently remind them to leave some for others to discover. Our children would do this as well, and this little girl reminds me of both myself and our own children.

"Sea Shells, She Shells" 24 x 24 , Acrylic on canvas, Day 52 painting 3 of the 100 days

"Battered, Beached, and Broken"

We've all been there a time or two haven't we? Battered, thrown up on the Beach, Broken beyond repair. I have learned much in this journey of painting. Each of my brushstrokes is frequently a prayer for others while I am creating. I contemplate on their plights, give thanks for all God has done for me, then gratitude for a piece when it is completed and allowing me to use my talents for others. 

I photographed this jumbled, beautiful, mess one Saturday while walking for turtles on Orange Beach. After some research, I discovered that this species is a Speckled Crab. Normally a deep & cool water crab, the storm that brought this beautiful creature from the depths must have been violent indeed! This piece took more than a day, more like 5 days, but I am displaying it here for those who may need it for solace. It is an easy painting to get lost in, looking for all the different pieces and parts that make up the sandy beaches we all love so much!

"Battered, Beached, and Broken" 24 x 24, Acrylic on canvas, Day 52 Painting 4 of the 100 Days

Whew! Where did the summer go!

Day 38 found me with a different kind of painting, my Face! Those of you who are familiar know that perform every now and then as Precious the clown. This day found me at a delightful birthday party for a 6 year old girl. Always a lot of fun! While not a painting I can sell, just the paint on my face and the performance was the majority of the day.

"Precious" Day 38 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

 Days 39, 40 and 41 found me designing and painting signs and backdrops for my grands birthday! The two with sayings are actually cabinet doors my daughter recycled for me to make signs for her sons birthday. The mustaches are on pieces of brown paper 3 ft x 5 ft and there were two of them to cover a window behind the cake table.

Coming soon to a gallery near you! Actually Fairhope connections in Orange beach and Fairhope will have these as well as Southern Art and Framing in Mobile. There are several of them, enough in fact for me to carry them to shows myself as well! They will come with a starfish story and shells to decorate them.

Days 42 and 43 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings (2 sizes, 2 days!)

"Archers Turtle" this 8 x 8 is the sepia done on Archers birthday for his collection when he gets older. I am hoping to paint one on each of his birthdays, so he will have a collage of art by the time he graduates from college.

August 12 Day 44 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings acrylic on canvas 8x8

Today's offering catches me up with my goal of 100 paintings. One of several coming to the Fairhope Connections in Fairhope, Alabama as a unique Christmas ornament. They will be combined with shells to complete the coastal theme. Arriving at the gallery in September.

Fairhope Clock 4 inches round, Acrylic on canvas, Day 45 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

Rainforest Room~Days

The Main Wall with Signage "The Rainforest"

Flora

 Located at Celebration church in Fairhope, Alabama, this mural was a labor of Love. It took two weeks total, but only about 40 hours. Without the help of some really great people from the church, I would have been much longer! I am grateful to share my talents with  




Just Hangin'

             



                this  place we call our church home and I am
                grateful for the talents God has seen fit to
                bestow upon me. The top piece is the main
                wall as you walk into the room. The flora are 
                under the window. The different monkeys
                and birds were a delight to paint.
                There is much more in the room to look
                at and explore, but you have to
                come to Fairhope to see it!







Macaws Together
 



This post marks days 54~59 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

Rainforest Room

The view by the window
 

Walks on the Bluff

 

 I have plans to paint  "En Plein Aire" when the weather settles down (this has been one of the rainiest summers!). The walking paths here in Fairhope are wonderful, with people on them at virtually all hours. If you have never seen a Fairhope sunset, I would highly recommend putting that on your bucket list of things to do. We also have a pretty nice beach area in the park (there is a charge for park use, but it is free to residents). The parks are all great places for a picnic and sunset photos,  don't forget your camera! See you at the beach.

Pier Pressure

     Looking a lot like he is holding down the piling. this fellow was keeping the fort on his own personal perch. Pelicans are a  frequent sight now, but not so much in 1976 when we came home to Alabama. At that time, DDT was a pesticide that was in wide use in the agricultural industry. Runoff watershed that we are a lot of the water brought high amounts of pesticide with it. It entered the food chain and consequently, the Pelicans were affected. The poison caused them to have shells so thin when they laid their eggs, that they could not even sit on their nests without breaking them. As a result, the population of Brown Pelicans was nearly killed off. Fortunately, the environmentalists were able to prove the problem was the pesticide and it was removed from the market.

     When we came home from the Air Force in 1976 Brown Pelicans were  not a common sight. Now, we get the opportunity on a daily basis to see these birds in action. Weeks Bay is the best spot to see them diving for fish in the evenings, looking a lot like an arrow shot from a bow in their frantic rush to the sea. They have a special closure in their throats that prevents the rush of water from drowning them as they hit the water at terrific speeds. They almost immediately pop back up, swallowing their catch and floating on the surface. Sometimes you can find them drying themselves out by holding their wings a lot like an Ahingha (gotta check the spelling on this one!) They hold their wings out looking like they are going to take off, but they are just drying their wings so they can get to the next dive and fresh fish meal.

Pier Pressure 5 x 7 Acrylic on canvas

Celebrate Small Groups Artwork

     Not long after Vacation Bible School the next project came into play at Celebration. Our Fall Kick Off of small groups is happening on September 9th, 2012. I was asked to do the artwork for both the church and the Celebrate Kids building. My artworks are being displayed on stage in the church. I am having a great time designing and making these pieces! This piece is for the main panel in front of the desk on stage. CCNN stands for Celebrate Church News Network. This represents day 56.

    This is the piece created for the Celebrate Kids. These are all going on the desk on stage for decoration. It represents day 57 of the 100 days.

       

        Another piece for the decoration on stage. This one represents Celebration Church. Day 58 here of the 100 days.

     Glo is represented too!

     My favorite of the all the pieces because of the color! I really had fun making this one as well. All these pieces are on foam core and are approximately 15 x 15. The first one is larger for the front of the desk. All of these are going to make their debut on September 9th.


   

Baby

   I really want to see a "boil" one day. The sight of baby turtles escaping their nest  I have been told is quite a sight. They sometimes hatch at night so there is quite frequently a turtle sitter watching all night long. If they are born at night, the lighting has to be just right so that the babies don't get confused and go inland rather than to the sea. People who live nearby have to shield their lighting outside and probably their windows as well. Night is probably better for the little ones as far as predators go. There are lots of other creatures that think baby turtles are delicious. If they are born during the day, the seagulls are the primary threat. Either way, it's a miracle any of them survive at all!

   I am pleased to report that the Fall show schedule is firmly in place. I have the Jubilee Show in Daphne,Al the last week of September. The first weekend of October is the Grand Festival, this year being held Friday and Saturday, with the artists encouraged to stay open during the evening Artwalk on Friday night. There will be multiple birders there as well as the Birdfest will be in full swing. The second full weekend finds me in Gulf Shores, Al. Thursday , Friday, Saturday and Sunday I will be at the National Shrimp Festival. We then have a two week break before Peter Anderson in Ocean Springs, MS the first weekend in November. I am tired just writing about it! I am fortunate in that I have only had one show that did not make expenses. One never knows how these shows will go, profitable or not we will be loaded up and ready to go!

Baby 12 x 12 Acrylic on canvas