Our future babies

 Is it possible to see anything more precious than a boil of sea turtle babies? When I first started walking with Share the Beach, I had never seen a boil happen. They truly do look like they are boiling up out of the sand. Each baby frantically climbing over the next in a frantic effort to reach the sea and hopefully safety. 

Share the Beach was started a long time ago, over 20 years and counting! It was started when a local that loved the turtles noticed they were going toward the lights of the houses and businesses in Gulf Shores. So many babies lost in the dunes, unable to get to the sea because they were confused by the lights. So many babies run over by cars that did not see them in time. Tired of seeing the destruction of life a group of people started Share the Beach. 

Volunteers now patrol 47 miles of beach every morning from May 1st through the end of August. They look for nests or activity of turtles, possibly signifying a nest. If an area looks promising, they carefully dig the nest up, leaving it if it is above the high tide line. If not above the high tide line, the eggs are carefully moved one by one into a bucket, counted carefully, then reburied further up the beach. Then nest is then covered with a screen, and sand placed over the top. The screen helps prevent foxes, dogs, raccoons, coyotes, and sometimes humans from accessing the nest. There is a perimeter placed around the immediate area, then a larger perimeter is established. It is a federal offense to disturb a nest. All nests that are found are carefully monitored, then the waiting begins. Towards hatching time, you will see a large group of people waiting and listening for the boil. It really is a sight to see. The monitors make sure the babies don't turn toward lights away from the sea. I've even been part of a group holding beach towels up along the track to shade them. If they insist on going the wrong way, they are carefully put into a bucket taxi and gently put into the sea and on their way.

Why go to all this trouble?

Most sea turtle nests have an average of about 100-120 eggs. Only ONE of those babies may survive into adulthood and produce more. Adulthood is over 30 years old. Scavengers, birds, fish, and other sea creatures may attack them on their way to the sargassum grass beds where they grow until older. Each nest is important as well as each baby.

The Eastern seaboard is having a banner year this year, with many turtles coming in for nesting. This year, our own Orange Beach team has FOUR so far! An amazing testimony to the hard work of all involved on our beaches from Orange Beach to Fort Morgan and Dauphin island. Our future babies indeed!

Our future babies, Acrylic on canvas 6 x 24inches

Day 2 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

A wonderful day one!

Today, June 30th marks the first day of the 100 days 2026.

Each year, I do 100 paintings, projects, or plans to do them.

Most of the time, it will be a painting.

Sometimes it's just my hectic, wonderful artist life here in Fairhope with my husband of over 40 years.

There are also 4 dachshunds in the mix, adding to the chaos which can be so much fun!

This year again my church's VBS is smack dab in the beginning of the fray and only adds another dimension of art to the 100 days.

I've already been accepted into two of my shows and am awaiting answers to 4 more.

Another 6 shows to add to my fall schedule and hopefully my checking account as well.

Next year, 2027 promises to be even more fun as I am praying to get my African Son, Crecious 

here for at least 3 shows of his own before returning to Zimbabwe.

It will take a year of preparations and planning to make his shows a success as well as mine!

For those who are new to the blog, Welcome!

I am a professional Christian artist living in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

I went back to painting back in 1993 after a drunk driver hit our family van.

I was working as a costumer at the time and had sewn all night to meet a Mardi Gras deadline.

We were headed to a parade that evening when we were rear ended from a dead stop at a light.

Unfortunately, I was turned sideways in the front talking to my husband when we were hit.

I don't have a typical neck whiplash, instead of being front and back, mine is a side-to-side injury.

I have two herniated discs in my neck as well as nerve damage in my right arm.

But God!

I began painting again because it was something I did as a child.

I did it to work through the pain and to give me a creative outlet as sewing professionally 

was not an option at the time.

Don't get me wrong, some days are diamonds and some days are dirt depending on the activities.

All of them are good days though, because I count it all as joy!

Today marks the beginning of 100 days 2026.

The blog began on July 1, 2009 with a painting of Middle Bay Lighthouse 

18 years of the blog, and my 32nd year of painting.

This year marks my 19th year since I started going to the Annual National Shrimp Festival at

Gulf Shores, Alabama in the month of October.

So many paintings, so many blog posts.

Come along with me as I paint, praise, and produce pieces.

Of course, today is a Loggerhead Sea Turtle.

My girlfriend refers to me as the Turtle lady!

This piece was started at Fairhope's art walk this month.

I finished it today in my signature Sepia color.

It is an impressive 24 x 36 inches and was so fun to paint!

Not my usual shadowbox canvas, or the new rounds from last year, just a flat canvas.

I'm looking forward to the wonderful creative journey this year.

Thanks for coming along for the ride!

A wonderful day one! Loggerhead sea turtle 24 x 36 inches

Day 1 of the 100 days 100 paintings 2026

 

All over the place!

Today was a very busy day.

I had several pieces to sand and paint the edges.

Not the least of which was this guy!

He was incredibly difficult to cut out and to finish the edges.

It seemed like every time I thought I was done sanding or painting the leg edges, I found out I wasn't.

It felt like there was a lot more than eight of them!

Anyway, once I got to painting, this one was fun.

The delicacy of the legs, to his spotted body was so interesting.

To give you an idea of the complexity of this one!

Here is the cut out against a black background.

Very visually interesting to me and I hope for you as well.

I am really in a groove now, finding my way closer to the halfway point in this year's pieces.

I am also closer to painting a large mural inside a condo down at the beach.

I may also get some beach time as well.

Lots of hard work, lots getting accomplished here at the Raccoon Retreat studio.

Another beautiful hot day on the Gulf Coast in Fairhope, Alabama.

All over the place! Acrylic on wood, 20 inches

Day 48 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

 

Manatees and Completions

This is todays painting of the chubby mermaids.

Manatees if you will.

Always a wonderful animal to see, these gentle giants are in constant danger of boat strikes.

Herbivores they eat the grasses that can also get torn up by boats.

So many people just don't realize they are a close inhabitant of our coast.

This piece is one of the smaller ones, measuring only 11 inches.

Still a fun piece to paint!

Here is the completed turtle with the background added.

I was finally able to get into the shop and cut them all on my scroll saw.

Always a crowd favorite sea turtles are some of my best-selling pieces ever.

This guy is 16 inches round.

Finally, the background added for the manatee painted yesterday.

I love how they almost are like bumper cars when in the water, gently floating into one another.

Still need to sign this one I see though!

Each day is a new challenge, and a new solution found.

God gave me a very creative spirit and most of the time I can find solutions for issues that arise.

One issue right now in the studio is the sheer number of paintings.

I need to erase, varnish, and put hangers on them.

Then they will be packed away until the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

That reminds me!

Here is the show schedule if you want to see them in person.

I always love a sweet hello!

Loran Chavez

Fall show schedule 2025

*Annual National Shrimp Festival

Gulf shores, Alabama

October 9th,10th, 11th, 12th

9-5pm

*Jubilee Festival

Daphne, Alabama Lott Park

October 17th & 18th

9-5 Sat. 9-4 Sun.

*Mattie Kelly Festival of the arts

Destin, Florida

October 25th & 26th

9-4pm

*Peter Anderson Festival

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

November 8th & 9th

9-4 pm

NOTICE Peter Anderson typically held first full weekend in November.

2nd weekend this year because the Thunderbirds are doing a show on the first weekend.

*Covington Three Rivers Festival

Covington, Louisiana

November 15th & 16th

9-5pm Sat. 9-4pm Sun. 

Manatees and Completions, Acrylic on Wood, size varies

Days 36,37, & 38 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Pelican Parley I

This is number 3 of the "happy accident" canvases.

Once I set them up, it's fun to paint them.

The set up is the hard part.

Getting in a groove now towards shows.

I have figured out the set up for the 2 new 15 x 30s and the 30 x 30.

Caretta carettas , they will be awesome!

Today has been a good day in the studio.

I was confirmed for another show in Florida in January.

Las Olas, and Del Ray Beach here we come!

But first, Fall shows.

50th Annual National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores, Alabama

October 12th, 13th, 14th, & 15th

Jubilee Festival, Daphne Alabama

October 21st & 22nd

Mattie Kelly, Destin, Florida

October 28th & 29th

Peter Anderson, Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Nov.4th & 5th

WAIT LIST Three Rivers, Covington, Louisiana

Nov11th & 12th

I was wait listed last year for Three Rivers, didn't get in.

Fingers Crossed!

Pelican Parley, Acrylic on Shadowbox Canvas, 12 x 24

Day 39 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Mightiest Octopus ~ Mighty job!

Warning, Long post!

I am worn out today.

It has been a big week of hard work.

Let me begin by telling you that this is not a complaint.

My tired is an accomplished kind of tired.

You see, it's been a busy week of long days.

Not necessarily because of many hours, but because of the work involved.

Let me explain.....

The octopus you see is a flip of one I painted originally for sale at Big Fish as a request.

This gentleman was building a house and wanted a really big octopus 

as the house has an octopus theme.

I had designed this one in reverse and it was one I had been pondering for a while.

But it was only on paper.

I needed custom canvases to complete him.

Two 16 x 30 canvas and two 16 x 20, with a 16 x 40 in the center.

The entire creature is not even visible here.

There is slightly more to the top and bottom of the center canvas.

Put together, it measures 40 inches tall, and 80 inches wide.

Hang it, and it probably measures 86 inches wide.

Anyway, the gallery said go for it.

The gentleman couldn't decide and I told the gallery owner I was taking it on the road for shows.

(He ended up purchasing another octopus I already had at the store.)

I was not unhappy at all to take this beautiful octopus on a five-week swing into Florida.

Little did I know it would sell at the first show!

Gulp!

My biggest, most expensive piece was now gone, taking several square feet of wall art with it.

15.5 square feet to be exact.

I ended up painting another smaller five-piece octopus that week on the road.

(It was only 9 square feet, but still impressive.)

So, 5 months later I revisited him in reverse.

I try not to duplicate my works, but a reverse is still different.

My plan is to put him on the left side of the booth at the 50th Annual National Shrimp Festival this year.

On the right side of the booth will most likely be the reverse again in full color!

(Again, still an original)

I can see the booth in my mind, and it seems to be coming together very nicely.

Problem is, storing this beautiful beast after I finish it!

I am indeed blessed this week!

I was fortunate to have a collector pick up her three shadowbox pieces this week.

She ordered them while I was still in Africa on mission.

Two turtles and an octopus in sepia.

This makes a total of 9 pieces in her home that were painted by my hands.

I am so grateful!

Now, to the crab above.

Another piece ordered while I was out of the country.

She is headed to Amelia Island off the coast of Florida.

The couple originally purchased a turtle from me there and ordered this beautiful lady.

She measures 20 x 24 inches.

I am also sneaking in some time to work on the ornaments for this year.

I created while Chris drove to orange beach.

So grateful for a spouse that doesn't mind a little mess in the car.

This will be the last year for glass, unless it's special ordered.

I have already purchased and painted 100 wood discs for the flat ornaments this year.

I also have these really neat boxes that are the perfect size.

These shadowbox canvases are just part of the 26 we stretched this week.

They all have to be painted white, and I did part of that today.

Yesterday was another dozen, I just didn't have room on my table for more.

All are now ready for sepia or colorful creatures.

We still had lots of lumber available to make more, so I told Chris go ahead.

Problem is, now I have another large batch of 16 to stretch and paint.

Hours and hours keeping me from the easel, but very necessary.

Each canvas takes about an hour of work to complete, between cutting the wood,

making the frames, cutting the canvas, stretching them, then painting them white.

These custom canvases are part of my signature style .

I am so grateful to have a spouse who simply says, "I still have more lumber, what do you want?"

Even in the 100-degree heat here in the deep south.

I am such a lucky lady to have my husband Chris in my life.

I love you honey!

Tonight I stretched another 4 for the new octopus.

Two 16 x 30 and two 16 x 20, I already have the 16 x 40 for the center.

I then painted those 5, plus the other eleven 5 x 24 I stretched earlier.

So, it's been a long day.

Needless to say, I am tired and now typing what I hope is not gibberish.

I really enjoy my artist life here at the Raccoon Retreat studio!

Good night!

Days 25-29 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

Varying sizes

Another octopus?

The first show is a wrap and we are back home tonight.

It's always an adventure, and we're always glad to get home too!

People are still really excited to see the shadowboxes and the sepias.

This 'ride' has sure lasted a lot longer than I ever dreamed of as far as them being a staple art form.

Many more available in person at the National Shrimp Festival next weekend.

Next weekend.

It's really almost here finally.

I have not seen some of my Shrimp Festival friends in three years.

Covid really hit the show hard because it was cancelled.

Then there were people scared to volunteer because of Covid.

I know this year is going to be so well attended.

Hopefully the economy doesn't step in and ruin it for everyone.

5 days until opening day in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama.

We will be down there the entire time as I splurged on a campsite 4 blocks from the show.

Chris and I are really looking forward to all the festivities.

The set up, not so much.

The set up for the festival is almost magical.

The streets are cleared and then the tents start to go up like mushrooms after the rain.

My favorite vantage point was from the bath house balcony, looking out over the expanse of tents.

Flags fluttering, white tents dotting the landscape, people rushing about their business.

Such is the beginning of the biggest party on the coast,

The Annual National Shrimp Festival in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama.

5 days until....

Another Octopus?, Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 24 inches

Day 96 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Seahorses are some of my favorites!

I love painting seahorses.

They are just a fun creature to look at, watch while swimming, and seeing them bob as they wrap their tails around the coral or sea grass.

This one, I noticed after I painted him,

 has apparently given birth as his belly is sunk in afterward.

Such a delicate precious creature, the seahorse!

I spent another day at church working on VBS.

Things are progressing way better than I expected, with the major work being completed tomorrow.

I've never been this far, this soon before setup day.

We put everything in on July 31st.

This gives me a couple of weeks before I have to jump that hurdle.

In the meantime, I paint for my show!

Seahorses are some of my favorites!, Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 24 shadowbox

Day 16 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Crab escape master

I don't know about you, but we have a lot of blue crab here along the gulf coast.

These are a tasty addition to our seafood fare here in Alabama.

Getting close to the 100 paintings being completed.

However, I will have to go on and paint more as the galleries are selling.

Hopefully this weekend, I'll sell too!

Freedom Fest is happening at the Wharf and I signed up for a booth.

The entry fee was negligible, only $100.

However I do need to go get my license for the county to be legal again.

Usually, we can renew our license at the National Shrimp Festival, but we know where that went!

I am excited and a little nervous as the festival is one day only.

We can set up the tent on Friday, show on Saturday.

Praying it all goes well.

I am still painting, creating and dreaming of what can be shows on the coast for this year.

Freedom Fest, Orange Beach, Al at the Wharf October 9th, 2021 9-4pm

Jubilee Festival, Old town Daphne, Oct. 16-17th 9-5pm daily

Mattie Kelly Festival of the arts, Destin, Florida, Oct 30-31st 9-5 daily

Peter Anderson, Ocean Springs Mississippi, Nov.6-7 9-5pm daily.

Crab escape master, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x24

Day 98 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Pretty pelican

Pretty pelican.

Indeed, these birds are beautiful in flight, especially when flying together in long strands.

It was not always that way here along the coast.

When we came here in 1976, the pelicans were in peril.

Their numbers were way down and they were in danger of being no more.

The scientists figured out why though.

You see, DDT was a widely used pesticide.

It was entering the birds systems and making their eggs fragile.

The birds could not even set on them, without them breaking.

So their numbers went down drastically.

I've seen a revolution of these birds though since that day so long ago.

Their numbers are such now. that people are calling them a nuisance bird.

Granted there are a lot of them.

I for one, am glad to see them back!

I am also in prayer for my friends and fellow artists in Zimbabwe, Africa.

Both of them have been accepted to a show that is several hours away.

There is a group going from Zimbabwe and they are pooling their efforts to get a ride to the show.

Alfred has been there before, this is Crecious's first time to actually show.

I am praying they both get there, that the friend providing a place to stay is a great host,

their set up is easy, and they have astounding sales.

I pray their sales are such that they cannot believe their fortune.

Please Lord, send them buyers!

We took down the tent today and packed it up.

I've also emailed the show and we may not need the french wall to 

separate the steampunk from the rest of the booth.

I should be able to place the steampunk outside the booth with a table for prints!

Such a blessing!

I was supposed to have a double booth this year for the National Shrimp Festival.

One for my Marine paintings, one for steampunk.

We now have one day to show, sell, and pack up for the next one!

October 9th is coming fast and hard!

Pretty pelican, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 91 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

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

 

Just the Blues III

We had a relaxing day today.

Our morning started later than normal as it was cloudy and raining.

Consequently, I didn't get out of bed until almost 8am.

SO out of character for me.

Typically I'm awakened by the sunlight streaming through the windows in the morning, 

usually around 6:30am.

I am very sensitive to light and cannot stay in bed much past daylight.

Anyway, I started with my Bible readings as usual and began the day.

My morning was hit hard by the loss of one of my Shrimp Festival family.

Ron Arnold was a fixture down at the show.

I have many fond memories of him.

He will be very missed.

We delivered pieces to Big Fish Trading Company today.

They are a local company in Foley, Alabama that has incredible hand finished, coastal style furniture 

in a variety of colors and finishes.

They are currently located at 21860 US highway 98.

The furniture and Art store are an amazing fit for my works.

The owners Amy and Jason are extremely sweet people that support their artists wholeheartedly.

They have been very patient with me, as their inventory of my works was down to three pieces.

Today their plate is full as she kept 25 of my works, removed one, and that brought her total to 27.

What's wonderful about this relationship is that Amy does not mind 

me removing pieces for a show over a weekend.

They always come and visit at the shows I go to locally as well, 

they get very excited when I have lots of sales!

We also discussed some larger pieces that will be arriving soon 

to the gallery after they move into their new space just up the road.

I am very happy to be a part of their Artist family.

We then bought lunch at Chris's favorite spot in Foley.

Culvers has become his go-to for a great hamburger and custard for dessert.

If you have never tried Culvers I highly recommend them.

The employees are some of the happiest I've ever seen.

Studio time in the afternoon.

Leftovers for dinner.

Church in the evening.

Life is so good!

Just the Blues III, Acrylic on wood panel, 5 x 15 inches

Day 72 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Just the Blues I

Back to the sewing machine drawers!

I really enjoy using up paint when I have put out colors on my palette.

Because of this, I have used the colors to create "Just the Blues I"

The paintings are coming hard and fast now, with me sometimes completing two in one day!

These small guys are so much fun to create!

Not much other than painting happening here today.

Although we did have dinner with our friends that are back home from Africa.

It is good to catch up and hear about things happening there.

Water is a huge problem right now.

I f you could lift them up in prayer I would appreciate it very much!

If you are led to donate toward a borehole (well) at iroCK lodge, that would be amazing!

They are currently trying to raise $4,500.00

Donations can be made at www.teamafrica.com

This takes you to the Buy a Brick Foundation.

All money donated goes to help the people of Zimbabwe.

There are no administrative fees taken out.

I find that amazing don't you?

Just the Blues, Acrylic on wood panel, 5 x 16 inches

Day 70 of the 1000 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Loggerhead II

Another sweet loggerhead.

This is another in the series that are framed by the sewing machine drawers from a vintage machine.

I am so glad to be able to use parts of this old machine for my steampunk and now frames.

The pieces are coming hard and fast now from beneath my brush.

I am happier than ever at what is coming out of my hands and heart.

This falls shows will be beautiful as a result.

We had artwalk tonight and I went and stood by my space.

I had the opportunity to talk with a lot of people about the works I have at the gallery.

 The rounds are being very favorably received.

So far I've sold 3 out of the 15 in the series. 

I'm sure there will be more to come.

We picked up the show in Mississippi today from the Audubon Center.

Such a delightful group of people to work with and so well run.

I never felt uncomfortable leaving my works there, 

even when a hurricane was bearing down on the coast.

I was delighted to also lock in the dates for next years show as well.

The show also has a name and some special requests for the pieces.

One entire wall will be local flora and fauna!

Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other local birds.

The rest of the show will be my usual fare of marine life works.

The name of the show?

"My Nature Odyssey"

Coming to the Moss  Point Audubon Center

August and September, 2022

Opening reception August 11th, 2022

How wonderful is that?!

Today is done here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

I bid you goodnight!

Loggerhead II, Acrylic on wood panel, 5 x 16 inches

Day 67 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Surprise!

Surprise!

Day 50 already!

51 days until the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama

October 7-10th, 2021

Well not really, another sea turtle.

I absolutely love painting these guys.

I pray it shows.

Today we did multiple things in multiple places.

We both worked in our studios, me on this painting, Chris turning a beautiful bowl.

The Sally wood is starting to be able to be turned with minimal effort.

Although today he put a bowl in the microwave in an effort to dry it some and it warped.

I'm sure someone will still love it for their home

I finished my painting and put it in the car to finish drying in the heat.

Meanwhile, we decided it was lunchtime.

We stopped at the East Shore Cafe in Daphne and were pleasantly surprised.

Both the food and pricing were pretty good, we will be back.

 We then went to the bank and deposited a check for me, 

while Chris got some cash to buy another kayak.

We are also making plans for friends to return from their sojourn in Africa.

It has been a tough 3 months, with lockdowns, inability to go to church, and a bout with Covid.

We are looking forward to their return to rest and get stronger for next year.

Meanwhile plans will be made for further adventures with these wanderers and missionaries.

Chris and I want to go ourselves, both to Africa and India.

We are making plans for next year.

We got home after lunch and I varnished my turtle, letting it dry while I sketched out two shadowboxes.

Once Surprise! was dry, I headed to Stewart Heath Gallery to take 7 new works for my space.

I took 4 of the new rounds, and Stewart was pleased with their look.

The gallery is gaining 4 new artists and there will be a major rehanging of all the spaces.

I am going back in the morning to lend a hand with hanging.

The days are going by fast now, our oldest grandson turned 8, Dahlia turned the page on two weeks, and our grandson Neel is pushing hard on being three.

Time is going by too fast, especially since we've been unable to go to India.

I am grateful to God that we got the two months with Christina here before Covid hit the world stage.

Life goes on, even if we're not ready for it to continue!

Surprise! Acrylic on wood panel, 24 inches round

Day 50 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Completion

Go big or go home!

I really must use this concept for Peter Anderson in my booth.

I absolutely LOVE it!

The collector is very happy with the results and I also heard my coveted phrase.

"It's better than I imagined!"

I always enjoy hearing that one!

When I sent him a photo, he was ecstatic in his response.

We will deliver it tonight after set up.

Today is set up day!

I adore watching the tents popping up like mushrooms, filling the space with excitement.

There is such an energy there, all the vendors setting up for a rather large party on the Gulf Coast.

If you plan to come down, wear comfortable shoes, and bring an  insulated water bottle.

While it will not be overly warm, but you do need sunscreen as well!

I am so excited!

This completes the 100 days, it has been an adventure as usual hasn't it!

The blog now has over 71,000 hits on it!

I've also been nominated for best artist in Baldwin, voting continues until November 3rd.

I will probably continue for a few days at least, I have multiple canvases awaiting my brush.

There are also 2 more shows after this one, and the shows in Florida after the first of the year.

Christmas and galleries are waiting as well. 

I will be drawing for the winning entry tomorrow morning hopefully.

That's if my brain remembers during the hub bub of the first day at the 

Annual National Shrimp Festival at beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama.

"Completion", Acrylic on multiple canvases, 12 x 12's and 12 x 24's

Day 100 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Jesters of the sea

Well now.

Today has been very interesting to say the least!

We have a hurricane named Michael in the Gulf of Mexico that is slogging it's way ashore. 

Bad news is, it is supposed to strengthen to a category 3. I cannot remember the winds speeds for that one, but I'm sure the damage will not be pretty. I know we have lots of trees around here that have not had a good wind to blow the dead wood out. The worst part of this storm will be the Northeast corner. This is projected somewhere in the big bend of Florida. I don't envy them. Storms surges, high waves, significant rainfall, and high winds for several hours will make for a lot of damage.

The storm is also projected to go over or near a show in Destin Florida that we have in 3 weeks.

I'm sure we'll hear from the committee running the show next week.

The chamber has already contacted us about the Festival this week. We were supposed to start setting up on Tuesday, but that has now been pushed to Wednesday check in, and Thursday set up and opening at 5pm. I don't know how many people will be out at 5pm to check us out. I am concerned about taking our trailer over to the campground on Wednesday as the winds are supposed to be in the 70 mph range. I am also concerned about our fellow artists, coming in from all over the country for this show. Lots of out of town people, needing to shelter in place before setting up. We will probably set up Early Thursday morning if allowed. The chamber had all the  plans in place for a staggered set up on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Now that is all out the window and plans may change yet again tomorrow.

We throw the dice, but God determines where they land. Proverbs 16:33

Jesters of the Sea, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 99 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2018