Peaceful turtle (no political affiliation please)

The paintings are going well, with me easily completing one per day.

I am afraid though at the rate our country is going, I may get even more done.

I think we are headed for another lockdown.

In which case, I will be found in my studio painting away.

I pray it isn't so, but with the raging numbers we are being presented with on a daily basis....

And,

Our president finally speaks to us all wearing masks if you cannot social distance.

Although I wonder if it's just an attempt to boost numbers with an election coming up.

I'm already tired of the presidential, local, and statewide elections and their commercials.

Each side accusing the other of this and that, with respondents replying with tit for tat.

I'll be in the studio creating!

Peaceful turtle (no political affiliation please), Acrylic on hardibord, 10 x 10 inches

Day 23 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Fly away!

Fly away is another in the Hardi bord series.

I am kinda enjoying them, getting the images just so for the new outdoor pieces.

However, what I did not enjoy today was the official cancellation of the 

Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, October 8th-11th.

This is one of my favorite shows, and this year was going to be a surprise!

I was going to have a double booth, one side for my marine art, 

the other would've been a display of nothing but steampunk art.

There's always next year....

Do me a favor please............

WEAR a mask!

My brother had a scare Sunday, calling me to tell me that he was sick 

and the doctor had tested him for Covid.

I prayed Monday, Tuesday, and all day today.

Fortunately his test came back negative, but there have been false negatives before.

He is exhibiting a lot of the symptoms, but so far so good.

If he is not better tomorrow, he plans to go to the doctor again, 

I only pray they test him again too (he has too many symptoms pointing straight to the virus!)

Anyway, this is one of our stresses this week.

Our Governor just today mandated a mask in all businesses 

and gatherings of 10 or more people.

This is NOT about taking away your liberty, it is about protecting everyone

around you. Walmart has now mandated masks in all their stores as well.

Please for those with compromised immune systems, COPD, 

the elderly and many other illnesses, just wear one!

I know my husband and I do!

MY main concern is lack of income for the next few months.

With the ANSFestival cancelling, I'm sure others will be following shortly.

Typically this time of year, we have 5 shows, 

with minimal travel to both Florida and Mississippi as well as our local festivals.

I am anticipating all of these cancelling as well.

I will continue to paint, even though it will be difficult to focus.

I do still have galleries that are selling, although both one woman shows have cancelled.

I will need to supply the galleries and the local collectors that come my way!

There are a couple of things new on the horizon.

I will be starting a collection of art that will be offered online in print form.

They will include both marine and steampunk pieces!

I will be building my website soon as well with ability to purchase online.

Look for this exciting adventure to start very soon, just in time for fall decorating, 

Christmas decorating and gifts.

New horizons, new challenges, new art!

All coming your way very soon!

Thanks for keeping up with me and my crazy artist life.

Fly away! Acrylic on hardi bord, 10 x 10

Day 17 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2020

Sandpiper, sandpiper

Today's painting is a beautiful blend of techniques.

This Ruddy turnstone was amazingly fun.

The poured backgrounds have been terrific this summer into fall and this one is no exception.

I really enjoy working until I can find the right animal to go on each piece.

I photographed this guy while on Coya Costa. (remember the ibis?)

This bird was almost aggressive in his begging techniques.

We were eating lunch when he landed right next to us.

We tossed him bits of bread and it came closer to us.

If I had been able, I could have touched him.

He was so close, I had to lean way back to photograph him multiple times.

So fun to paint too!

Sandpiper, sandpiper, Acrylic on Poured background canvas, 12 x 12

Day 98 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019 

Wonderful Whales

These two just make me happy!

It is a depiction of that moment when a calf is born and the mother pushes 

it to the surface for it's first breath of air.

Several years ago, I had a painting called "Bonding".

It was a beautiful piece, all in deep blues and grays.

Remember, when I first started painting, my colors were very strong.

So strong in fact that a lot of people would look at my work and say,

"I don't know if that color would go on my wall".

I became frustrated, literally pounding my head against the back of the tent while at a show.

I asked God what am I doing wrong?

God said you're doing nothing wrong, just go more neutral.

Neutral?

You see, this was before the days of Chip and Joanna Gaines.

The "Neutral" movement with furniture, walls, and accessories had not really started yet.

That's the year the sepias began.

That's the year my oldest daughter said "Mom I don't know if I like that. It's just not you."

I said let's give this a chance.

That series is still going strong 10 years later!

They have grown of course, to include shadowbox canvas and multiple canvas pieces.

It really helps to pay attention when God speaks!

I love listening for his voice on an hourly basis.

I'm asking, what would you have me do Lord?

Then I listen.

I pray a lot while I'm painting as well.

I love it when God speaks!

Anyway, this painting, was called "Bonding."

It depicted the protection of the mother and her calf.

I had it at a show in Mississippi, and a woman came into my booth.

She said "I was Wylands secretary for many years, and I just had to tell you, when I saw this painting I thought it was one of his."

Wyland, when I first started painting was one of the artists that inspired me.

So many years later, I now have peace with color, my color is more peaceful as well.

I still love painting in color, as you have seen these past weeks and months.

The sepias are still my favorite though!

We've had a wonderful day here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio.

Gypsy Gal pulled out of our driveway early this morning and is now safely at her new home.

We went to church and our souls were filled with a great sermon.

Chris worked in his studio and I helped make fidget pillows for seniors at the ESAC.

We also delivered a table to the someone from church.

A busy day indeed!

Wonderful Whales, Acrylic on poured background canvas, 4 x 12 inches

Day 97 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Orinoco Flow

My artist friend Alfred from Zimbabwe actually named this one.

When he saw the photo he said it reminded him of the song Orinoco Flow by Enya.

It does have a sail away, sail away quality to the painting.

So much of a pleasure to create, it had it's problems.

When I began, painting, Chris said the Dolphin was too small.

I agreed and enlarged it by a full third.

I also enlarged the tail quite a bit.

I love how it flows together with the poured background.

I've been working on a commission piece for a collector that wants additional 

pieces to go with his shadowbox turtle.

It will be a spectacular work of art when they are all in place.

He has an original 24 x 24 and wants to add 2 12 x 12's , and 3 12 x 24's.

The reef pieces are coming along great, and the turtles are beautiful.

I will post them as soon as they are done.

The total artworks will measure 50 inches wide by 38 inches tall when complete.

Other than that happening in the studio....

We sold Gypsy Gal today.

She is going home to a delightful couple in North Alabama.

They are spending the night here, after a delicious meal and a hot shower.

We invited them to spend the night after a six hour trip turned into almost 9 because of traffic.

She is going to a great home, and I know she'll have many happy hours with them!

I look forward to seeing their adventures.

Orinoco Flow, Acrylic on Poured background, 20 x 20 inches

Day 96 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Ibis III

Happy World Teachers day to all my teacher friends!

Ibis III was indeed a visit to our past trip to the Florida coast.

These beautiful birds were so unafraid of humans, so plentiful, and just plain fun to watch!

I enjoyed photographing them, and now painting them!

Today brought us together working on a table for friends at church.

My husband called it finished, but I pushed him a little into varnishing it one more time.

We sanded together, then pushed the polyurethane back and forth, achieving a beautiful glow.

This table is rather large and is meant for outdoor meals at their home on the river.

I hope they enjoy the fruits of his labors for years to come!

I know I would love one!

Meanwhile, the Gypsy Gal may be going to a new home tomorrow in North Alabama.

The couple is well aware of the weight, and the need for a large vehicle to pull it.

We sent them the video that the wonderful 

Richard Sites put up on youtube about her back in January.

The woman fell in love instantly.

I hope they are committed, they are driving 6 hours to pick her up Saturday afternoon.

I will be sad to see her go, but go she must.

Chris traded the truck that could pull her during the summer for a smaller Toyota.

We spent many a happy hour in the Gypsy Gal!

We now have Calypso and I am totally in love with her now.

Calypso is easy to pull with our Dodge Grand Caravan.

For those of you that don't know, Calypso is our vintage 1984 UHaul 

camper Chris found while walking the dogs back in January of this year.

I was in India visiting our daughter at the time and Chris was uncertain of getting it or not.

Through multiple texts back and forth.

Is the weight right? Yes.

Is the price right? Yes.

Can my van pull it? Yes

Can you repair what is needed to be repaired? Yes

Do you like it? Yes

Then what is the question?

I want you to see it first.

I told him, I trust your judgement, and if you think it's good for us, then get it.

Turns out there was a LOT more work involved than we originally thought.

The trailer was trashed in a lot of places.

Questionable repairs, a too large air conditioner, and hole where there should not be holes.

He ended up removing the camper from the trailer, then welding, blasting and replacing parts.

He then put it back on the trailer, and the fiberglass began.

That was a whole new learning curve.

Anyway, after lots of hard work we have a vintage camper that is so cute and coastal.

We are using it next week for the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

I'm sure there will be lots of talk in the campground about her.

Speaking of Shrimp Festival, I got my booth assignment today!

I'm still on the main aisle coming into the show on the parking lot.

While the forecast is for rain chances, at least we don't have a hurricane charging the Gulf Coast.

My booth number is A18

I can hardly wait!

Ibis III, Acrylic on poured background, 4 x 12 inches

Day 95 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Ibis II

Ibis II brings me one day closer to the Annual National Shrimp Festival 

down at Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The weekend is looking like the possibility of rain in some spots, 

but probably not an all day wash out.

We will be putting up the tent we lovingly call "The Beast".

It is the second tent ever made by the Showoff company back in the late 80's.

The company was a merger between an aerospace engineer and an awning company.

The first tent was made for the engineer's wife, the second for her friend.

I got the tent from the friend several years ago.

She had used it for shows for several years and was getting out and needed to sell.

The tent is built from aluminum and is lightweight and easy to set up.

I have also owned a Flourish, but it was heavy, heavy.

I sold my Flourish, after I got the Showoff.

We have put the poles into a golf bag, as it makes carrying them easier.

I can carry almost the entire tent pole system in the golf bag.

Anyway, we call it "The Beast" because it has so many parts and pieces.

There are no less than  7 legs if you put up a french wall.

There are also stabilizing bars for the bottom.

Bars for the top and sides and a 5th one for the french wall.

Then there's the roof pipes in several pieces, we added even more when Chris built a system of PVC pipe that holds the roof taut, preventing leaks and puddles.

A roof with a sky light.

Four vinyl walls.

Four large 45 pound weights.

Sometimes we bring the bag weights as well.

Four covered walls for us to choose from, if we want a french wall or not.

We also have chairs, a wooden business center surround, flags, decorations, business roll around case that carries hooks, cards, shopping bags, tools, price tags, straps for the weights, stakes, baby wipes, and too much other stuff to mention!

Needless to say, it's a LOT of stuff to carry.

When we go out of town we carry an extra pop up tent in case something happens to the big one.

We learned that lesson here in Fairhope when The Beast was damaged during a storm that hit the night of set up a few years back.

We've carried an extra tent ever since. 

Then there is the artwork in a system of bags that I've purchased over the years.

We also added a platform made from shelving, making it easier to load the tents, chairs, business table, and weights.

We then have a cooler, clothes, food, snacks, and drinks.

Although sometimes we buy the food after we get to the show city.

Why do I tell you this?

Because it's not all sitting in our studio, raking in cash from sales.

It's a lot of sleepless nights caused by ideas that will not be quiet, concerns about not remembering to pack something, last minute varnishing before we leave, and packing an 

art bag of projects to do at the show.

Sometimes the shows are so slow, I can paint quite a bit unfortunately.

Artists carry lots of heavy equipment, and sometimes heavy thoughts about their works.

We also have to plan months in advance, I currently have entries for shows for May of next year.

I have campgrounds booked for two shows in Florida in late April and the first weekend of May.

They are already paid in full because that is what is required.

So it's a lot we go through to present ourselves before you, the collector even go to the shows.

Know an artist?

Tell them you know how hard they work and you appreciate their efforts.

Today found me laying out a project involving multiple pieces to go 

with a painting purchased a few years back.

He has his turtle, he now wants 5 other canvases set up in a 

particular way to surround the original piece.

He is excited to see them, and so am I!

Meanwhile I paint......

Ibis II, Acrylic on poured background, 4 x 12 inches

Day 94 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Ibis I

Day one of the Ibis.

A few years back we took a wonderful trip to Florida.

On the West coast of Florida is the beautiful place called Sandia Island.

It is supposed to be one of the best shelling experiences in the country.

It did not disappoint me at all.

While I did not find a lot of different shells, I did find the Queen Scallops I needed for a project.

I needed a lot of Queen scallops as I was making necklace and earring sets for about 20 women.

I found what I needed and much more shells than I can ever describe in one post. 

On to the Ibis....

We took a ferry to the island of Coya Costa off the coast of Sandia.

It is a beautiful place, with primitive camping for the brave.

We may have to try it sometime.

What fascinated me was the Ibis.

Normally an elusive bird, they melt into the mangroves at the sight of humans.

However, on the Gulf of Mexico and a beautiful pristine beach there were dozens everywhere.

I've never seen so many Ibis in one area.

I took dozens of photos with my digital camera.

The advantage is that I did not have to print them all, but could look at them on the computer.

Digital is wonderful that way.

These birds were unafraid of humans, running in front of women walking along the beach.

They were also playing in the surf, dipping in the water with their beaks searching for mussels.

When a bird finally got one, the fights ensued with lots of squawking, nipping, and finally taking flight.

It was quite the spectacle and one I hope I don't forget!

Ibis I, Acrylic on poured canvas, 4 x 12 inches

Day 93 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Scarecrows and turtles

We had so much fun last night creating these!

Scripts & Strokes is really humming.

The wood pieces were from the roll around produce carts from Winn Dixie.

 AND I used my new roll around to put my sander on, which gave me an easier level for sanding.

54 pieces of wood for the snowman and scarecrows, they are reversible! 

Then 54 bases from scraps in the barn.

We found homes for all the pieces but 2 sets out of the 54.

This piece took some thinking, measuring, careful planning and the painting!

Composed of 2 8x8 canvases and one 10x10 in the middle.

The background they are screwed upon is recycled stretcher bars with a thin piece of wood for the front.

I painted the front first in a custom mixed ocean blue.

I then played around with the canvas placement and that required a lot of measuring.

I can tell you, it made me extremely nervous to screw the canvases from the back.

I then transferred the drawings and painted them!

Chris got a wonderful gift today!

An entire room full of Cypress and Pine lumber , milled from over 100 year old wood!

He is one happy camper.

His shop is full of wood, and we rescued a cabinet from the side of the road.

We gifted the cabinet to a friend that gladly took it into her home.

Working together, side by side, me and Chris!

I love living here in Fairhope, Alabama!

Turtle trio, Acrylic on wood panel, with canvas and frame, 14 x 30 inches

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

Seahorse

I love painting these seemingly whimsical creatures

This one was a challenge though, as I had to draw the outline, fill it in with lighter colored paint, then transfer the details.

Not too difficult, but time consuming for sure!

Well now on to the show results.

Another long day in the heat that is our Southern Alabama in September.

I was optimistic this morning when we opened the tent for day two of the show.

By 9 am there were people already walking the venue before church. 

We set up an awning out front of the tent, in an effort o cut down on the heat. 

We also put a fan up in the roof blowing downward.

The fan did surprisingly well, while it was not cool in the tent, it was cooler than in the sun.

The sun itself was in and out today and there was a nice breeze.

Overall, beautiful weather in spite of the heat.

The ice cream vendors did booming sales this weekend.

Me not so much.

I have had my first (and hopefully only!) 

ZERO, (yes $0.00!) show.

This has been about 20 years in the making folks.

Am I disappointed, yes.

Am I devastated, no.

I am confident of my pricing, painting, and preparations for shows. 

God has great things in store for me.

 I just have to have patience.

Patience that God will take care of me in his own due time.

I just have to be persistent and consistent.

Persistent in creating and consistent in my quality.

I also must become more humble of my talents that he has bestowed upon me.

I must remember that God has always provided for me.

Then, God will open the storehouse for me!

I am blessed, not stressed.

On to the next show!

National Shrimp Festival in Gulf shores, Alabama

October 10th -13th

Seahorse, Acrylic on poured background, 10 x 20 inches

Day 90 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Mystical Mermaid IV & V

Mystical Mermaids indeed!

Our day yesterday was rather hectic, so I was just too tired to post.

It started with us getting breakfast and walking the dogs for 30 minutes.

Once home, we kept pups inside and moved the van to the barn.

We flipped seats, made a cargo bed, added plastic from the roll around projects from Winn Dixie.

The large plastic sheets make it easier to slide the equipment into the van.

We put the shelf units in that we bought last year, making a raised platform for the tent, sides, and other show pieces into the van. 

We then moved the van to the front door, releasing the hounds after we shut the gates.

I moved on to bringing down the multiple bags of artworks into the living room and then outside.

We loaded the art into the van so that we still had space for more if needed.

We locked up the van and got lunch, Chris took a nap, while I painted the afternoon away.

At 4pm we went and picked up the packet for the show and I told them we would be setting up later.

After going home, I went back to the studio for a bit, and then got a shower.

At 6pm, Chris took me to church for a women's event.

It was a lovely time, and I hate that I missed the Worship portion.

At 8pm we headed to the show site, and just as we predicted most were gone and zipped up for the night.

We were able to leisurely set up, with our only issue being the darkness.

We put up the main artworks, then zipped down ourselves for some well deserved rest.

We got home just about 10pm and got showers again.

Bedtime was about 10:30.

I woke up at 1am then again at 4am. 

I gave up at that point.

It gave me a chance to read my Bible and other readings for today.

We headed down after breakfast and at dawn, to finish setting up before the show started at 10am.

Set up went smoothly, with us having fans to try and keep us cool.

The fans did not work so well in the cooling department.

Kinda hard to cool down almost 90 degrees!

It's September Lord, can't we have a little fall?

Apparently not.

The day wore on,

 with lots of people complimenting my work, 

telling me how gorgeous it is,

 how my prices are reasonable,

all this while the sweat trickles down my back.

I tried to keep upbeat as the afternoon moved on,

More people, 

more compliments,

me thanking people for coming into the booth,

me trying to engage folks in conversations.

I celebrate my neighbors having sales!

There are purchases being made!

Large paintings go down the walkway, under the arms of eager patrons.

Late afternoon, and the heat becomes more intense because the sun is beating down into the booth.

I move my chair as I don't relish a sunburn this weekend.

More people, except now all of the Alabama and Auburn fans have melted away to game day parties.

Everyone is eating ice cream, drinking cold drinks, iced coffees, lemonades and other things cold to drink.

I myself have downed several bottles of water, a bottle of tea, and a soft drink.

Meanwhile, I talk to folks coming in, trying to steer the conversations away from the heat.

Why do I tell you this so vividly?

I want you to know something that most artists keep a secret.

We are frustrated trying to figure out pricing, what to paint, how to paint, etc..

All the months of labor, lovingly packed and hung for people to see.

Booth fees, jury fees, and other expenses.

Today saw this woman have not ONE single sale.....

I have prayed this afternoon for others to have been more fortunate.

I found out at the artists reception that there were others not making anything either.

God always watches out for me, he watches out for you too!

We are to turn to him in times of trouble like this.

God is testing me for sure!

The heat, no sales make for one unhappy artist at times.

I ask God, what are you teaching me?

Patience.

Persistence.

Provision.

Lord I hear you!

He's got my back, and I know he's got yours too!

Happy swimming!

Mystical Mermaids IV & V, Acrylic on poured background, each 4x12 inches

Days 88 and 89 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Mystical Mermaid III

Mystical Mermaids continue!

Today finds the backside of one swimming away!

I really enjoy painting these.

What I don't enjoy is conflict.

I posted something that two people disagree with 

on a popular website.

Your first guess on the website is probably right!

Anyway, I seem to have ruffled feathers with the Global Warming post about Greta. 

For the record, I believe we need to do something, 

anything to help out our planet.

Yes the United States is working on it, but we could still do more.

Yes Children today grow up differently from how we did.

We grew up drastically different from our parents and grandparents!

We are slowly but surely destroying our planet with our garbage, chemicals, and lack of sound conservation practices.

On the other counts, I guess I'll have to respectfully disagree!

I am ready for the show this weekend.

I hope to see some of you there, even if just to look!

Mystical Mermaid III, Acrylic on poured background, 4 x 12 inches

Day 87 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Mythical Mermaid I

I hope you are not tired of mermaids!

I started a series of 5 mermaids on the poured backgrounds.

These are small originals created just for fun.

They are just lovely on their watery sea like canvases.

I look forward to the rest of them.

Today was a busy day for both of us!

Chris started his day by going to men's coffee while I did my bible readings for the day.

When he came home, we were supposed to go look for a campground 

to stay at during the shrimp festival in October.

What he didn't know was I had been on the computer and phone, searching for a campsite.

By the time he arrived, I had information about a place we stayed at 

years ago that we are going to give a try again.

This campground had seen better days the last time we came by, but the reviews seem positive.

Here's hoping we end up a winner, and not a dud!

Any way, as excited as I was about the campsite, he was more excited about something we had seen behind our local grocery store. 

The store has been renovating for weeks now, and some of their store displays were out back.

Chris had checked and they had signs on them "free".

He called just to be sure, and off we went.

These displays were made in the USA, and were built to withstand heavy produce.

They were used of course, but we could see value in them.

At first, Chris just wanted one for the shop.

We decided to take a chance and bring them all home.

It took both of us to dismantle them, and three truckloads to bring them home.

There were a total of 5 of them, 2 square 40 x 40 inches and 

3 larger ones with a drawer each measuring 30 x 48.

When we got them all home, we started calling friends.

3 of them have already found homes in other men's shops!

One will become a table, two others will be roll around tables.

The other two, Chris has already cut down one and added a lower shelf.

He then put the tabletop from a project for our Pastor on top. 

Now we have a very nice work surface that rolls into places we need it.

I will be using it tomorrow myself to put my belt sander on.

I will be sanding the slats pulled from two of the tables for our combined 

scarecrow/snowmen project in my Scripts & Strokes class.

We have one left, they are so nice I'm sure I won't have to do much convincing 

to get it in our shop space together!

We also went to out local Hobby lobby and purchased new brushes for Scripts & Strokes.

Yea new brushes! We had lunch, and I went to the dentist for the first time in two years.

We've really got to get dental insurance.  

But, no cavities ma!

Such is life here in Fairhope, getting ready for another show season, painting, projects,

and anything else life throws at us!

Mythical Mermaid I, Acrylic on poured background, 4x12 inches

Day 85 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019 

Out of the Deep II

Created from the same pour that brought me Out of the Deep. 

The browns and gray's are incredible.

I cannot wait to see it varnished along with the others in my studio.

The poured backgrounds are just so gorgeous and almost effortless. 

I did enhance the  water on this one, adding foam and water lines.

I love to watch water move, I could absolutely watch it all day, especially the surf with it's foam.

Just lovely!

Sepias are coming, I promise!

I also made room in the studio for further works coming from the easel in the Raccoon Retreat studio.

This time of year, it gets crowded in my space.

I have actually started my list of packed items to get them off the shelves and out of the way.

I am a bag-a-holic with lots of different size bags to contain the artworks and make packing easier.

Chris loves it when the bags make blocks on which he can stack the pieces 

on top of one another with no damage.

There were several pieces over the course of our years traveling and doing shows that were damaged.

The bags minimize the dents and possible broken stretcher bars.

I really enjoy painting, but this evening I must finalize my teaching for the morning SLAM group meeting.

SLAM is Sweating Like A Momma group from church. 

We are studying really bad girls of the bible and it is interesting to say the least.

God's blessings on you this day!

Out of the Deep II, Acrylic on poured background, 12 x 24

Day 80 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

Peaceful

Peaceful indeed!

I am at peace about a lot of things.

We are constantly bombarded with things that will disturb our peace.

Alarms, deadlines, chores, meals, family, or other assorted things thrown our way by the enemy.

When things become too much for me, I pray.

I tell God, okay I know you've got this for me.

I'm going to give it to you, because I can't handle the situation.

I am then at peace.

I really understood the peace that surpasses all understanding the afternoon my mother died suddenly.

My father accidentally called me, trying to call the paramedics.

He then told me to get off the d**m phone and hung up on me.

I fell to my knees in the driveway as I was outside packing for Arts and Crafts set up that evening.

I started crying uncontrollably.

I then cried out to God.

"I told God no! not now! not today!"

I then realized what I had said, and prayed to God.

"Not my will, but your will be done."

"But, if it is your will, give me peace."

I immediately felt washed over with overwhelming love and peace.

I believe I had a glimpse of heaven that day, not with my earthly eyes, but with my heart.

I stood up and the deep grief that had caused me to collapse, was gone.

I called my brother and asked him to go check on our parents, as I was an hour away.

When he called and told me she was indeed gone, I sat down on the sidewalk in front of the chamber.

The other Artists began stepping over me, not sure what to do in this situation.

I called my girlfriend and told her what had happened.

She said where are you?

Out front.

The chamber people were wonderful, offering me the chance to back out of the show.

I told them I would give an answer by 8pm that evening.

The phone calls started coming in.

I was still at peace on the way to my fathers side.

I asked everyone that called what they thought about the show.

Incredibly they all said, do it!

She would be mad at you if you didn't

So true!

So began a weekend of witnessing to others the peace that had been given to me!

Such a joyful weekend that my heavenly father rescued me from the depths of despair.

People were in utter disbelief that knew of my relationship with my mother.

She was indeed my best friend.

Peace.

Have you asked for yours today?

Phillipians 4:7

Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Peaceful, Acrylic on poured background, 12 x 24

Day 79 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Deep Waters

Deep waters is now one of my favorites for certain.

I just LOVE the way the poured background and bubbles came together almost seamlessly.

I actually saw this painting last night while teaching the Scripts & Strokes class at Celebration Church.

I knew I had this background in my studio, and had been trying to figure out what to paint on top.

I had asked for guidance from the Holy Spirit and here ya go!

This painting just makes me happy.

Deep waters reminds me of a sermon I heard while attending a church in Birmingham, Al.

The preacher talked about people and their faith.

He likened Christianity to people swimming.

When you first begin as a Christian, you stand at the water's edge watching the people swim in the water.

You are scared to get in yourself.

The people are having lots of fun and enjoying themselves.

We get in, but only up to our ankles, maybe going to church some.

Mind you, we still want to be in control of our lives, mustn't drown!

But the people further out seem to be enjoying themselves so we go deeper.

Up to our knees, still in control but curious.

The water begins to swirl around our feet, maybe pulling the sand from beneath us slightly.

We start reading the Bible some, in addition to church becoming more of a need than a want.

The people out in the water swimming though, laughter fills the air from their activity.

Maybe I'll go deeper, at least up to my hips.

At this point, the water is a little harder to move in, and we are starting to feel the push and pull more.

Maybe I'll start making friends.

My friends start calling to me, come on in, the water's great!

Up to my waist now, less in control.

The water supports me almost.

Maybe I'll join a small group.

My friends calling to me to swim is stronger now, because I am close enough to them to see them clearly.

I finally lift my feet and join them fully surrounded by the water.

Maybe I'll go on a mission.

It is glorious here!

Such a delight!

The water is Jesus Christ, our brother.

Set in place by our Father God.

I am really enjoying the swim now!

Are you up to your ankles?

Are you up to your knees?

Are you up to your hips?

Are you up to your waist?

Or,

Are you swimming?

Come on in, the water is glorious!

Isaiah 43:2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

Deep Waters, Acrylic on top of poured background, 10 x 20

Day 78 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Shrimps, Ships, and Whales

Yesterday's paintings.

There were actually 7 of the little guys, but the odd number doesn't photograph well.

Fun little paintings, quickly created on tiny poured canvases.

They each measure 3x3 inches and are just plain fun!

Then there's today.....

Does life ever seem to be on fast mode?

Ours is really going by so quickly, the days are filled with things to do, and places to go.

My to do's today were to change the sheets on our bed,  repair our couch, deliver a painting to Big Fish Gallery, ship a painting to Georgia, sketch out canvases for class, teach the class.

Getting them all done was a challenge, especially when we added bathing 5 dachshunds into the mix!

Anyway, the bed stripped and sheets washing, I moved to the next task.

Chris wanted to bathe all 5 dogs.

They don't appreciate warm water and soap, but the task was done with the two of us working in tandem.

I moved on to pulling out the couch I bought about 3 years ago, cleaning the area on both sides, washing windows, baseboards, walls, and floor.

I then started in on the couch.

Chris has been looking for a new couch because his end is sinking down with age.

We flipped the couch forward onto the coffee table and began the process of deconstructing.

We found the problem, repaired it with a thin sheet of wood placed in the cushion, and put everything back together.

We then released the dogs into the yard, and drove to Big Fish.

I took the rather large painting to them, and they are delighted and excited. 

I hope it does well for both of us!

Getting lunch, coming home, building a box and making a shipment rounded out the early afternoon.

I sketched, cooked a quick dinner and went to teach a class.

We painted a whale depicting Isaiah 43:2

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

God is with us all the time, even when we don't feel his presence near.

The class seemed to enjoy this one, we had a group of 12!

Mercy that is a lot of running around. 

I thank God Chris is willing to come lend a hand, replacing water, cleaning brushes, getting paper towels.

I could not teach a class that large and get finished by 9 pm.

Almost everyone wanted the verse on their painting, and it went quickly once we started.

A good, good, albeit long day!

Shrimps, Ships and Whales, Acrylic on canvas, Whales 11 x 14

Days 76 & 77 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019