Pod Party!

"Pod party"

Anyone who has been fortunate enough to have seen a pod of dolphin's play is indeed blessed.

Their antics of chasing the fish or simply playing can be a joy to behold.

Chris and I were fortunate enough to actually see a hunt by a pod near one of the piers.

The pod was large with little ones in their midst.

They were after a school of fish, but the little ones were not able to keep up.

The largest one, (we assumed a male because he was huge) started swimming around the group.

This scared the fish into the center of the pod and the party was on!

Everyone started jumping and diving into the ring and eating their fill.

It was so fun to watch!

We also wrapped up the youth helping today at the build for the dinosaurs.

I've never had so many adults curious about VBS.

They hear about the dinosaurs and have to come see them in person.

I am so happy that the kids are excited, the adults are excited, and the staff is excited too!

The best part is, the dinosaurs seem to have a home possibly touring Baldwin County in the libraries.

Two of them will stay at the church until October for the series the children's Pastor is teaching.

There is also an individual interested in possibly homing one or two.

The panels have all been painted, 16 of them twice, once for background, again for details.

The youth of KOTC and others have worked incredibly hard on this project!

Sarah and I will be putting details on the creatures on Friday, hopefully finishing up early in the day.

Sunday is set up day!

Whew!

For now, I'm putting this tired body into the shower and then the bed.

Goodnight.

Pod party, Acrylic on wood, 17 inches

Day 24 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Close encounters of the dolphin kind!

Dolphins are the jesters of the sea!

They can be extremely comical in their actions.

They can help set charges on enemy vessels.

They have also been known to help rescue people when in distress. 

They truly are wonderful creatures.

They are so much fun to watch, especially when they are happy or mating.

(Hint, their belly's turn pink!)

Happy dolphins also jump and play.

They also can hunt in pods.

We once watched a pod of dolphins that were hunting.

They had a couple of babies with them.

There was also one really large one, (possibly a male?)

Suddenly the largest one swam in lots of circles around the pod.

This scared the fish they were feeding on into the middle of the group.

Then there were lots of splashes and dives as dinner was served!

This was amazing and fun to watch.

We typically have them coming up the bay into the shallows in the morning.

They come back down in the evening, putting on a show near the pier.

I've also had a close encounter while paddleboarding.

I saw the pod with a particularly large one.

I thought it would be fun to paddle amongst them.

Suddenly without warning the largest one shot straight toward the beach throwing a rooster tail wake.

It was after a large fish that swam to the shallows to escape.

The dolphin almost beached itself in the process.

I was really glad I didn't have a front row seat to that show!

Close encounters indeed of the dolphin kind!

I'm so glad we live near the ocean.

Close encounters of the dolphin kind, Acrylic on Wood, 15 inches

Day 9 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Three for Four

Today's paintings represent two days.

I spent the majority of the day cleaning up the mess that is my studio presently.

I cannot walk by, without something slithering to the floor.

I have thousands of reference photos that I use.

Some of them are photos I took, some are friend's photos that they graciously let me use,

others are from the internet and are changed a lot before they leave my studio.

I "Frankenstein" a lot of my paintings, using my knowledge of animal anatomy to manipulate several photos into one that I can then paint.

These guys are a little of both.

The upper one was almost completed at artwalk in June.

It was then brought to the studio for completion, wiring, and varnishing.

The one below was completed in my studio yesterday.

They are each large examples of these beautiful birds that grace our coasts.

"Great Blue I" and "Great Blue II"

Each measures 16 x 40 inches and will be at Hello Gallery in downtown Fairhope.

I may add the large round herons as well just for fun!

They will make a gorgeous grouping together for sure!

The last of the six rounds from my studio has a lined seahorse.

These guys are incredibly fun to paint.

Lined seahorse is on a 24-inch round wood panel.

I am really enjoying the colorful creations in my studio these days.

I keep dreaming of the booth at the National Shrimp Festival this year, with it starting with sepias on one side gradually shifting to partial color, then full color paintings on the other side.

It's going to be fun to create, then hang at the show.

I will have to be careful to have back stock to fill in during the show, so the booth stays full.

A lot of my artist friends are nervous about the upcoming show season, 

I am remaining optimistic that the pieces will sell.

God continues to bless me in my artistic endeavors. giving me the images to paint.

Even if paintings don't sell at shows, there are two galleries that want the pieces that don't sell.

Big Fish Trading Company in Foley, as well as my local hang out, "Hello Gallery" at 18 South Section Street in downtown Fairhope.

Oh! and there's the one woman show at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

The show will feature my Steampunk & Marine pieces, Steampunk style tables and my son Jere's lamps, as well as some of Christopher's woodturning.

It will hang for December and January.

There will be multiple prints of the steampunk available for purchase as Christmas presents.

Ornaments are coming too!

Both steampunk and marine ornaments will be available.

I am so delighted to have been invited back for the third year in a row!

It's always fun to be there, the people that run the Center are so kind and supportive.

Mark your calendars, December 9th, 2023, is the official opening reception.

Steampunk and the Sea!

So, things are humming along here at the Raccoon Retreat studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

I am joyous to be on this journey with those who follow the blog!

I am blessed indeed!

Great blue heron I, Great blue heron II, Lined seahorse Acrylic on canvas and wood panel

Days 15, 16, and 17 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Two herons for two days

 

Today begins the 100 days~100 paintings for 2023.

Needless to say I am a bit tardy in getting started this year.

I normally start the 100 days early in the month of July.

While I should be on day 28 already.

I will be trying to get two paintings done per day to catch up.

We were in Africa and I was a little busy on our mission.

I also came home to a large build for Vacation Bible School at my church.

We arrived a day late, and I jumped into the build for three straight days.

Tomorrow we take it all down and pack it up until next year.

I really enjoy the process, although it gets really hectic trying to get it all done.

This year was a beautiful success.

The 'leftovers' are also going to an elementary school!

I'm so excited to know that children will get to see the creatures we built with so many hours.

Anyway, here we go!

Two herons for two days.

Today we begin the 100 days~100 paintings for 2023

I am just fascinated with these birds.

They are definitely large and in charge.

Their wingspan and noise they make are enough to make anyone get nervous.

I have even had one fly straight at me, full on beak and feathers.

Needless to say, I ate the sand, rather than be impaled by that beak.

Now, that you've had that image in your head, imagine a bird that looks just like our heron.

The biggest difference between them is the coloration is browner than our blue grey birds.

They are also larger.

This is the Goliath heron in the wilds of Africa.

Having just come home in the last week from our mission in Zimbabwe, Africa is still on my mind.

The people are beautiful, their smiles are genuine, and their needs are great.

For example, just today I received a message from my African son, Crecious

 telling me that he was in line for water.

The reason for this line was because the water to the city was turned off.

Turned off for four days already.

Four days without water to drink, wash, or flush.

Turned off because the city is putting in new water lines to other towns.

So they shut off the water....

The electricity also gets turned off randomly at times.

We have it so easy here in the states....

So easy.

Praying for Zimbabwe

Two herons for two days, acrylic on wood, 12"round,

Days 1 & 2 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2023

 

Miniature blue

Today was a full painting day.

Several pieces started, and one finished today.

This one is on a portion of a New Home Sewing machine.

One of the most beautiful wood machines I think I've ever seen.

These drawers are different in that each one has a solid wood base in them.

This is one of these bases. 

I carefully taped off the edges and painted the white in several coats.

There was something in the finish that kept bleeding through.

It took two coats of Kilz before using the white acrylic for three more coats.

The crab was then transferred to the wood and painted.

So much fun to paint!

Miniature blue, acrylic on wood, 5 x 15 inches

Day 16 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022w 

 

Days 5,6,&7

Wow!

Still painting, but the days got away from me!

Two are 12x12s the large one is on wood panel.

I really enjoy painting on wood, because it offers a smoothness that canvas cannot.

Unfortunately, that wood is also too smooth at times.

The paint just behaves differently, sliding around a little more than I want at times.

It is challenging my painting prowess for sure!

I am very deep into a Mardi Gras train as well, spending several hours a day sewing.

The main base is pretty well done, but much like a house slows down in the process of the finishes, 

the train is doing the same right now.

I am in the process of "icing the cake" so to speak.

Yard after yard of rhinestones.....

I never dreamt 2 years ago when I said yes of course I can do that, that my art would be doing so well.

I am enjoying it as much as I can, because this one is for a family friend of over 30 years.

This train will probably be the only one I ever create too!

I already have over 160 hours in it, with many more to come.

We've also ordered many yards more of the rhinestones that have to be stitched in place by hand.

I'm having a love hate relationship with it.

I am having to be very disciplined to do my painting, then work for several hours on the train.

It's the only way I can get it all done!

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

Blue crab mania! Acrylic on canvas and wood panel.

12 x 12 canvases, and 15x30 wood panel, Days 4,5,&6 of the 100 days~100 paintings

 

Crab I

Oh the mighty crab!

Delicious and hard to clean.

I love eating crab when the opportunity arises.

Of course I love the local blue crab, but my favorite is Alaskan King Crab.

I also have beautiful memories of King crab and my mother eating them with me.

The memories are the best part, reminding me that she is still with me if only in my mind.

Her ability to shell and eat them was legendary.

Funniest part of all was her long, extremely clean fingernails scooping out the tiniest of bits.

I did not get the grace of those nails of hers.

God gave me paper thin, easily broken, fingernails.

Hers were able to be used as screwdrivers!

I can still close my eyes and see those red nails flashing when she was talking.

I miss her so!

Crab I, Acrylic on board, 12 x 12 inches

Day 78 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Dinnertime!

We came upon this osprey while kayaking and photographing several years ago.

I talked Chris into being the paddle, and I took numerous digital photographs.

I photographed this Osprey, several Great Blue Herons, Pelicans, and even a Green Heron.

I tried to get him to go over to an alligator I spotted, but he drew the line there!

We paddled toward it, but before we could get close the alligator slipped into the depths.

I then spotted the Osprey having just landed and killing the mullet on top of a pole.

We headed toward him, but he took off, and I got this shot of him in full flight.

I have already loved this photograph and now I've finally captured him in paint!

The beauty surrounds us here on the Gulf Coast.

We only have to slow down, quieten ourselves, and open our eyes.

I will never cease to be amazed at the diversity and beauty that is South Alabama.

Dinnertime!, Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 36

Day 27 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Crab trio

I have sold a version of this painting last year, at the Jubilee Festival (I think!)

This past year of sales has been good to me, allowing me to bless others and tithe to my church.

I can then purchase equipment needed to make the canvas stretcher bars.

Brad nail gun to put frames together.

Stapler and compressor, and thousands of staples.

The air stapler came about because I kept destroying electric staple guns, either burning them up or they just bounced too much leaving a staple sticking up.

The I had to pound them down using a hammer, taking more time and causing much noise.

Chris's solution was to get me an air stapler and compressor.

The compressor is really loud, but I wear ear protection while using it.

Then comes canvas to cover them.

I typically buy 6-yard rolls, so that I can get several canvases from the roll.

Each canvas takes an average of 30 minutes just to stretch it.

I then paint them white using acrylic paint.

Then they are carefully stacked with plastic in between to keep them from sticking.

I then select the one I want, draw and paint on it.

This typically takes a day.

The resulting artwork then has to be varnished and have a wire put on it.

It's a long, complicated process, that I could not do without my 

beloved husband and partner of almost 44 years.

This spring the shadowboxes even got an award in Florida!

The painting was of humpback whales, but the judges loved the uniqueness of the canvas.

I had Chris pose with me for a photo, because the award was as much his as mine!

These guys are fun to paint, albeit a little tricky.

The blending of the back of the piece with the front and the sides fascinates people and gives me a pain in my neck. 

I do love these canvases so much!

I really didn't expect them to last so long as a series.

But I didn't expect the sepia series to be going on ten years either!

Crab trio, Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 36 inches

Day 19 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Crabby pose

Well!

This is the end of the rounds again.

At least for now.

They are fun to paint and so elegant looking.

Today was a busy day.

I started out late.

Very late for me.

I woke up at 8am.

I usually cannot sleep past dawn as I am very light sensitive.

However, as I mentioned last night I may be coming down with a cold.

I am staying home tonight.

 I was supposed to go to our oldest daughters to hang out for an overnight stay.

I don't want to be a germ bomb, so here I stay.

I painted, I carved, and I sent money to a friend.

I painted the crab today.

After we went for a walk with the dogs and lunch.

I then took the block of wood I got from the shop and reverse carved the ornaments for this year.

I will still have the sea turtle, shrimp, and octopus.

After polling Facebook it was suggested I do a seahorse or crab.

Instead I chose to do both!

I will have sets of 5 ornaments to offer this year.

I will still have the rich blue and ice blue ornaments as well.

The pearl white was a hit last year, so it will return as well as a new color!

Gold!

I think they will be very pretty with the pearl white clay on them!

So excited I have these carved now!

It's not even October yet!

I'm proud of me for getting it done.

The friend I sent money to is finally getting paid by his school, but things are not out of the weeds yet.

I am purchasing one of his paintings and he is  paying rent two months at a time, 

so that pressure is off his plate.

The landlord's daughter is a bulldog as far as rent being paid and was threatening to evict.

God said nope!

Send money.

So I obey His quiet urgings and send money.

 My friend and his family are safe for now.

They also have some food for the table.

God is so good!

Crabby pose, Acrylic on Wood panel, 24 inches round

Day 88 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

I see you, do you see me?

This painting is as a result of our walk this morning at Meaher park. We decided to camp for a few days and use our expensive toy we bought this summer. We are really enjoying ourselves, with lots of walks, bike rides, and socially distanced chats with other campers. We went out early, me  looking for a specific bird I had seen at the boat launch. Just as we came to the area, he burst out of the plants along the ramp flying over a ramp for kayaks. That's when the alligator jumped off the ramp and into the water. We continued our walk after I photographed the alligator just peeking out of the water. We headed down a path, that ended at a boardwalk. We almost didn't go, because the biting flies were already out. We were blessed by seeing multiple fish including some of the largest mullet I've ever seen. While walking back on the end of the boardwalk we were rewarded by a sighting of a purple gallinule! A first for both of us! Our walk ended up being over a mile and a half long too!

I see you, do you see me?, Acrylic on canvas, 12*12 inches

Day 44 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!

 

The post that almost didn't happen!

This has been unreal, getting to this point in my day!

I finished the painting hours ago, but when I went to write the blog, download the photos, listen to Pandora, everything went kaput.

Now, keep in mind I have already gone to mediacom and replaced their modem.

Everything was working honky dory, listening to music, going to my email, downloading photos, or so I thought.

Blip.....

Nothing, no internet.

Are you kidding me!

I JUST this afternoon cancelled my appointment with mediacom because 

I thought I had solved the problem.

Apparently not.

Phone call, wait or call back.

Call back.

Just as I settle in to sketch, they call.

The first girl just tried to fix the problem to no avail. 

No internet so she passes me on to the next tech that is getting testy because I cannot figure out what she is talking about on my computer.

Thanks Windows 10!

She says internet is working, it is a problem with my computer.

Huh?!

She insists internet is working, so I hang up after she asks me if I want cable tv.

Uh no! NO I don't. 

She asks again do you want to sign up for cable.

NO mam!

We are very happy where we are at in our television world now.

Anyway, I hang up and sketch another heron.

I'll try the computer once again.

After fiddling for a while, I discover the old router is numero uno. 

I delete it and sign up under the new router name and password given to me by the first person.

I held my breath...........

and here I am again connected.

Finally!

Well at least for the next five minutes I hope!

I am much better with a brush than a computer!

Rant over, moving on......

Today's piece was a lot of fun to paint. I had an old 24 x 36 frame and I asked the mister to add a shadowbox to it. He did, I stretched it yesterday and painted it white.

The inset is 12 x 24 and I am in love with the effect. 

I have two more herons sketched out, both on 27 x 27 canvases. 

Both will have colored eyes as this is what Amy from Big Fish trading company is requesting.

We shall see, they are striking!

I also bought another roll of canvas, as my beloved decided to make up ALL the 24 x 24s he could from the habitat for humanity stretcher bars.

I now have 17 shadowboxes to stretch.

Somehow today I managed to get the front of the submarine built for

 summer surge at church in a week! 

Eek! I'd better get busy.

Somewhere there is a book awaiting my talent as well.

Such is part of one day at the Raccoon Retreat Studio here in Fairhope, Alabama

"Herons in love" Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x36

Day 8 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Playful trio!

Oh my !

I forgot to post last night!

I was so focused on painting, it totally slipped my mind!

(That and trying to get a sinus infection!)

Anyway, here ya go!

Today's post focuses on the playfulness of dolphins.

I love to watch them leap and jump in the wakes of boats.

One time we were even lucky enough to have them visit a sailboat we were on under motor.

It was a bonus visit as we were going to watch fireworks too on the river in downtown Mobile.

The child that was with us, was enchanted and so was I!

Such beauty in a powerful body created so skillfully by our Master!

We should be more like dolphins...

Taking the opportunity to be carefree and have some fun sometimes!

Chris and I were fascinated one time by a pod of dolphins in the bay.

This pod had a baby in their midst, as evidenced by the small fin breaking the surface.

The pod was feeding on a school of fish when all of a sudden they stopped.

The baby could not keep pace with the others and the mother stayed back to guard it.

The largest one starting swimming quickly around the pod, chasing the fish into the middle of the group.

Lots of splashing, feeding, and jumping!

By the time they finished, there was a large group of people watching the show.

It was amazing to see the cooperation by the group to show this baby how to eat with others.

All in our beautiful Mobile Bay!

Playful Trio, Acrylic on multiple canvases, 2 ft x 5ft

Day 83 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Keeping a watchful eye

Today begins a new series of outdoor art pieces.

This one is on a piece of recycled Hardiboard from our porch addition this past spring.

Our house is only 1050 square feet, with 500 of the footage being my beautiful studio upstairs.

We live in 550 square feet. 

The porch added another 250 for outdoor living.

My studio area is perfect for me!

I have a half bath, sewing area, plentiful tables, storage galore, computer, printer, and easel for creating.

It's a lot of art fitted into a small space. 

I am extremely grateful for my large studio, at least compared to what others have told me they create in!

 thank God every day for a husband that loves me enough to give me space for creating.

I love him to the moon and back!

So much, I got rid of a ton of recycled art supplies and cleared space in the barn for his studio.

His studio fills the back of the barn, 12 x 24 feet.

He is a wood turner and he is so happy in his "Studio".

When we built his space, we added a mezzanine above for my recycled art supplies, 

decorations for holidays, and general storage for the girls.

Last year, he added the coolest ladder to get to the top. 

It can slide in flat, or angle out making it much easier to get things up and down.

We also have things up there for future projects, one of which was used just in the past week.

We had found a cabinet while "dumpster diving " last week.

I cleaned it up and told him, this is for cooking out, and BBQ.

I knew he wanted a sink out there, so we pulled a cabinet from the upstairs 

and added a sink we bought at a yard sale.

All told, the sink and cabinet were about $40 total.

Anyway I digress.....

The Hardiboard came from the back of our home when we did the porch.

I've had several people ask about outdoor art and this is my solution, using something that can withstand the elements. (and maybe not mildew like canvases will!)

Anyway, I did not smooth it out, (I have a friend that does with a slurry and a totally different style of art!)

I left the texture, so it looks like wood without deteriorating like wood.

My husband is contemplating putting resin on it.

Hmmmm......

I don't know about that, I may have to consult with my friend in Mississippi.

Still , a poured background and the holes from nails. (it is after all, recycled)

I drilled additional holes and will add a wire after we varnish or resin.

That's another day though!

Keeping a watchful eye, Acrylic on Hardiboard, approx. 12x 12

Day 80 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Middle Bay Lighthouse

Middle Bay lighthouse sits in Mobile Bay. It began it's work as a lighthouse on December 1st, 1885.

It was decommissioned in 1967 and was slated for demolition in 1971. 

Public outcry was so great, they decided to leave it where it stands now.

23 children have called it home.

One cow lived there for a few months, the lighthouse keeper's wife had a baby that would not nurse.

They moved the cow out there to provide milk for the baby.

I've talked with someone that said it was a black and white cow. I have also conversed with one of my friends that said her father brought hay out to the cow. I've always wanted to depict the cow, but I can not find out for certain where it was kept. Some historians say it was on the gallery, others a barge. 

I can only only imagine a herd animal being forced to live on the ocean by itself. 

I have read somewhere that it lowed constantly.

Anyway, the cow, wife, baby and light keeper were evacuated 5 months later when a hurricane threatened our stretch of the coast in 1916.

Middle Bay Lighthouse, Acrylic on canvas, 8x8 inches

Day 51 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Coming in for a landing

The heat is starting to rise here. I am feeling it at least. This morning we started working on Neels album and it is going to be so cute! I think Christina enjoyed having a creative time, both of us working to sort, cut, and place photos in their proper places. I really enjoy working with my girls and my son when possible. Adult children are different, easy to have conversations with, and even take care of themselves. Anyway we spent the first naptime getting started on the album. After the nap, a feed, then 4 hours of freedom!

We went back to Dillihaat market to kick around after grabbing a bite to eat. The market is all outdoors, with stalls carrying food, purses, shoes, clothing, fabric, bric a brac, toys, and so much more. The colors are amazing, the variety astounding, and some of the vendors just plain annoying. Everywhere you look is something different, all of it wanting your hard earned money. In the end, I got 3 bags, 3 pairs of pants, and a whole lot of quality time with my girl Christina. Oh and a painting too!

Coming in for a landing, Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 24
Day 62 of the 100 days~100 paintings Spring 2019

Mobile Harbor~Middle Bay

I absolutely love the way this one turned out!

It started as a demonstration for a class, and I finally sat down and finished it! 

This one is mounted a new way for my watercolors. After finishing the watercolor, you spray varnish on it. I try to spray at least 2 or 3 coats of damar or acrylic. You then mount the paper onto canvas or board using acid free gel medium for acrylics. I brush the medium on to the paper and the substrate. After firmly pressing every possible area on the painting, you put as much weight on it as possible. (At least I do!) You can then varnish again if you like! The wonderful part about it is there is no need for glass or mats. While I know my framing friends will cringe at the thought, I prefer them this way. There is no glare on the glass, no glass to get broken, and none of the weight! This one is currently at the Artists gallery in Fairhope on South Section Street.

Mobile Harbor~Middle Bay, Watercolor paper mounted on canvas, 18 x 24

Day 7 of the 100 days~100 paintings

Don't be fooled by my toothy smile!

Yet another shadowbox canvas leaves the easel today. I am delighted to be able to paint another alligator. The last one I painted on a shadowbox sold before I could even photograph it! While not a common species in the sea, I have seen them swim in the brackish waters of our Mobile Bay as well as the Mississippi sound off the coast of Horn Island. For that reason I include them in my marine life  this year. I once tried to get my husband to Kayak over to about a 4 ft juvenile near 5 rivers so I could photograph him. 

He wanted nothing to do with that adventure!

(Same scenario with a caribbean grey reef shark in the Florida Keys. He never lets me have any fun, but he keeps me out of trouble......) Love ya honey!

I also ordered a dozen 24 x 24 canvases today. They are on a deep sale, and we cannot build them that inexpensively! A dozen more! It's a good thing I love painting them!

Don't be fooled by my toothy smile! , 24 x 24 inch canvas with a 12 x 12 opening, 

Acrylic , Day 4 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

Middle Bay and Old Glory

"Middle Bay and Old Glory"

It's hard to imagine that it is already another year gone by and time to start the 100 Days~100 Paintings. I started this series in gulp.....2009. This year will find me blogging and painting my 900th piece of art! (Actually more, but there may be a post about that later.) I never imagined it would still be something I look forward to creating and writing about. This day begins the 2017 series. 

This year the dynamic is still changing daily. My hard work as a professional artist is paying off with my pieces starting to be in demand. This spring was very successful and it found me doing more commissions than ever. "The Artists gallery" on South Section Street, Fairhope Alabama, now carries my works in a double sized space. Big Fish Trading Company on 98 is also carrying my pieces to go with their fabulous furniture. People are also visiting the studio to pick out their works. 

I also began a new series of paintings on multiple canvases. 

Fall shows applications are in and acceptances are being sent. 

The biggest change of all is my husband retired from his 40 year job at the paper mill. I am really enjoying having the love of my life at home, but we are still getting used to doing things apart. Most exciting is our new "tiny house" we use to travel and carry our dachshunds along for the journey! I cannot wait to take it to shows for us to have a place to stay. 

Now as to the surprise mentioned on Facebook, I am giving away a shadowbox painting of your choice in the 16 x 16 size. This size painting sells at shows for $155. I am looking forward to seeing how many collectors, new and old sign up to be a part of this exciting giveaway!

Feel free to share, share, share, the link please.

This painting started as a class piece for one of my advanced watercolor students. She added her husband's  sailboat to her painting for an anniversary present. 

This one is a watercolor mounted to canvas and put into a barnwood frame.

"Middle Bay and Old Glory" Watercolor mounted on canvas 14 x 18

$175.00