Laevistrombus Canarium

Laevistrombus Canarium

Also called a Strombus Canarium

The Canarium I think is because it has a yellow tinge.

Anyway, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

This tiny guy is only about an inch in length, although they do get larger.

This is another non-poisonous shell from the collection out of the Philippines.

I just love them all.

So many happy memories,

Especially when it came to the day we actually lifted the shells from the ant bed 

and got to see them in the light of day.

I think it looks a lot like our conch shells here in the Gulf of Mexico.

I don't know if you've had the opportunity to eat conch, but I find it quite chewy.

I didn't care for it at all when the villagers offered it to me.

I ate it, because that was polite, but I didn't like the texture.

Reminded me of clam chowder.

Another day of clearing and cleaning in the She Shed with my daughter.

I pray this helps her on her efforts to clear the clutter from her life and allows her to create in an atmosphere of calmness.

Tomorrow I'm home.

Today is one step closer to the end of the 100 days for 2026.

I pray you're still with me, let me know somehow.

I know people are curious as the numbers keep going up.

Thank you for that, I am blessed by your being here to read the blog.

We all want to have left something more than footprints on a sandy water washed shore,

 that the waves wash away.

Stay blessed and know that I am praying for and with you!

Strombus Canarium, Acrylic on canvas 6 x 24

Day 63 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

 

Clypeomorous Bifasciata

Clypeomorus Bifasciata

Better and more easily pronounced, Double Banded Creeper

The scientific name is a mouthful, isn't it?

This little guy is an algae eater, slowly creeping along the bottom.

Hence the name, creeper.

This is another shell from our collection out of the Philippines.

Today found me helping my daughter in her "she shed"

She is trying to clear the decks for a project we are working on, but also just attempting to have room to move as she has a LOT of stuff to create with.

I'm trying to be rid of items in my studio; she is holding on for dear life to the things she has acquired.

I know that in organizing and shedding excess the mind becomes clearer.

I am going to try and help her realize this too.

The last time she asked for help, we did shed quite a bit of items into several sources that needed them.

Hopefully this time will be the same scenario.

This shell was interesting to paint because of the texture.

Most of these shells seem to have areas on them where the shell has experienced some type of hardship.

These hardships on the shells translate into patterns that are visible to the naked eye.

We are like that as well.

The wounds we carry constantly remind us of the hard times, 

but there is nothing visible to the general public.

They just wonder at the possible outbursts that are directed at them.

There is a cure for our wounds though.

That cure is Jesus and our fellowship with him.

Unabashed, complete, surrender is all he asks of us.

Trust God through his Son Jesus.

I can promise you that He is the Great Physician able to heal all our wounds.

He's healed mine, and he'll heal yours too!

"Double Banded Creeper", Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24

Day 62 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Omaria cone

Today's painting is another cone shell.

I am again surprised at the number of cones that my parents collected.

This one is called Conus O Maria, or Omaria Cone.

The patterns on these shells are quite complex. 

They challenge me to create paintings that are visually interesting.

I pray that you are not getting tired of the collection that my parents accumulated over a short span.

The cones are different, yet you may see some similarities with the "Cloth of gold" one.

They are very similar in color as well as shape because they are cones.

Yesterday I tried to complete a survey for Sunshine Magazine while I was cooking dinner.

I got to the end and was adding photos.

I pressed a button and it was totally gone in an instant.

30 minutes of carefully prepared, grammatically correct, properly spelled answers just gone.

I was determined to complete the task as I have answered their surveys before and got my photos and answers published. 

While the meal was finishing, I went back upstairs to complete the task.

I gave myself a time limit of 20 minutes with a timer.

I told Chris when the alarm went off, I had a few more questions to answer and photos to post.

I'm much better with a brush than a computer!

I completed the survey, added photos, and went back downstairs to finish the meal preparation.

Never a dull moment around here!

Another day in the Raccoon Retreat studio located in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

Omaria Cone, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24

Day 61 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

A Conus Textile

"Conus Textile"

Otherwise commonly known as a Textile Cone.

I much prefer the other common name, "Cloth of Gold Cone".

Such a pretty name for such a deadly creature.

I am amazed at the sheer amount of cone shells my parents brought home from the Philippines.

Back in the 60's it was common to collect shells as mementos.

My parents took it to a whole new level I believe.

I am looking forward to visiting the razor corals, fan coral, turbans, 

scallops, and auger shells, and yes more cone shells.

So many memories coming back as a result of visiting these beautiful reminders of my adventures with my parents in a foreign country.

Little did my mother and I know that dad was setting up things for the Air Force in 

Vietnam while we were there in the Philippines.

My dad was in a heavily classified position, so he didn't talk much about his job.

All I knew was when he went to Vietnam, I had a special set of wheels made from cassette tape reels that were my code breaking key when coded letters arrived from the base.

It was all very exciting to my young self and gave me a fascination for codes and word puzzles that sticks with me to this day.

Ah the memories of childhood.

Tropical islands, breezes, and salt water.

I long for the sea still.

I guess I'm still a mermaid deep in my heart.

I visit the sea with my brush daily, and yet I don't get wet!

Thanks for coming along with me.

A Conus Textile, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24

Day 60 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Just a little white paint today

"Just a little white paint today"

Actually, I got a lot of work done besides the painting of the rounds and flat pieces with two coats.

I also had two fillings done first thing this morning.

The entire right side of my face was numb for the better part of the day.

Also holding my jaw open so wide gave me a headache as well.

So, painting the rounds white gave me a small amount of something done towards art.

I also transferred a few more shell paintings to 6 x 24s.

More cones and other shells all showing front, back, and top views.

More paintings laid out to be completed on later days.

I'm also needing to figure out what to paint on several canvases.

If you have any ideas on what you want to see, let me know.

Anyway, tired of fighting the headache, so I'm going to go to relax a while 

before turning into bed for the night.

"Just a little white paint today", Acrylic on wood, size varies

Day 59 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Death in a snail shell

 "Death in a snail shell"

 This is a cone snail shell from the Philippines.

My dad was stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the country.

Mom and I arrived a few months later around Christmas time.

It was a happy time for me as my parents did a lot for and with me.

I had started first grade at E.R.Dickson in Mobile, Alabama.

When we moved, I started back to school. 

My parents eventually started their scuba diving as a hobby.

With the scuba equipment designed by Jacques Cousteau, my parents were able to go into the undersea world that became my later obsession.

My six-year-old self was able to spend many hours in the arm of the bonka boat owned by Tony Bahalana. As long as I stayed in the arm of the boat, I could swim and watch my parents below. I played in their bubbles and relished the shells my parents brought home from the sea. We had an ant bed near our home that they would put the shells into, and the ants did an amazing job of cleaning them. 

I am not certain how the cone shells were procured and cleaned without my parents becoming victims of the shells. I only know my parents collected many cones in various designs. They became my fathers obsession, as well as him identifying them and placing carefully written names. He put a label in this one that identified it as a Radiatus-1.

He got the Radiatus part correct. I suspect the #1 as the first of his Radiatus he captured. Radiatus or Rayed Cone. Also called Conus ochroleucus.

These are marine gastropod mollusks belonging to the family Conidae.

They typically inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans, they often bury themselves in the sand near coral reefs or shallow coastal waters. The death part, they can be beach collected if they are empty.

Live cone shells are highly predatory and very venomous. They use a harpoon like tooth to inject potent neurotoxins that can be fatal to humans. I remember one of the children from the village getting stung. The ensuing panic in the village had my father trying to save the child, and my mother rushing me away from the scene so I didn't see what happened. 

Needless to say, my parents had a long talk with me about not picking up any shells on the beach like this child did. My dad was deeply saddened over this child and not being able to save her. Later on, he was able to save another child with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Life lessons learned at an early age.

Death in a snail shell, Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 24 inches

Day 58 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

Still crabby

"Still crabby"

This one was intense.

Intense because of the detail involved in creating the piece.

This is the canvas I had asked Chris to build for me.

I told him I needed a 12 x 36 with a 6 x 18-inch opening.

I needed the canvas for a shark, specifically a Great White.

Problem is to match the other canvas's; the opening needed to be 6 x 30 inch.

When I saw the canvas stretcher bars, I said okay....

A short while later, I realized my mistake.

I apologized and told Chris yes, you made exactly what I asked for.

It was still usable and beautiful though, and I knew exactly what I wanted to paint on it.

He also built the one I actually needed.

The Great White is coming soon too.

I also heard from Paul and his friend Jeff in Oxford England.

Jeff recorded and incredible message to me that really touched my heart.

Paul commissioned the piece on August 6th called Epic Goals.

Jeff actually completed the swim of the English Channel.

I've been invited to join in on a zoom call Wednesday, where Jeff will explain the process of the swim.

I am looking forward to the experience.

Epic goals indeed. 

I know both men's story will make it into the book I'm writing that includes my journals.

The book will feature stories from my life experiences as well as my journals.

Jeff already said he wants to read it!

The message that Jeff gave me made me weep with the pure love of God.

"Still crabby" Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 36

Day 56 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Dead Men Tell No Tales VI

"Dead Men Tell No Tales VI"

SIX!

Number six.

I am in awe of the talent God has given me that allows me to create incredible works of art.

At least I think they're incredible.

The first one last year sold almost immediately along with a mermaid painting as well.

I was in shock because I never dreamed that something I created could actually be in demand.

I will definitely have to have more than one on hand, 

which means there will be a number seven on my easel soon.

These are an incredibly intense piece with lots of hours to create it.

Approximately 20 hours to be more precise.

20 hours and 20 years of experience behind a brush.

The couple from Tallahassee came yesterday and picked up their Dead Men 

for their daughter who is now a Marine Biologist.

She worked on a pirate ship while she was attending college.

The painting is apparently a gift for graduation.

We also delivered another one Friday to a gentleman that wanted one for his wife's birthday.

It was a completely new design with a new blunderbuss and sword.

They already own three of my pieces and their fourth makes them officially collectors now.

This latest one is a reverse of the fifth one. 

The very first one was actually a rerun.

Last year was the first year that we started making the rounds in earnest. 

I took an original octopus piece, painted the edges white, and reimagined it.

I designed the front panel with a Dead Men theme.

This piece also had angled wood pieces that made the transition from the front piece to the octopus.

Obviously, the Dead Men series has already grown by leaps and bounds.

At least to me they've come a long way.

I really enjoy designing and painting them.

I pray you enjoy them too!

I also painted 5 of the last shadowboxes white today.

I have rearranged the studio to accommodate the canvases that are stacked up 

awaiting my pencil and brush.

Lots of work ahead in the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama!

"Dead Men Tell No Tales VI" Acrylic on Wood Round, 23 inches round

Day 55 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

 

Behind the scenes

"Behind the scenes"

This is the background for the latest Dead Men Tell No Tales.

This one is the 6th in the series.

I never dreamt that a series about pirates would become so popular.

I've already painted the front piece for this painting.

The front piece took a couple of days itself.

Chris is lending a hand helping by doing some of the cut work.

In the middle of the cutting, the scroll saw just quit.

No power going to the saw itself.

We've tried several different things in an effort to fix the problem.

We bought it used from a cousin's father-in-law for $75.

It has been a great tool for several years.

Chris and I went and looked at a new scroll saw at a local hardware store.

It was $275, not bad but Chris has found another one.

Marketplace is a familiar place in our house and our son especially.

We looked at several scroll saws online and have been in contact 

with a man about the one he has for sale.

Tomorrow morning Chris and our son Jere are going to look at and possibly purchase this newish one.

It looks brand new in the photos.

The videos I've seen look like it's a nice addition to our workshop.

Another tool to create!

I have to stay here, because the fifth Dead Men will be picked up in the morning.

Everyone that has picked up their pieces have been thrilled with their art.

The Little Rebel was picked up today and she was very happy.

I look forward to seeing photos of Little Rebel in place at the tailgating party.

Never a dull moment around here!

Tomorrow, a new saw probably.

I am going to stay with our grandson in Saraland about an hour from here.

We'll go to church together hopefully.

Then home, and back to work!

Behind the scenes, Acrylic on wood, 23 inches round

Day 53 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Sometimes all I do is paint canvas

Sometimes all I do is paint canvas....

A LOT of canvas.

I painted a total of 20 canvases today.

Lots of white acrylic paint.

Brushes and rollers.

Tops, sides, and edges.

It all has to get done before I can actually create something to sell.

All a part of the process.

All a part of my artist life here in the Raccoon Retreat studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

I also gave myself a headache trying to enter shows that don't occur for 9 months!

Well 2 are in January maybe.

The other one is Mothers day weekend in South Carolina.

Reading the prospectus, it is an intense show to get into!

After I enter the shows, I need to get camping places as well.

Artist fees, jury fees, booth fees, camping fees.

All in advance, all paid in full.

Sometimes, Acrylic on multiple canvas, varying sizes

Day 52 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

An octopus for today

"An octopus for today"

This small painting was a lot of fun to paint.

This is another of the 4 x 12 canvases that I purchased several weeks ago from FB marketplace.

I love having small little works that allow new collectors to enter the market.

And I enjoy painting them!

Today was a run around day.

I chatted with the children's pastor this morning, both about this VBS and next year's VBS.

We barely have finished one and my brain is working overtime on the next year.

We talked about what went right and what needed some tweaking to make it better.

It's going to be a Marvel-ous VBS.

We both agreed it was a Super VBS!

We then returned the other package of the messy sphagnum moss back to the store.

Glad to shed of that messy bunch of green!

We stopped for lunch, and then hopped over to Goodwill.

We did a little shopping, then headed home.

Studio time for me and a nap for Chris and the dogs.

Chris realized we needed reservations at Fort Clinch for May of next year.

Fort Clinch already full of course as it opened two weeks ago.

We managed to find the state park we stayed at last year was available.

Reservations made and paid 9 months in advance.

Chris and I headed to the grocery store to pick up a few things, heading home before a major storm hit.

Chris was assigned dinner preparation, and I headed to the studio again.

I'm working hard when he tells me dinner is ready.

Dinner.

Back to the studio to finish my slippery friend.

A busy, hectic day as usual.

Life here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

"An octopus for today", Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches

Day 51 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Sand Island Lighthouse

Actually, the lighthouse and the Oil house.

Originally lighthouses were fueled by Whale oil that had to be trudged up however many steps necessary.

I've been in several lighthouses, and their stairs are legendary in their amount and heights.

This one in particular is similar to Pensacola lighthouse in that it a tall tower.

The circular staircases in these marvels of engineering are a sight to behold, especially from the top looking down.

Sand Island lighthouse is not the one we currently see. 

I did work from the photograph though of the one that was post-civil war. 

The first one was commissioned in 1828.

It was built between 1837 and finally lit in 1839.

It was only 55 feet tall.

It was then replaced by a brick tower in 1859.

This tower was famously destroyed during the civil war.

The story is told that the lens had been removed from the tower by the confederate army and put into safe keeping. 

The Union took over the island and was using the tower to spy on the Confederates.

In a series of two raids the confederates snuck onto the island and planted dynamite on the second raid.

Problem was that the fuse was too short and the men nearly lost their lives when the tower came crashing down all around them.

This was 1863.

1864 a temporary wooden tower was erected.

In 1873 the current 132-foot tower was built.

There was a large house for the family and assistant keepers.

The house caught fire and burned in the early 1970s.

The island originally was over 400 acres and had farming on it as well as the lighthouse keeper and his family.

The current state of Sand Island is sadly, crumbling into the sea.

There have been multiple attempts to shore up the area around the lighthouse, but I am afraid the only thing that will actually save it is to move it.

History is fascinating isn't it!

Sand Island Lighthouse, Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches

Day 49 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

A little wiggle please!

"A little wiggle please"

Wiggle indeed!

These beautiful creatures are not only pretty, they're also pretty nasty.

Case in point, July 4th early in my marriage to Chris.

We all decided to go to the beach for a fun day.

I had bought a new one-piece bathing suit and was looking forward to body surfing in the waves.

I no sooner got in the water and surfed a couple of waves when I felt an intense burning inside my suit.

My chest was absolutely on fire.

I ran out of the water and told my mother what was going on.

My brothers, and husband kept bringing water to try and flush it out to no avail.

My mother and Chris had to hold up two beach towels so I could strip down on the beach.

I found pieces of tentacles in my suit.

I never saw the Portuguese Man of war.

I spent the next hour after washing my suit in an ice chest on my back with ice packs.

Definitely not a way to go to the beach. 

We never saw the jellyfish.

The tentacles can detach from the jelly but still sting!

They have something called a nematocyst and when it comes in contact with something they fire the barb like a harpoon into whatever it hits.

Not a pleasant experience for sure.

I still love painting them though!

Chris started stretching the canvases he built today.

I have precut all the canvas and laid it out in stacks.

He stretched; I painted.

Even with headphones and music I find it difficult to concentrate on painting while listening to the constant popping of the staple gun.

At least the new compressor I bought is not as noisy as my previous one!

"A little wiggle please!", Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches

Day 48 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Whale songs

"Whale songs"

Humpback whales will always be a favorite of mine.

They are wonderfully fun to paint and always sell.

I've put them on shadowboxes, sewing drawers, small and large canvas.

They've also been a part of poured backgrounds, in color and in sepia.

They also are a favorite of judges, earning me a merit award and judges' choice.

I love to listen to their songs when on marine life programs I watch.

All in all, a beautiful creature.

Chris built the stretchers I asked for today.

I ordered 16 x 24 canvas with an 8 x 12 shadowbox opening.

He built six offset and then he gave me one unusual, angled shadowbox opening.

More on this one later!

Chris is always keeping me on my toes for sure.

"Whale songs" Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches

Day 47 of the 100 days ~100 paintings 2026

 

Kraken destruction

"Kraken destruction"

This one was a wonderfully neat one to do!

I may add some coral in the background later.

So many shadowboxes to paint!

I asked Chris for a 12 x 36 with a 6 x 18 opening centered.

He made EXACTLY what I asked for!

Problem is that I needed a 12 x 36 with a 6 x 30 inch opening.

He made the one I needed the next day.

It will go with my other sharks and will have a great white painted on it.

The other one will most likely have a blue crab created on it to take full advantage of the large ends with the claws and the crab body in the middle.

I also requested a dozen 6 x 24 stretchers for my elongated canvas pieces that are popular.

They are nice little pieces for in between windows or doors.

They can also go above doors and windows.

Chris heard something different.

I came outside to tell him I was going to the Dollar store for our lunch supplies.

He was very proud of the 5 12 x 24s he had just built.

I said great and fixed lunch.

While we were riding the dogs later, we were talking.

He realized that I wanted the long skinny ones not the 12 x 24s

He started laughing so hard.

I guess he heard 6 x 24 and thought I said 12 x 24 shadowbox.

At least I don't need any more for the time being.

Although I have sent him a text for the 16 x 24s he made earlier this year.

These have an 8 x 16 opening offset.

I wasn't sure about them, but we sold both of them in the spring.

They haven't been shown here in Fairhope.

We'll see what comes out of his shop tomorrow!

Always an adventure, life with Chris and art!

"Kraken destruction" Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 24 x 24

Day 46 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

"Devil" rays

Oh, the beauty of the Manta Rays!

Also known as "Devil rays" they are present in the Gulf of Mexico.

They are absolutely beautiful to watch.

I've never been fortunate enough to see them in person.

With the exception of a very small one while paddleboarding one day.

The only way I've seen them is in videos online.

Giant Manta rays are typically found in coastal and shelf edge waters.

The highest amount of nearshore rays are found near the Mississippi River Delta.

They are most common from April to June and from October to November

They range in size from almost 7.5 feet across, with the adults can have wingspans up to 22 feet!

The scientific community has discovered a giant manta ray nursery in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.

This is about 70 miles offshore from Galveston, Texas.

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary map.

Juvenile rays are cared for during their first 4-5 years here.

They then venture out into deeper waters as Adults.

They reach sexual maturity at about 10 years of age.

They only give birth to a single pup every 2 or 3 years.

They prefer warm nutrient rich water which is full of plankton.

They are filter feeders eating both plankton and small fish.

They sweep them into their mouths using their pectoral fins.

Fascinating beauty by our creator. 

I'm glad he gives us so many creatures to marvel about!

"Devil Rays", Acrylic on wood, 21.5 inches

Day 45 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

A very full day!

Well, the photos are backwards.

This one is actually the end of my day.

Painting several rounds and flat pieces with Kilz to begin the process for the rounds.

The wood has to be isolated to make sure things don't yellow from the glue in the wood.

So many steps to complete the rounds!

Speaking of rounds, I delivered the very special project to Paul today for his friend.

I can't wait to see the photos from that reveal!

I pray that his friend is successful in his swim of the English channel.

Headed to England next week!

I also took time out from my day early in the afternoon to rehang my space at Hello Gallery.

The Gallery is located at 18 S Section street in downtown Fairhope, Alabama.

Seven new works are on display, along with other pieces.

My morning started with getting everything ready for the many commissions.

I packed them up.

Called and texted the new homes.

One picked up today, one next week, and one the week after.

It's been a long day, but a productive one for sure.

Goodnight!

A very full day!, multiple pieces, acrylic on wood and canvas

Day 43 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

Oh! Another octopus?

 

It is getting late, so I'll try to be brief.

Maybe.

Then again, once I start the writing it's hard to stop.

Oh! Another Octopus?

Yes!

If you have not seen Sally Field in the Movie, "Remarkably Bright Creatures"

I highly recommend it!

It was only on Netflix though, kinda hard to get to see it.

I paid for a month, then unsubscribed and watched the movie.

It was wonderful.

It follows the book by the same name and was well done.

The studies the people did to perfect the octopus was fantastic.

Anyway, I've read the book twice and may read it again.

Marcellus is a beautiful creature, fully intelligent, and octopus are just amazing animals all around.

So yes, another Octopus.

Octopus and turtles are both popular in my sales and fortunately for me, I love painting both of them!

Another bit of history for the sepias.

People kept asking me, "Why don't you paint bigger?"

I used to tell them about all the equipment, tent, chairs, walls, and art all fitting in a PT Cruiser.

"I can't paint bigger."

Anyway, I prayed about it, and this is what came into my mind's eye.

Five-piece paintings, made from standard canvas that fit in a small bag.

March 11, 2017, I debuted this big boy!

This was the first weekend I ever had shown the five-piece paintings.

It was in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

I had this octopus and another five-piece that was turtles.

They both measured 36 inches tall and 64 inches wide.

Shortly after I opened the booth a husband and wife came in and 

took a few minutes to decide to buy this one.

They were designing and building a home for a television personality 

in the national newscasting network.

It calls home at Innerarity Point in Pensacola Florida home.

They also commissioned me to do a 4-foot x 5-foot Pensacola Beach sign!

Soon after the octopus sold, a gentleman came in and purchased the turtles.

He then commissioned a seahorse too. 

He left the five-piece with me for judging and told me he would pick up the turtles at Arts & Crafts the following weekend.

I was in complete and total shock.

Less than an hour into the show, and my entire weekend was paid for and then some.

God does that a lot!

He gives us so much more than we expect or could ever even think we could have.

This is why I listen when the Holy Spirit speaks, 

because he's got the plan and he knows what is best for me.

Nine years of multiples.

I have no idea how many have sold now.

I also designed and make a larger version that is 40 inches tall by 84 inches wide.

That size requires Chris to build 4 canvas to complete the piece.

Now that's a big painting!

And now I bid you goodnight!

God bless you for reading the blog!

Oh! Another Octopus? Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 42 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

A Venus comb

Another day, another painting.

This one is of the Venus comb my parents pulled from the ocean.

My parents shell collection from the Philippines was extensive, 

because they went diving as much as they could afford.

I got to go frequently, swimming in the arm of the Bonka boat for hours on end 

while my parents dove below.

It was an idyllic life, watching my parents dive below me, 

bringing me things from the bottom of the sea. 

We would bring the shells home and place them in the ant bed that was near our front door.

The ants did an incredible job of cleaning the live animals from the shell while leaving the incredible remains for me to see.

Beautiful memories of childhood.

I got the collection when my parents both passed away and 

I was clearing the house for my brother to sell.

I now get to look at them, enjoy them, and even paint them!

More history about the sepia series.

This is about the shadowbox canvas.

They started the fall of 2015.

This is the first time I showed them.

I had seen the canvases at Michaels, but in my mind were too expensive and keep my pricing reasonable.

I had a really good National Shrimp Festival that year.

I went to Michaels afterward to pick up small canvas.

They had all of their shadowbox canvas on sale, clearance actually.

The prices were too good to resist, and I love a great sale.

I bought all 22 they had, asked them to call the Mobile store to see if they had more.

I painted all of them and took them to Peter Anderson in Mississippi.

We sold half of them that weekend.

Chris asked if I could get any more of them.

I told him I had been researching, but they were nowhere to be found.

We finished the fall season with some of them left over.

The following Spring, I was at another show in Mississippi when my husband came to me and said, 

"I think I figured out how to build them", I said "Good, I figured out how to stretch them!"

We haven't looked back since then.

Chris has opened the boxes, made different sizes, made custom sizes, 

designed offset boxes and so much more.

We estimate Chris has built over 500 of them so far!

I am so grateful to have him on my team.

My 12th year painting on the shadowboxes.

I still love them!

A Venus comb, Acrylic on canvas, 15 x 30 inches

Day 41 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

I want to wrap my arms around you!

"I want to wrap my arms around you."

This beauty was started last night at Art Walk.

It measures 18 x 36 inches.

So many textures, so many little crevices.

This one was fun to paint. 

Every painting is fun to me because I love what I do.

God definitely created me to be a creator.

I truly love my 'job'.

I pray that I never lose the love of art and painting.

So many times, people tell me that the paintings I do are exactly what they have been looking for.

I never know what people want; I just want to create and keep my art fresh for the future.

That is why the sepia series has been going for so long.

The sepias came about as a result of multiple people coming into my booth saying;

"I just love your work, but I don't know if that color will go on my wall."

I literally was beating my head against the back of the booth and asking,

 "God, what am I doing wrong?"

I clearly heard, "You're not wrong, just go neutral"

Keep in mind, I was a very strong colorist at the time.

My oldest daughter did not think they would do well at all.

They started out in shadowbox frames that I bought from Michaels that were unfinished.

I had to paint them black, then brown and quickly wipe them back to finish them.

Then they had 12 x 12 canvases in them that were a trick 

to get one to fit as the frames were not consistent.

The first seven I did were a surprise with all of them selling in a reasonable amount of time.

I then made up my mind to have a bunch of them for fall shows.

Problem was, getting the unfinished wood from the store.

I had a really great manager from Michaels that worked with me and found 35 of them and had them shipped from California.

The next problem we had was transporting them.

They took up a lot of room in the van!

I ended up with an entire wall of them and had a spectacular show.

The show went so much better than I expected with several people coming back to get pieces, 

only to be disappointed when they were sold.

The year was 2010.

16 years for a series is unusual to say the least.

Most series for artists last 2 or 3 years before it becomes boring, 

or they've explored all they can or think they can.

I keep exploring, growing, and making the series fun for me and my collectors.

I am so grateful to God for the ideas and talents he blesses me with.

My work became neutral, before it was a trend!

This was also before Chip and Joanna Gaines became popular with their fixer upper series.

Their first episode was May of 2013 and started the neutral palette of colors for decorating.

God works like that, when you listen and act upon His guidance.

I was fortunate to have given my parents two of my pieces from that first year.

After my dad passed, I brought them home.

I'm still trying to figure out where to hang them.

Lionfish, who knew they would become an invasive species....

Apparently, I did, because I painted them way back then too!

Notice two things about these guys.

They are browner, sepia toned if you will.

My signature had not changed by then.

That happened in 2013.

I always considered myself to be a Christian Artist, but that year my signature started showing it.

They are still beautiful to me, and I hope to you as well.

God bless, I bid you goodnight!

I want to wrap my arms around you, Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 36 inches

Day 40 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026