Turtles, turtles everywhere!

My word!

What a day!

To say it was busy is putting it mildly.

I awakened at 3:15am which is not unusual for me.

Especially if I have had sugar or caffeine.

I have no trouble going to sleep, it's staying asleep.

I tried to go back to bed and basically my mind went 90 miles an hour, thinking, thinking......

After 30 minutes, I gave up and got up.

I put on the coffee and settled into my bible for my morning reading.

It's the best way to start the day for me.

Then I got breakfast for me, Chris and the dogs.

We had poached eggs and toast.

The fur babies had their kibble and pumpkin.

I asked Chris for help with canvases.

He was threatening to take them to the barn and stretch them.

I have simply been painting so much that I have not had the time to stretch them.

I used my last shadowbox yesterday.

Never did I dream that these canvases would last so long or go so far.

There are literally hundreds of them now. 

Lovingly built from recycled lumber, and hand stretched.

They indeed are a labor of love from both of us. 

So much so, that when I took an award this past spring for them, I made Chris get in the photo as well.

I could not create such a thing myself without his help.

So, we both went upstairs to my studio.

After I cleared the 10 ft. table, I got out the canvas roller Chris made just to pull canvas.

We then marked and cut out the canvas pieces for 22 frames in 4 different sizes.

We started stretching, Chris using the electric stapler and me using the compressor and air stapler.

We got the first twelve done, then broke for lunch.

We both took a much-needed nap. 

Back at it until we finished.

Then fed the dogs their evening meal.

Took the marauders (dogs) for their ride.

I checked emails and discovered I have been accepted for both of my number two shows in January.

I am going to wait a bit to see if I get accepted into my number one shows before I decide.

Then the dogs went crazy going after something in the camper.

Both Bandit and Divya were trying to climb up into the engine.

We opened the hood to discover a nest.

Chris got out the blower and we blew out the nest and 6 very tiny mice babies.

Lord I'm sorry, between the blower and the dachshunds being hunters, there were no survivors.

Momma mouse was nowhere to be found.

The dachshunds are still hunting around the camper.

If she shows so much as a whisker.......

Bandit has already killed a squirrel that made the mistake of going into the turning room.

Frida killed several mice in our back yard, after chasing a rat for an hour, 

tearing into a PVC pipe with her teeth in the process. 

The pack has also killed kittens in our yard before I could stop them.

They've also gone after a possum baby.

(I rescued that one!)

Dachshunds being dachshunds.

Our house is never a dull moment with them around.

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

Turtles, turtle everywhere, Acrylic on Shadowbox canvas, 16 x 16 inches

Day 81 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Turtle IV

Today was another busy day in the studio.

I started packing up some paintings because they are starting to take over the studio.

It will give me room to move around.

I also got a few ready for delivery to a gallery that has had some sales.

I've also paid jury fees for several shows in the spring of 2023.

I'm also clearing the way for a day of stretching canvases as well.

Checking equipment for repairs and additions for the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores.

So much to do, time is wasting away rapidly toward the fall show season!

Turtle IV, Acrylic on wood panel, 12 x 12 inches

Day 77 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

Turtle II & Turtle III

Turtles again?

Yes of course!

I love painting them.

Apparently, people love collecting them too.

These are on wood panels that are 12 x 12.

I am starting to get things together for the shows as well.

Checking equipment.

Finding out zippers will not place nice together, so we will have to Velcro the back shut for security.

This is for a double booth we will have at one of the shows.

Oh well, it will all be okay.

The new trailer will be an amazing tool for shows after Chris worked so hard to lift it up.

The equipment will fit, as well as some artworks.

Still needing to check on poles for internal walls, cover a wall, and lots of other items on my list.

Times a wastin'!

Working hard toward the shows for fall!

Also, two for one today!

Turtle II & Turtle III, Acrylic on wood panel, 12 x12 inches

Days 74 & 75 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2022

 

A quick one!

A quick one!

I am posting this little guy (not so little he's 16 x 20) for today.

I started him at my class I taught this past Thursday.

I then brought him to the studio to add the finishing touches.

I am very pleased with how he turned out!

Today so far has been a kind of non-event.

The news has been hammered with the possibilities of Hurricane Ida and her Invest status.

She blew up very quickly after crossing Cuba into the Gulf of Mexico.

When she slammed into the Louisiana coast this morning at 11:55, she was close to a category 5 storm.

Here, some 200 miles from where she hit it has been relatively quiet.

We were predicted to have tropical storm force winds with gusts up to 70mph.

So far, not much wind, but a lot of rain in bands.

Maybe there will be more tonight, it is predicted to give us some wind.

I have seen nothing of photos from the area, so we don't yet know how bad it is over there.

The storm surge is supposed to be very high, and that combined with rain and 

high winds is not a good combination.

I am continuing to pray for Louisiana and the surrounding areas near where she hit as she is still a category 3 nearly 7 hours after landfall.

She has made some bobbles though, she's slogging along dumping rain and allowing the fury of her winds to ravage the area.

Indeed, praying for Louisiana.....

A quick one! Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 20

Day 62 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Two to tango!

Oh the joys of painting!

The business side, not so much!

I have mentored several new artists over the years, guiding them through the 

labyrinth of shows, galleries, pricing, purchasing supplies, and selling themselves as artists.

Currently, I still have a few I am advising and guiding. 

I really enjoy doing it, and it pumps me up as well when they start 

going upwards away from my watchful eye.

Anyway, I digress.

Back to the business side of art.

We must pay rent or commission to the galleries that represent us. 

I did not stop paying rent when the galleries were closed last year because I knew the gallery owners were held accountable for their overhead. 

Paying ahead for shows is not only an obligation, it is a necessity.

The people running the shows have expenses that have to be paid, 

so we must work several months ahead for shows.

Here and now, I am currently under a little stress getting ready for my one woman show.

"My Ocean Odyssey" will hang for the months of July and August 2021. 

Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss point, Mississippi

at 5107 Arthur Street. 

This show was scheduled for last year, but was cancelled when Covid hit hard.

I am looking forward to seeing my "vision" for the show come to fruition next week!

The opening reception is set for July 15th from 4-6pm.

Many times we are in the studio for days working hard to create.

As artists creating is not a necessity, but it is in our nature constantly to create or 

at least think creatively. 

The painting part is the easiest step for me. 

The stretching of canvases not so much!

After stretching, I paint a lot of my canvases white to act as backgrounds for my works.

All of these canvases must be stored in a method that does not allow them to stick together.

After painting the images, I must them erase pencil lines and clean up edges.

Then comes varnishing.

Wiring.

Pricing. 

Inventorying.

Emailing.

Promoting.

It goes on and on with the numerous things that must 

happen just to show one painting or piece of art.

Mind you, I'm not complaining!

I really enjoy the process.

"Two to tango" Acrylic on multiple canvases, 50inches wide 40inches tall

Day 2 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Silent Swimmers

I made this photo extra large because in real life it is very big for me!

If you remember the other day, I managed to snag a truckload of stretcher bars for free.

This one is on those bars, with some Chris Chavez thrown in for good measure!

My husband Chris, is my rock and the absolute best thing that has ever happened in my life. 

He makes things happen when I ask him if he can do them.

This instance, he added an angled piece of wood to the bars 

so they could have the spring necessary for painting.

He also gave me a lot of help in stretching this rather large piece.

It measures 3 ft 7 inches x 5 ft 7 inches.

It was a challenge to bring and paint in my angled ceiling studio as well.

He also helped me horse it up to be able to photograph it tonight for you to be able to see it!

I will take it outside for a proper photo tomorrow, so it can be seen better for possible prints.

I am amazed at the talent God has bestowed on me, 

I thank him daily for the ability to paint and create!

I really should not be able to do the things that I do.

Our family was hit by a drunk driver in 1993.

For the most part, the rest of the family is okay, but I have permanent damage.

I have two herniated discs in my neck, and nerve damage in my right arm.

Some days are diamonds, some days are dirt, but all of them are creative in their own way!

I pray for the driver that hit us, every time I have a headache,  

or a brush comes out of my hand because it has gone numb.

I pray for others hurt in accidents, childhood tragedy, friends, family, or marriages 

with every stroke of my brush.

I tell you this, not because of a need for sympathy, but out of a need to tell you about the 

grace that God gives us.

Grace that allows me to paint.

Grace that allows me to make money at what I love to do!

Grace that helps me through the pain on days I don't think I can.

Grace that allows me to teach.

Grace that allows me to mentor.

Grace that allows me to give to others.

Grace that has taught me how to receive.

Grace that has made me learn humility.

Grace that reminds me I am a sinner.

Grace that allows me to forgive because I am forgiven.

Grace.

Have you received yours today?

Silent Swimmers, Acrylic on canvas, 3 ft 7 inches by 5 ft 7 inches

Day 73 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Swim Free

Today's post is one of my favorites so far. I enjoy painting in color and this springs shows will have some for sure. There is more to come in this series. detail

As an artist, you are constantly contemplating your next move. Layering, glazing, scrumbling, color upon color to add depth and detail.
 Me personally, I pray while I paint. I pray for the lost, for those who are hurting, for those with illness, for those in office, friends, family, and strangers alike. I talk with God a lot, even though it is a private conversation most of the time.
Sometimes it is a small thought of a prayer, for the woman I saw wiping tears from her eyes on the street as we drove past.
Sometimes it is a prayer for our first responders, not knowing if they will come home.
Sometimes it's a prayer for people I am grateful to have in my life, especially my husband, children, grandchildren,  and our marriage.
Sometimes it's a prayer for our church, pastors, and our "church" family.
Sometimes it's a prayer for whomever is in the ambulance as it drives by the house, sirens making noise.
Sometimes it's a prayer for people who've had a pet and companion leave their space in this life.
Sometimes a prayer for politicians that need to wake up and realize that they were elected to do a job.
Sometimes it's a prayer for people to have it get a job.
Sometimes it's a prayer for those who are addicted, no matter if it is drugs, alcohol, or impulses that cause regrets.
Sometimes it is an all night cry out to the Lord, praying for understanding in the sudden death of a friend's husband in an accident. Prayers for their family, prayers for their children who now must live without a dad.

 I pray or at the very least think about others constantly as I paint each brushstroke , each brushstroke becoming a part of a permanent painting.

Have you prayed today?
It doesn't have to be fancy, perfect, or scripted.
just talk with your father, he's waiting.

Swim free, Acrylic in canvas, 4x24
Day 50 of the 100 days~100 paintings Spring 2019

Two turtle tango

Two Turtle Tango came about because a lot of research. 

I research a lot when I am painting, learning about the beauty, fragility, 

and sometimes tragedy of the creatures I so love to paint.

I was looking up Turtle eyes for a commission I was working on for Christmas.  

I came across a couple of turtle photographs that 

were a lovely set up for the painting you see here.

I will use photos from online frequently, some are from friends, but none are an exact copy. A flipper from one, A head from another, coloring from yet another. Thousands of references for hundreds of paintings. I love the way they interact with each other!

Today found us kinda trapped inside because of rain with an excited, almost Christmas, happy to be at Yaya's and Yoyo's house, 5 year old fresh out of school for the break. We took him to the store because mom said he needed new uniform pants to wear in school. I am in agreement, as all his pants seem to be about 2 inches too short! The entire time in the store, he played the typical 5 year old, wanting everything in sight. He even tried to ask us to use his quarter he found to purchase something, trouble is what he wanted needed 199 more quarters! Nope, not happening here. He understood and we headed back to the house after purchasing the pants and looking around a while. Yoyo even took him to his favorite park here in Fairhope. When they came home, His pants and shoes were soaking wet, he cannot stay out of a puddle!

We love to have him here, but getting anything of note accomplished 

with a 5 year old in tow is a challenge to say the least.

So we play with him!

We did manage to make two gingerbread projects though. He is very happy with his gingerbread house and once the camper is dry, I'm sure he'll love that too. Problem is, with my stinker, sneaky, stealing dachshund, I have to store it in the pantry so she can't get it in her belly!

Exhausting and mentally taxing, yes.

Too much fun to have around, Certainly!

Two Turtle Tango, Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24 shadowbox

Day 14 of the 100 days~100 paintings Spring 2019 

It's not easy being Green

It's not easy being Green.

Or Loggerhead,  Hawksbill,  or Leatherback.

All types of sea turtles found in or near our Gulf Coast.

Not easy because of so many things going wrong in our world today. 

We are slowly killing our planet with our over abundant, disposable, single use society.

Primarily of concern to me is plastics and the continued damage we are doing by using them on a daily basis. Don't get me wrong, I use them too.

I just try to think ahead about what their next use is going to be.

I do a lot of recycled art with children during summer art camps. I believe in showing them how to look at garbage in a different way, either artistically or by recycling. I am in some small way contributing to the reduction of my and others footprints 

we leave on this big blue marble we call home.  

One good example, we as humans use 500 million straws every day!

Not all of them make it to the landfill either, some of them wind up in our waterways, thereby making it eventually to our oceans. Once in the ocean, they break down into smaller and smaller particles, until they become food for microorganisms. Trouble is, even at that small of a scale it is a problem because it is entering our food chain. The fish eat plankton which consumes plastic eventually making it up to us at the top.

Every species of Sea Turtle has been found to have plastic in it's digestive system.

8 million tons of plastic go into our oceans every year.

This is like a garbage truck of plastic being dumped into the water every minute.

Plastics are set to increase tenfold by 2020. 

By the year 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish!

What's a human to do?

Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, and Reimagine.

Reduce the amount you use~reusable grocery bags are easy!

Recycle~ Sometimes it is a pain to do, but once you get the mindset....

Reuse~I am consistently looking at something wondering how to reuse it!

Reimagine~ Children are really good at this, making sculptures out of trash...

I am continually blown away by children's imaginations, and I adore bringing their creations to life!

Refuse that plastic, styrofoam take out container, that straw....

Small steps.......

Today found Chris and I problem solving. Remember the panels we made this past summer?

We am very concerned about the amount of room they take up in the back of the truck. Show equipment takes up the entire bed of the truck when we travel. We put the artwork in the second seat, floorboard to almost ceiling. Some artwork will be riding in the Gypsy wagon, until we set up then it will go in the truck.  Anyway the panels lovely as they are, take up a lot of room. 

So, I've been thinking of a solution.

I still have my Flourish mesh sides and wanted to put a cover on them to give them the lovely gray color of the panels. I purchased cotton twin flat sheets, washing them before trying to sew them for my purpose. They turned into a wrinkled mess. I don't have time to iron them before every show, so they were probably going to have to be put aside. Anyway I purchased velcro to attach the sheets to the panels to the tune of $40....Sigh... Art shows are not cheap to be in by any means!

While riding home, I mentioned to my better half how much I missed Daphne Salvage because they would have had a polyester fabric that would wrinkle a lot less. He casually said what about that Pound fabrics. Off we went, to hwy 59 to find Fabrics by the pound. Fortunately, I talked with a guy that came out of the back and mentioned what I was looking for in a fabric that would stretch slightly. He said just a minute and went into the back. He brought out two samples, one more gray, the other blue. He said I think it is 60 inches and we sell it by the roll. When he brought it out, I was already in love with the color.

 I measured with my hands and it was not 60 inches but 72! 

SIX beautiful feet wide! (The mesh is 5 1/2 feet.)

I was concerned that the roll might not contain enough yardage though, so we measured it. I needed about 27 yards. The bolt contained 36!

I happily paid and fairly skipped out the door.

I grabbed my smallest panel and laid it on the floor in our living room. I cut, pinned and sewed until I had a large pocket that had openings for all the straps and velcro. It fit and I was pleased with the results. I requested Chris's help and we laid out and cut the 10 foot panels making pockets the same way. I have all 4 of my panels covered, the color is perfect, 

and I am happy. I may set up the frame this weekend and check it out. 

I know this will certainly be easier than the panels, we'll have more room in the truck, so now we can bring two tents as we planned. (there may be other "stuff" as well!)

A busy productive day indeed!

It's not easy being Green, Acrylic on Shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 13 of the 100 days~100 paintings Spring 2019

Grateful green

I am trying to get a few more shadowbox canvases ready for the shows in Florida. 

This one happens to be of a Green Sea Turtle.

These turtles are endangered and or threatened around the world. 

What this means, is they are in danger of being no more.

Green Sea Turtles were hunted almost to extinction.

 The meat and fat were apparently quite tasty, despite it's green color.

They were used to make canned turtle soup! 

The Florida Keys employed a lot of people around the early 1900's.

A combination of over killing, a hurricanes destroying the factory, and general public outcry finally made the industry die out. (Although not until the 1940's!)

Anyway, Green's are grateful because now they are protected, but now the environment and fishing nets are their biggest death threat.

Today found me loading the kitchen and other items back into the Wagon.

You see, we have a tiny house too, and at one time were trying to sell the Wagon. The tiny house was out first build on a trailer, but at about 4,500 pounds proved to be a bit much for our truck to pull long distances for shows. We now use it for temporary housing and guests love to stay in it when they come here. Chris and I also stay in it when family comes to visit so they can stay in the house. I am hoping to talk our youngest into staying in the house while we go into the tiny house when she comes to visit, hopefully later next year. Anyway I digress, We thought we had the Gypsy sold, and I emptied it of all the extras in preparation for the sale. (Chris and I love her, but she is a bit heavy and we're ready to build a lighter version.) The day came for pick up, and the couple backed out of the sale. They were buying it for their 19 year old daughter to live in on their property with intentions of her paying them back for the purchase. The daughter said you should just give it to me. I am pleased the parents said no! Time to grow up and have some responsibility about paying bills. A hard lesson for her indeed, as she did love the wagon and was very excited to get it as her "pad". 

Oh well, that means I got her back!

Today I spent a couple of hours refilling the kitchen and trailer with pots, pans, towels, and too many other things to mention. We have a coffee pot, crock pot, toaster, stove, dish washing buckets and drain, and  towels. No microwave, no room! I count myself lucky to have a full bathroom, queen bed, dining area, 6 foot kitchen, closet, bench storage, and small refrigerator in a 6 x 8 foot trailer!

The times we've had the opportunity to camp in it, people are shocked at 

how much we thoughtfully fit into such a small space. 

We LOVE traveling in it!

Each time we go, we tweak it a little more. It really is a comfortable space for just us two!

(Although our grandson could sleep on the floor under the bed if he really wanted to one night!)

That's all for today folks, Over 65,000 views on the blog now! 

Hoping to hit 70,000 before this adventure of 100 days is over!

Grateful Green, Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 16 shadowbox

Day 12 of the 100 days~100 paintings Spring 2019

Wingman

Turtles are my wingman. Any time I want to paint, but am not quite sure what to paint, 

sea turtles come to my rescue. 

My girlfriend who is also an artist, says I could paint sea turtles in my sleep!

I really enjoy them and the beauty and serenity they represent. 

I want to swim with turtles some day, photographing them underwater 

so I would have lots more references. I have a great deal of references from diving friends and from the Sea turtle hospital in Marathon Florida. I have been invited to go to the lab in Mississippi and photograph them there. In the business of life I managed to lose the card a gentleman gave to me several years ago at Art in the Pass.

This turtle happens to be a green sea turtle. 

They are called green because their skin has a greenish hue. Their shell or carpace is almost heart shaped and dark in color. They start out life at about 2 inches, but can grow to 5 feet making them one of the largest sea turtles. They weigh almost as much as a vending machine! (700 pounds) 

As babies they eat invertebrates like crabs, jellyfish and sponges. When they become adults, they prefer to be herbivorous and will eat sea grasses and algae. They are known to sun themselves on the beach as well. They reach breeding age between 20 and 50 years old. 

They can live for about 100 years. 

Green turtles were almost hunted to extinction in the 1800's for their meat and 

fat that was used for turtle soup. There is a large turtle museum in the keys dedicated 

to the turtle industry. They are still considered endangered.

Wingman, 12 x 24 Acrylic on canvas,

Day 18 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2018

Retails for $195

Babies are safe!

"Babies are safe"

 is actually a new baby to replace one sold at the Jubilee Festival a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to have a total of 8 babies to show at the National Shrimp Festival and had to replace one! 

Why the name?

 I am so happy to report that since the nest Share the Beach was watching was so active, they were allowed by fish and wildlife to dig them up and take them to safety! I am so glad this decision was made, as otherwise, they may have been trapped and drowned. Oh happy day!

Meanwhile, a little storm named Nate is keeping me awake and nervous. Not the storm mind you, but all the tornado alerts going off on our phones. It's going to be a LONG night! Prayers for the coast, for friends that live down at the beaches, and for all under the umbrella of this nasty hurricane called Nate!

"Babies are Safe!" , Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 4

Day 97 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2017

Sea turtle pair

The post photo for this one is a little larger than I usually show because I wanted the details to be seen. These turtles are on 5 canvases. I have painted several multiple canvas pieces this year, with a pretty good success rate. All of them painted so far have found homes. Some of them smaller, the largest covering a staggering 9 ft x 3 ft! One has been in color at the clients request, One has a tan background matching the collectors wall color. I was skeptical about the colored background and sepia, but it really worked well together. 

This grouping measures 3 x 5 ft approximately. The advantage of these multiples is you can spread them apart because they are painted on the sides as well. So much fun to paint and yes a day to complete the front at least. They have another day in painting the backgrounds and sketching them. I still need to paint the sides which will take a bit of time, then varnish them. 

Sea turtle pair, 5 canvases, 12 x 36, 2~12 x 24, 2 12 x 12, Acrylic

Day 96 of the 100 days ~100 paintings 2017

Turtle mode!

Once again, I am on a turtle kick!

 I love sea turtles, (as you can tell!)

All species of turtle are in danger from the toxins and garbage in our oceans. Most of all, they are at risk from injesting plastics. Please think about that the next time you release balloons, don't catch that grocery bag, or forget to pick up that straw from your drink. All these items are harmful to turtles and other sea creatures as they are ingested, causing impactions. Sea turtles float when they get impacted, making them susceptible to boat strikes, illness, and possible predator activity.

This guy, thankfully is happy and healthy!

Turtle Mode! Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 24

Day 23 of the 100 days~100 paintings

Let the paintings begin!

It seems as usual I begin this year of 100 days~100 paintings 2016 with a sea turtle!

This has been a blog several years in the making, with over 500 paintings completed thus far. I do the paintings and the blog in an effort to get ready for the fall show season. Some of the blog entries are long and involved, some are short and sweet. This year will hopefully be no different. 

We are already gearing up for the fall shows, with an acceptance into the National Shrimp Festival already on my schedule. I put in for the Fine Art Division again this year, AND an end space booth! Other shows planned but not confirmed include, Grand festival in Fairhope, Jubilee Festival in Daphne, St Lawrence festival at St Lawrence church, Merry market at Orange Beach, and lastly but certainly not least, Peter Anderson in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.  Others may be added as well.

The summer has proven to be a busy one too, with classes at Mobile Museum of Art, Eastern Shore Art Center, and an art camp at Celebration Church too! All told, I am teaching 6 weeks this summer. Fall classes are also being scheduled, with Eastern Shore Institute of Lifelong Learning ESILL already confirming Beginning and advanced Watercolor classes. I will also again be teaching in my studio on Tuesdays as well as possibly at Celebration Church.

Back to the turtle..........

This morning started with a phone not soon after I woke up from Share the Beach. I knew this meant a nest had been found and answered immediately. Not one, but two nests had been found! I jumped in the car and drove the almost hour towards the beach and possible nesting sites. I had never helped move a nest before and this was a goal for this year. I texted my team leader and was told we had a third nest in Orange beach and to head to that team to help. I was very excited as this was my first possible nest move! My team is great, they allowed me the honor of handling each and every one of our precious eggs into the bucket to be moved out of harms way. I counted 121 eggs myself, with other numbers ranging from 120 to 123. Such a wonderful way to start my day, and a wonderful way to start the 100 Days~100 Paintings 2016!

Green turtle Acrylic on canvas 6 x 6 

Day 1 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings 2016

Turtle studies times 4!

Turtle Study I

I am always drawn to turtles, their very existence relies on our helping them to hatch here on our Gulf Coast. When we walk for turtles and find a nest, we have to move the nest the majority of the time. The mama turtles are having increasing difficulty finding a place to lay their eggs without the influence or interference of man. The amount of tents, beach toys, garbage and other abandoned items was shameful. Many the morning we walked we filled up 6 or more bags of trash. There were even tent weights tossed away like it was nothing. We are slowly but surely destroying our planet with the items that could be recycled, but are just thrown away! 

We all need to realize that the things we toss, are not just disappearing, they are clogging up our planet with useless garbage. Our turtle nests are not producing as well this year either. The nests are full of eggs, but many more are infertile than in years before. My concern is the BP oil spills lingering effects on our beautiful stretch of the Gulf of Mexico. I am praying that this is not the case! In the meantime, I paint turtles!

Turtle study II

Turtle study III

Turtle study IV

Turtle Studies I, II, III, & IV Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 12 Paintings 49, 50, 51, and 52 of the 100

Shells, Pelicans and cigar boxes?

This painting represents day 96 of the 100 days. It is another of the shell series I have been doing on 10 x 10 canvases. The colored paintings on white backgrounds are selling well and I am pleased to offer them again this year. 

Nautilus 10 x 10 Acrylic on canvas, Day 96 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

Days 97 and 98 are Pelicans on a new series offered for the first time this year. I started painting on reclaimed cigar boxes, both as a way to recycle and a way to have something unique to offer my customers. I have painted 14 so far, with more of them threatening to take over the studio. I am pleased to say, they are selling very well as a novelty and gift item.

Cigar box pelicans I and II, Acrylic, Days 97 & 98 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

Day 99 found me teaching a class to my Scripts & Strokes small group at my church. We do paintings based on scripture, and this one has to do with God taking care of even the birds of the air.

Birds of the Air, acrylic on 16 x 20 canvas, Day 99 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

More cigar box paintings filled my day 100. Getting ready for the National Shrimp Festival is a chore in itself, with packing and trying to remember everything necessary for a show. Even with a list, I forget to bring things and we have to modify parts of the tent to allow us to put on a show. 

My husband Chris, did a great job making a french wall insert for "his" tent so we could have a sales area behind. He has such a wonderful way of being able to make what I envision. He is also an invaluable help before, during , and after the shows, silently (mostly), quietly(sometimes), listening (I think he is hard of hearing) to me as we set up, break down, and pack up. I could do the shows solo, but it is much more fun with a husband that is so supportive and loving. 

To you Chris, I dedicate this last day of the 100 paintings, for the meals missed, the ability to cook, (or at least "make" dinner by taking us out), for tolerating my grumpiness at yet another show with no "award" but many sales, rejoicing, laughing, traveling, making new friends, but most of all, believing in me enough to support what I love doing. I am so lucky to have a life partner that believes in me and sweats with me doing this thing called art!

Day 100 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings, Acrylic on cigar boxes. 

Honoring the Elder

          This painting has a lot going on even though ti is only 12 x 12!
 Honoring the Elder shows two turtles, one larger and older above the younger one below.  Turtles not only honor each other, they just stay out of the way! They have been known to bite one another if there is food involved!
Honoring the Elder 12 x 12 Acrylic on deep edge canvas day 86 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings
Only 14 more days till set up for National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores , Alabama!

Here's looking at you kid!

         I always wondered what that turtle was thinking as it built it's nest on top of me while staying on the beach in the Philippines.
         Let me back up, and tell the story..................................
         My parents would night dive while we were in the Philippines. As least my father would, my mother was too scared of the sharks! She said she wanted to see them coming so she did not dive after dark. This night my dad was out looking while with his buddies for lobsters at night. Mom told me to go to bed. Bed on the beach was a parachute tucked into the cliff, pulled out and sand thrown on the opposite edge. It really was fun to sleep under the billowing orange fabric. That night, as with every night, the villagers had a burning barrel with a huge fire blazing out from it The Tent was located a little ways down the beach, but the fire was still quite visable so I turned my back to the water and fire while trying to go to sleep. I felt sand thrown on me, but just complained about the person coming in the tent being rude. I felt sand again and still not turning over, said would you please stop! When it happened yet again, I turned to tell the person to cut it out and realized there was a full grown mama turtle in the tent with me throwing sand while she was building her nest. She was in a trance, but I was not, running as fast as my 7 year old legs could carry me to my mother, all the time yelling about the turtle in the tent. She did not believe me and followed me to tuck me in for the night. Boy was she surprised!

Here's looking at you kid! 4 x 12 acrylic on canvas

In flight

          "In flight" is a painting that was also created at the museum during the art camp last week. I absolutely love painting turtles and was so happy with this one. This week, I am at my Art Camp for the church. It is a hard week, because this is also the week that our youngest daughter leaves for a teaching job in India. We have been frantically packing the house up in Mobile for the past six weeks. We have also been making tearful decisions about what to leave, what to toss, what to ship, and what to pack for her to actually take to her new home in Delhi.

           Our home in Mobile will have a new owner soon, with my brother Ben and his wife Amanda calling the "big house" their home. They will rent at first, to make sure the fit is right for his family and will probably purchase at a later date. I am excited for him and my sister-in-law knowing that the place we called home for many years will again be occupied by a family. He has many plans for the house, including moving the front door to the end of the porch.

          Both Christina and Ben are "In flight" for the moment. I myself will continue with this summer on the coast, teaching art camp this week, helping in Mobile with final packing the next, and finally the art camp at the museum the last week of July into August. I say finally, but that is not all that will transpire this summer! August brings the birth of our first grandchild around the middle of the month!
In flight indeed! We are all in flight this summer!

         "In flight" 12 x 12 Acrylic on canvas