Send in the clowns!

Tonight, our small group met, and boy did we have fun!

We all painted the clown fish you see here.

They all looked pretty great too!

This was after a long day.

Not all of my day was in the studio, however.

The studio time in the morning was taken up by putting wires on all the paintings varnished yesterday.

I then sketched off nine paintings for tonight's class.

If you don't know, while I am working, I keep my phone on silent for the most part.

So, while I was drawing in the bathroom for tonight's class, 

my sister in love was trying desperately to get in touch with me.

Turns out, she got a call from the doctor's office about her test last night.

They wanted her to go to the emergency room immediately.

They saw a possible brain bleed.

When she couldn't get me, she called her sister in Mobile who called Chris.

All this while I was quietly transferring the drawings to canvas.

I came out to seven missed calls in the space of 20 minutes.

Chris picked her up and took her to the emergency room.

Then, Chris called me to tell me what was going on.

I was preparing to go to the ER when our son called and wanted lunch.

I went with him to lunch and picked up something for Chris to eat.

We exchanged food in the hallway, and Chris went home to eat and hang out with dogs.

I spent the next few hours trying to calm my sister in love and asking questions.

We pretty much were left alone and without a whole lot happening.

Once it was all said and done, the ER physician said he didn't see a brain bleed.

Neither did the Neurologist.

This is the second time this has happened but it's in a different area now.

I'm glad she's okay and at home resting.

That was my scare for the day!

Tonight's class was so much fun.

All of the ladies had really neat looking fish by the time we were done.

We also spent two hours that just flew by!

Psalm 104:25 "Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small."

The clownfish is unique in that they can hang out with the anemone and not get stung.

Gods covering is like that, covering us with his presence and protection keeping us from harm.

Bring in the clowns, Acrylic on canvas, 11 x 14

Day 85 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

Happy artists, happy art!

Spotted visitor

Whale sharks are my new fun creature to paint!

This one is on a hand built long canvas that is 6 x24 inches.

The elongated canvas came about after I saw another artist with these really lovely abstract watercolor pieces that were elongated but matted to make them have more of a presentation.

I started out having Chris make them 4 x 24 but they were just too narrow to do anything with.

So, we started making them 6 x 24.

They are the perfect size for between windows or above doors.

People seem to love them, sometimes buying two for either side of a door or window.

I enjoy painting them too!

I was checking my pages on Facebook to see how things were.

I discovered much to my dismay that there was a fake event using my profile picture 

and a photo of my paintings for the Fairhope Arts and Crafts for next year!

There were several people using it to advertise "booths still available", 

contact me (which was various people)!

My name, paintings, and likeness being used for a scam!

I reported every single one of these people.

I also deleted the "event" invitation.

I'll probably contact the show too!

Or at least one of the members that puts it on for our fair city.

Another day, another painting, another scam, one day closer to the Annual National Shrimp Festival 

in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama.

I'm done for tonight!

Spotted visitor, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24

Day 80 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

I'm seeing spots!

I'm seeing spots!

You can see why too!

These guys were incredibly hard to finish in one day.

My typical shadowbox canvas, but not my typical sea creature.

They are incredibly beautiful and gentle giants.

And yes, they are in the Gulf of Mexico!

I would love to see one in person for sure.

This photo is from NOAA Fisheries and shows the amazing tracks these wonderful creatures take.

While you may not see one near Mobile Bay, it is possible to see them in the Gulf of Mexico.

Now, for some fun facts.

They are not actually whales but the world's largest fish species.

They can reach up to 46 feet and they can weigh 12 tons!

Thats the size of a school bus folks!

They are filter feeders, scooping up plankton, krill, fish eggs, and small fish.

They have more than 3,000 teeth, but they are not to eat with.

They can grow to be very old possibly to 100 years in age.

The oldest documented whale shark is 75 years old.

They swim slowly but can still travel long distances during migration.

They give birth to live young after an estimated pregnancy of 12 to 18 months.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature considers them endangered.

They can live in captivity and there are four of them at the Georgia Aquarium.

They are also a member of the Orectolobiformes also called carpet sharks.

I'm done for today!

I'm seeing spots! Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24 inches

Day 79 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Unwelcome visitor

Lionfish are definitely not welcome wherever they go.

They are an invasive fish that has taken hold in much of our Gulf of Mexico.

Just a scant few years ago, Chris and I took our first trip to the Florida keys.

There already were rumblings about the lionfish invasion.

Organizers were encouraging Divers to spear them, and chefs to cook them.

I've heard they're quite delicious, but I have yet to find a restaurant that 

actually, has them or is not sold out.

The divers have become adept at spearing them and can bring in income by selling them to fish markets.

At least that is what I have heard.

As you can see from this map provided by a U.S Geological Survey, 

the lionfish is almost covering the entire Gulf of Mexico.

They were first reported officially off the coast of Florida near Dania Beach, Florida in 1985.

The Geological survey only begins in 1993 and as you can see, they have managed to travel quite far.

It is thought that they were introduced from aquarium hobbyists, possibly hurricane Andrew in 1992, but most likely they were stowaways onboard water ballast from large ships.

When the ships emptied their water, the fish were contained within.

They have become prolific ever since.

They are an apex hunter with no known predators.

That is, except for us!

We can eat them, when we can find them to eat.

We now have another hurricane that will impact our area.

Not a direct hit, but we probably will still feel the effects from the wind pulling moisture from the Gulf and crossing over us in the process.

We can only pray that Erin will take a turn more north into the Atlantic, missing the U.S. entirely.

As for us, probably lots of rain on already soaked soil.

My husband is my rock.

Chris knows I have been trying to figure out a frame that I could use for some lovely 19.5-inch wood circles I bought months ago.

After an hour trying to find anything, I did find a frame that would be made for $38 online.

Now that may sound bad to you, but to me it's just another art supply.

It costs money to make money in art.

Anyway, the $38 frame had a $79 shipping fee!

I can't handle that.

Today Chris asked if I wanted lunch and go look at a local large chain variety store to see if I could find a frame for these four circles.

After traipsing the store for almost an hour, we found nothing.

We decided to go to Lowes.

Lowes actually had tabletops in unfinished wood, but Chris would still have to router out the center.

"Let me build it. Let me see what I can do."

I just don't like causing him more work....

So, we came home, and he went to the shop out back.

A short while later, he brought in one of the circles with a beautifully cut frame encircling the edge.

"How is this?" He asked.

"Perfect! I'll just have to fill in the holes" I replied.

Later he went into the shop and produced 3 more, 

except these were wider and didn't have nail holes at the top.

Turns out, his mind was working overtime and this time 

he nailed them from the back instead of the front.

No worries, he had the putty to fill the holes on the first one, and it's already done.

I just have to sand them, Paint Kilz on them, and paint them white.

Needless to say, I'm excited.

Beautiful things are happening here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama!

Unwelcome visitor, Acrylic on wood, 12 inches

Day 45 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Just clowning around!

Theres no clowning here for sure!

Just a lot of good old fashioned hard work.

I have been fortunate to be able to create several sets for the Vacation Bible school at Celebration Church.

I am so grateful for the talents God has given me, allowing me to help Him further His Kingdom.

Yes, it's a lot, yes, it's exhausting, yes, it's fun.

We painted

A
LOT 

TODAY! 

Palm branches got sprayed, two sets of flats had trees, 

and palms added to the backgrounds painted yesterday.

The stage is getting detailed and so are some backdrops we used over 10 years ago.

The stone gates are looking amazing.

The kids are really starting to see the whole picture coming to life.

It all will truly be beautiful indeed.

I am always amazed at the end result myself.

We also had an emergency run around while the youth that were helping were eating lunch.

Sarah and I brought our lunch to the CK building to eat and have some quiet time.

I heard thunder, then when I heard louder thunder, we both jumped up and ran outside.

We scurried around, picking up and bringing in all the items 

that were laying on the ground drying outside. 

The palm branches were not quite dry, so we propped them up against the fence.

We got everything in just as the rain started to fall.

Then the bottom fell out.

I prayed the palms just painted that morning were dry enough to hold their paint.

Heart pumping action for sure.

The KOTC had rehearsal for the VBS.

So, we packed up everything for the night.

I headed home, took dogs for a ride, ate dinner, got ice cream!

I then headed to the studio to paint as I have been itching to get back to my easel.

This "Just Clowning Around" is a small piece (11x14).

It is the demonstration piece for Hello Gallery.

I am teaching how to paint this little guy September 9th from 5:30 -7:30 pm.

It will be a fun class for sure!

It is now hot shower time for me!

I bid you Adieu!

Just Clowning Around, Acrylic on canvas, 11 x 14

Day 23 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

The load in that almost didn't happen!

Tomorrow begins a long week of painting and finishing up the dinosaurs.

Today though, we were loading up the paints, brushes, trays, cups, and tarps

We were having to move the dinosaurs again, for the twentieth time.

We had to move them to get to the paint.

Once in the corner, a paint can fell over spilling almost an entire gallon onto the floor.

All over boxes of art projects to be done, my extra tile for the bathroom, and just plain everywhere.

Using two dustpans, I scooped up most of the paint and put it back into the bucket, sawdust and all.

We then used newsprint and a wet t-shirt to get most of the mess.

My skins not so lucky, I have dried paint all over my legs, hands, and arms.

I then chose the paints I wanted to use, and we loaded up the van.

The van also has the Velociraptor inside.

We then got the trailer from the side yard to pre-load the dinosaurs for morning.

Once we got the trailer, we started up with the triceratops.

I was fine going up, but coming down my Keen shoes slipped on the grating.

I went down of course.

In the process of falling, I put out my right hand and felt the blow into my upper arm and hand.

As I sat there praying, "Lord please don't make this bad!"

Chris yelled out "Loran! are you okay?"

I said, "I think so", he was still supporting the dinosaur on the trailer.

"How did you fall?"

The Keens have become slick and hardened on the bottom.

I may put them in the garbage tonight, so I can't get them back out.

They really are my favorite shoes, and I have several colors.

I was shaking my hand, wondering how I was going to paint with a broken finger.

The shoulder is squeaking too, so I think Ibuprofen will be my friend tonight.

Needless to say, an exciting evening.

Good thing I painted earlier today!

The finger, I'm typing with it as we speak.

I expect it will be jammed up tomorrow.

I pray it is not!

"The enemy within the ocean" Acrylic on wood, 16 inches round

Day 20 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Bring in the clowns!

I simply love painting clownfish!

They really are a fun fish to paint.

The anemone, not so much....

Hours of tweaking and I'm finally happy with the anemone as well.

Long day working on this one folks,

This afternoon and evening I worked on the train some too!

I finally watched Avatar as I am curious about the new one coming out on Friday.

While watching Avatar, I worked steadily on the train, sewing down two boxes of rhinestones.

I am now tired and ready for bed after a rough night last night.

I don't sleep well at all, I'm a very light sleeper.

When my husband is quietly snoring and the dog answering, it made for a lack of sleep.

This was after another dog woke me up having an argument in the kennel.

Long day trying to stay awake and work as well.

 

Praying tonight is much better!

Bring in the clowns!, Acrylic on wood panel, 15 x30

Day 8 of the 100 days~100 paintings winter 2022

 

Marauders I & II

 I do have to apologize.

The winter version of the 100 days may look a little different.

 I may also not post every day because of the holidays.

Anyway, things are busy around here, as I'm sure they are at your house as well.

We are getting ready for Christmas while I'm trying to get ready for shows.

Thrown into the mix, are show entries, campsite searches, commissions, and ancestry searches.

I have purchased kits for testing but have already found a lot on an ancestry website.

For years we have searched for my dad's father, 

only for me to find out the name we had was spelled incorrectly.

More on this later, but I am excited to know there is some Scottish in our history.

There is also a rather large Mardi Gras train taking over my table in the studio space.

I committed to this train three years ago, not knowing that my business would be taking off so well.

I have made this bed now, and I must lie in it, or at least sew for hours on end in between paintings.

I have two shows in January, so I must get works completed to sell.

I have to be able to remove the train from the studio and protect it.

I have several canvases to stretch and paint white.

But, for tonight I relax.

We are going to a concert with the Gaither brothers in Pensacola.

We will also get dinner on the way!

A date night for just us.

I love it!

Marauders I & II, Acrylic on wood panel, 12 inches round

Days 3 & 4 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022w

 

Invaders of our shores II

Invaders indeed!

We are waiting on an invader to come into the Gulf of Mexico.

This invader is really not welcome anywhere along our coasts.

This invader?

His name is Ian.

This is a hurricane that seems to have its sights on Florida.

Wisely, the governor has put a good bit of the state under a state of emergency.

For now, it is slated to go into the big bend of the state.

My first show, Freedom Fest is just when this thing is supposed to be arriving.

Even though the show is in Orange Beach, Alabama this storm is rather large.

So far, our weather forecast is predicting the winds to be gusting 

up to 79 mph during set up on Thursday.

I am predicting that the show organizers are watching carefully.

We probably will not do set up until Friday afternoon, losing one day of the show. 

The winds are probably still going to be about 45 mph.

I think they may make it a one-day show for Saturday only.

As an artist, I am somewhat protective of my works.

I have been known to pack up the artworks when weather is predicted.

I will also wait to set up.

A couple of years ago, there was a storm system coming into Destin, Florida.

We were getting ready for set up for the show.

We made the decision to wait until the next morning.

There were other artists were thinking the storm was past us.

They started, fighting the wind.

A couple of them set up but lowered their tents.

It did not help them from the tents collapsing under the pressure.

One of them had to find a new tent for the next day.

This made us realize we needed a better-quality tent.

We ended up with an Extreme X7 tent.

The framework is tremendous and is extremely well built.

It proved itself by performing well during Arts & Crafts here in Fairhope.

We survived wind gusts of close to 70 mph.

I am grateful I invested in it for sure!

This invader however is a fish.

Another not so welcome invader.

Invaders of our shores II, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16 inches

Day 90 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Invaders of our shores I

Invaders indeed!

The lionfish explosion happened as early as 1985 off the coast of Florida.

They can consume more than 100 species of fish, competing with our local fish for food.

Lionfish reproduce year-round!

Each female can produce two million eggs per year.

That divides out to almost 17,000 eggs every three days.

They are voracious hunters, mostly at night.

Their spines, which are venomous make them have no known predators.

They can also live up to 30 years!

They are native to the South Pacific and Indian ocean regions in warm waters.

Their native range is from Malaysia and Western Australia, north around the southern edges of Japan and South Korea, around Australia's eastern coast and New Zealand, as well as throughout Micronesia.

(Sourced from National Marine Sanctuary Foundation)

What a species!

I've heard they are a delicious, delicate whitefish.

Every place we've tried to get them, they are sold out!

Someday I'll eat them.

Ask at your favorite seafood restaurant apparently, they're readily available from divers.

Today was spent putting wires on paintings and varnishing.

Some packing too, as the paintings are starting to attack me in the studio!

Invaders of our shores I, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16 inches

Day 89 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Lionfish pair

 

Lionfish are some of my favorite fish to paint!

I love all their beautiful fins.

Those fins are deadly though.

Not so much for us as humans, but to other fish.

The deadliest part though is the way they use their fins.

When they encounter something they want to eat.

Usually very small baby game fish.

They simply encircle the fish and inhale.

They have extremely large mouths.

When captured and dissected, they have been found with dozens of babies inside.

Now, divers have discovered a new source of income.

Capturing lionfish and selling them to restaurants.

I hear they're delicious!

Lionfish pair, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24 inches

Day 57 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

Lionfish II

I cannot even imagine how we are going to be rid of this invasive species.

Unless we find a way to overfish for them!

I've heard they are delicious, but have yet to find a restaurant that has them so I can try for myself!

Today was a good day in many ways.

I am very happy to have been able to paint so I can replace works removed from Big Fish gallery.

I also need to replace works for Stewart Heath Gallery as she made a large sale of five different pieces.

I am always amazed when people let go of their hard-earned money to purchase my works.

I am able to make a living doing something I love, so it doesn't feel like work.

But there is pressure to create now, more than ever. 

It's only 65 days until the National Shrimp Festival at Gulf Shores in October.

65 days.

65 paintings, maybe more.

Fortunately, God has given me an almost unbelievable talent and ability to create quickly.

I also have a great supportive husband that builds my frames, stretches canvas, erases, wires, and sometimes varnishes too!

When things get crazy, I pull him into my circus that is my studio!

Lionfish II, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16

Day 36 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Lionfish I

Lionfish I

I am in awe of the beauty of these fish.

I am also appalled at the invasiveness of this species.

These fish, who are rumored to be delicious by the way, 

are a huge threat to our reefs and big game fishing.

Not because of their size are they a threat, but they have no known predators.

They also feast on the tiny, big game fish freshly hatched.

They simply open their big mouths and inhale them.

I pray the divers can get a handle on the spearing, catching and eating of them.

If you have any extra for eating, I sure would love to eat some!

We had a round the world trip today.

We started out in Foley, buying folding bikes Chris found at really great prices.

They will need some work, but they will be an awesome addition to our camping gear.

We then headed to Big Fish Trading Company to pick up artworks to fill out my show in Mississippi.

I am so fortunate that Amy Powers allows artwork to be removed, then replaced.

She says, after all, I get new works!

We then drove to Mississippi and the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

They are very excited to have another show there for me.

Last year, it was one of their most popular shows. 

They invited me back as I was removing my works.

I am honored to be there in that beautiful space.

We unpacked, laid out, and got the show hung in about an hour and a half.

No small feat for 50 pieces of art that are on 60 canvases!

Chris is amazing at helping get it all done!

My opening reception is August 11th from 4:30-6:30.

I am so excited, not only do they get to be seen, they are in air conditioning, and some will sell.

Believe it or not, storing 100 paintings becomes rather difficult.

I have to organize them, get them ready, pack them ahead.

Such is life here at the Raccoon Retreat studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama

Lionfish I, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16x16

Day 35 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022 

 

Invaders of Space II

What a day today was!

I've decided to err on the side of caution and pretty much hole up here for the next couple of weeks.

No Art walk, but I'll rehang my space here in Fairhope early this week.

No first Wednesday at church.

No shopping unless absolutely necessary.

I am trying to avoid the masses that seem to think Covid is gone.

It's not gone folks, it's morphing into a better virus.

A virus that is breaking through vaccinated people. (although only .04%!)

I no longer feel real safe in public.

You'll see me in the studio, but not much of anywhere else!

Invaders of Space II, Acrylic on wood panel, 24 inches

Day 34 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Invaders of Space I

I am barely able to focus in spite of the chaos surrounding me right now.

I am very concerned about the fate of fall shows when looking at the current Covid numbers.

Alabamians are the highest in the nation indeed!

That is a number I would rather not have folks.....

The Delta Variant is breaking past the vaccinated among us.

Although only .04% of the current number of vaccinated have had a breakthrough infection.

I read that the CDC says that it is easier to spread than chickenpox!

Less than a minute's exposure.

I am probably going to stay home from church for a few weeks and watch online.

This mess is just depressing.....

I can only imagine those in the arts community that are worriers already.

Several artists have family members, (me included!) that have Covid or are recovering.

Please wear a mask, wash your hands, and distance yourselves from strangers.

In the middle of all this, I am building sets for Vacation Bible school.

I was looking forward to going, but I will be setting up after services tomorrow, then head home.

Wednesday, we'll break down after they finish at 12 noon in time for the First Wednesday service.

Final little things getting done for the VBS.

Then, I paint for me!

Today brings me back into Lionfish territory.

These highly invasive fish are a real problem for our big game fish babies.

You see, they eat the babies by the hundreds, leaving fewer to populate the ocean.

These guys are supposed to be tasty to eat, I guess I'll have to wait 

until we go back to Florida next year!

Invaders of space 1, Acrylic on wood panel, 24 inches

Day 33 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

More Mahi-mahi

I am really enjoying this series.

It has been a long day of concentrating on the book I'm illustrating.

This weekend will be dedicated to it as well.

Although, there may some pool time in there somewhere.

The hardi bord has been fun so far, and there are still several to go.

These will be appropriate for outdoor hanging or could go into a bathroom easily.

Hardi bord is a concrete based material made to mimic the look of wood.

Insects don't like it, it's easy to paint, and it's does not burn easily.

I am looking forward to working on a project that has been thrown my way.

It is a baby now, but must be completed and approved rather quickly.

While I cannot go into detail yet, it may be a smash hit.

I would very much appreciate prayers thrown my way.

The great part about it is, I did not pursue it, but it is pursuing me!

I just LOVE it when people talk about me and my art!

More Mahi-mahi, acrylic on hardi bord, 10 x 10 inches

Day 19 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

3 days again!

These past few days have been a whirlwind of activity!

It all started Sunday afternoon when I was painting here in the studio.

I had gone to church earlier to set up the submarine for VBS starting on Monday.

I had almost completed my painting for the day and was going to post the days effort to the blog.

I live next to a set of storage buildings and people come and go frequently, opening their units and setting off the 5 dachshund alarms.

 

This afternoon, the gentleman that owns a vintage jeep came to put it back in storage after taking it out for the 4th of July week. Dusk was falling, and he was on his phone. 

I continued to paint, and he apparently had a problem with his jeep.

He walked down to the end of the street and then disappeared.

Meanwhile his babied, beautiful, vintage jeep was sitting on the road waiting. 

It apparently had died, and he could not start it back up to put it into the unit.

 

While I was finishing up, a major storm was coming in from the North, 

multiple warnings, but no warning for what was to occur. 

Meanwhile, the jeep sits outside, with no doors, and barely a top on.

To begin with, I heard the roar of the wind ahead of the storm front.

I looked up from my easel, and watched the window next to me actually bow in and out.

I heard the wind increase, and then rain started coming in sheets, 

flooding the street below my window.

It grew very dark, very fast.

I contemplated leaving the room.

Then, while I was working on another piece of art,

the tow truck appeared.

It eased by the jeep, with a car ahead of it guiding it to the jeep.

Then came the quick meeting under umbrellas, (that probably did absolutely no good)

The owner went to the car, the tow truck picked up the jeep in record time and left.

I decided to photograph, send the photo to my email, then add it to the blog.

No internet............

Seriously!

Every time it so much as rains a drop it seems, the internet goes down around here.

Very tiresome.

But, here we are today with three days of posts and me vowing to get the password from my blog, so I can post from my phone when this occurs again.

Rant over.

Lionfish II on hardi board.

This is the one that was completed on Sunday, not the one above.

This one, is on hardi board as well. Soon I'll have enough to be able to resin them all at once.

Hope you're not bored with this series yet!

Lionfish I 

Today's offering for the 100 days,

A clownfish.

We used to have one in our tank when we lived in the Philippines, 

mom and dad would go diving and bring home various creatures from the sea.

I loved this type of fish then, and still do now! 

I'm hoping these paintings do well as people have been requesting outdoor art for years.

And now, the submarine I've been promising to show.

All 19 1/2 feet of her!

Actually constructed from cardboard on a metal framework, this was really interesting to build.

We attached the cardboard with over 300 zip ties and became quite the experts 

at working back and front. We would punch holes, then use the zip ties.

It turned out pretty cool I think!

Packing material from hair products.

The mechanism and the wheel had to be able to turn both ways.

The wheel is layered cardboard, spray paint, and duct tape.

Some of the control panels made from boxes and paper from previous projects.

The two portholes are empty pie boxes.

Box with printed dials, and gauges printed and enlarged.

The larger gears are waffle house containers!

While eating lunch one day, I told my husband I want your box!

I know he thinks I'm crazy and now it's confirmed.

45 minute later though, I had this "control panel."

This was from the papers I punched to get the squares and dots from.

Black paper to mount, and more screens.

Another view of the pie containers after silver and black paint added.

Lionfish I, Lionfish II, and Clownfish, all 10 x 10 inches, hardi bord

Days 14, 15 & 16 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020