All the chubby mermaids

Chubby Mermaids, Sea cows, or manatees.

How about all of the above!

I've heard them called by all of these names.

I've even had someone call them walrus!

Hint, no tusks....

This is another commission that I am working on.

This one is about the same size as their turtle they purchased.

The couple have requested two.

Manatees are their piece and an octopus that their sister missed out on at a show.

She came back to purchase it, but it was already sold.

They even grabbed a screenshot of the piece so they could ask for it to be recreated.

I am making it larger for her as I want everyone to have an original.

It will be an awesome Christmas present!

Another hint, if you like something at a show, ask the artist if you can put it on hold for an hour or so.

I typically do not take a deposit and only a phone number.

If someone comes in wanting something on hold, and the time is not up, I will call the person 

and give them first right of refusal.

But, a caveat, if you put it on hold and don't come back in time don't expect it to be there.

I had a guy ask how long it was on hold for and I told him until 3pm.

Promptly at 3 I was looking down at my logbook and then a voice said it's 3 o'clock as the money appeared under the brim of my hat.

"It's mine"

He happily tucked the work under his arm and walked away.

She showed up 15 minutes later...

Stomped her foot and said I knew it would be gone!

I really hate it when people are disappointed. 

Hence why we have a sign in my booth that says, "I should've bought it when I saw it."

Whenever someone hesitates to put something on hold, we point to the sign.

I do enjoy it when something catches ahold of people and gives them the joy of ownership.

It's just hard to make a decision sometimes.

I really understand....

What I've learned to explain to people is this. 

 That you are buying a piece of my life I cannot get back.

That part of my life is contained in that work of art.

So, you literally own a piece of me!

We started the day with church and then a delightful ride on our 'new to us' boat.

The boat is aluminum and had over 22 holes that had to be repaired.

Chris sanded and sanded, then painted it a beautiful blue.

He built a windshield very similar to the one on the boat I remembered in my teenage years.

While sitting on her today, I was facing the wake and the shape of it made this beautiful V that I remember so strongly.

I had many happy hours behind the boat while water skiing and also while holding the helm while my 

father skied as well. 

I drove a boat from about the age of 14.

I've also really begun the VBS build in earnest now.

I went to Goodwill to purchase a barstool to build the motorcycle on.

And a chair to make into a throne for the girls to have photos in.

Each year I attempt to have interactive works for photo opportunities, and this year will be no different.

It's going to be amazing.

At least that's what I'm seeing in my imagination.

Another day in the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

Thanks for coming along for the ride!

All the chubby mermaids, Acrylic on wood, 24 inches

Day 6 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Nose to nose

 "Nose to nose"

Manatees are always an interesting creature to paint.

So big and so graceful as long as they're in the water.

Not so graceful out of the water.

Sea cows or chubby mermaids, take your nickname.

They are called sea cows because of their slow-moving nature and constant grazing.

I'm not sure where chubby mermaids came from!

We were fortunate enough to have them come up to feed on romaine lettuce that was placed in feeders while we were kayaking in Florida.

It was a mother and baby, and we felt honored to see them.

Closer to the Shrimp Festival I go.

Each day is an exercise in either frustration, or fun.

Come to think of it, most days are like that.

It all depends on how you view your world around you.

God does that sometimes, placing speedbumps that slow us down to a less frantic pace of life.

When we slow down, we see the beauty created around us.

We can enjoy the world God has placed at our feet.

We can become what God wants us to be in His plan.

We see the creator in our mundane everyday existence.

One day closer to the National Shrimp Festival and four other shows.

I am getting excited!

Nose to nose, Acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 12 x 24

Day 65 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Varnishing the world

This little guy is simply adorable.

I had so much fun painting him and his buddy.

One of the smaller ones, I painted it after a long day in the studio.

I began early, knowing I had a daunting task at hand.

My studio is on the second floor and consequently has a tiny bit of bounce in the floor.

Not a problem usually, but when you have paintings lined up along the wall of bookcases....

After so many days of paintings, there are 33 of them ready to attack.

Almost every time I would walk around my table there would be at least one or two sliding to the floor.

Then it became an organized battle plan with them sliding to the floor in shifts.

Sometimes as many as ten of them.

Needless to say, it had become a problem with only one solution.

I needed to get them finished with hangers and varnish.

This took the better part of the day to finish.

I will check them in the morning to be sure I varnished them correctly.

Sometimes I have a "holiday" (a spot that I miss).

If that has occurred, I will have to touch up the varnish and wait for them to dry.

I also have to cut the bags I bought to put them in for protection.

I bought heavy bags big enough to cut them in half to make two of them.

I will either tape the bottom or throw them through my sewing machine.

We will also have to go on the hunt for foam boards to cut and place in the bags with the pieces to protect the wooden dimensional parts.

Then I can pack them away, knowing they are protected and ready for the first show.

I've also got to make a "map" to facilitate placement in the booth.

The map will make set up much easier for both Chris and me.

This is almost all of them laid out on the table in the studio.

The Annual National Shrimp Festival choose their new poster and announced it.

The original one had a bit of controversy surrounding it, so it was pulled and replaced.

The new design is cute and a typical Shrimp festival poster.

I also have a commission down at the beach.

I am painting an octopus mural on a wall surrounding an opening in the space.

It will be very interesting to paint and get on the wall.

They are getting me a scaffolding to use as it is up high.

The wall is 10 feet long, and they want her to fill the space.

Design approved, starting next week!

Chris gets to stay with me so I will not be alone on the scaffolding.

The project should take about 4 days to complete.

They live in New Orleans and may not be at the condo while we're there.

This couple has been very patient and sweet.

They talked with me at Gulf Breeze back in April.

They have been waiting through the visit from our daughter and family, then the dinosaur build.

They are the next big project in line.

New things happening here at the Raccoon Retreat Studio in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama

Varnishing the world, Acrylic on wood (manatee), 12 inches

Day 49 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

 

Manatees and Completions

This is todays painting of the chubby mermaids.

Manatees if you will.

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

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

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

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

Still a fun piece to paint!

Here is the completed turtle with the background added.

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

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

This guy is 16 inches round.

Finally, the background added for the manatee painted yesterday.

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

Still need to sign this one I see though!

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

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

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

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

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

That reminds me!

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

I always love a sweet hello!

Loran Chavez

Fall show schedule 2025

*Annual National Shrimp Festival

Gulf shores, Alabama

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

9-5pm

*Jubilee Festival

Daphne, Alabama Lott Park

October 17th & 18th

9-5 Sat. 9-4 Sun.

*Mattie Kelly Festival of the arts

Destin, Florida

October 25th & 26th

9-4pm

*Peter Anderson Festival

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

November 8th & 9th

9-4 pm

NOTICE Peter Anderson typically held first full weekend in November.

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

*Covington Three Rivers Festival

Covington, Louisiana

November 15th & 16th

9-5pm Sat. 9-4pm Sun. 

Manatees and Completions, Acrylic on Wood, size varies

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

 

Manatees and completions

I spent time today to finish both the sea turtle painting and the octopus with pirate theme.

I don't have a photo of the background for the turtle; it's just a reef with coral.

I am pleased with both of them, although I still have cutting to do on the turtle.

The weather has not been cooperative, making it difficult to get to the scroll saw to cut out the pieces.

So, I paint them and will cut, sand and finish the edges afterwards.

Obviously, it's better to do finish work first so the mounting to the tray can take place.

After mounting, the holes must be filled in and painted if needed.

It's a bit of a challenge, but I think I'm up for it.

This tray is another 16-inch tray ready now for its dimensional piece to be added.

I am always happy with manatees, the sea cows of the water.

They are just so majestic in their floating.

So comical with their faces.

So still in danger from boat strikes and cold stunning.

They are amazing creatures to watch and I'm happy to paint them!

Manatees, Acrylic on canvas, 16inch round

Day 37 & 38 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

A Wild ride! The end of the 100 days for Spring!

I know I've said it before, but what a wild ride these past few days have been! I am humbled indeed by the response to the new works for Spring 2019. It seems I cannot paint fast enough of certain pieces. I am so happy people are adding to their collections, or starting new ones with my work. Some of them are new collectors, some are are returning to see what speaks to them. Some are filling their walls with multiples, others are dreaming of the day they can own one 

                                                                                    of my works in their new homes currently being 

              built.

The income has been terrific and I am slightly closer to my dream of going to Zimbabwae, Africa to teach Art and a craft to the villagers for them to sell to tourists that come to their home in Chidobe.

That being said, this post finishes the 100 days for the Spring. It has been a crazy week, trying to paint every day. I am also teaching up to 3 days a week for my church, Shepherds place, and the Eastern Shore Institute of Lifelong learning. ESILL. I love to teach, and 8 hours a week seems just about right.

The Orange Beach show was amazing, with 14 large and small pieces finding homes with collectors new and old. Last year was a                    disappointment, only selling $195 worth. I did        not even make expenses last year.                          God showed up in a big way this year though! The weather was again an issue, but it cleared and brought large crowds on Saturday and Sunday.

Arts & Crafts was this past weekend as well, bring the usual cold front and it's accompanying rain. The crowds were large on Friday, but Saturday dawned with rain and cold that made people run through the show. This year was wonderful with collectors coming by to see the new works, and some purchased pieces to feather their nests. I am still amazed that I get to earn money doing something I love to do every day! Thank you for the collectors, and the future one's too!
I sold 3 out of my 4 manatees this weekend as well.

                                                                                  I love that you follow the blog and sometimes                                                                                                comment. Blessings on all who enter here.....                                       A wild ride indeed!

    

A Wild Ride! Acrylics on canvas~ various sizes

Days 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, and 100! Plus a couple more thrown in for good measure!

Manatee formal portrait

It really is beautiful here in Florida.  The temperature difference between Naples and Fairhope this morning was about 20 degrees. We will be colder when we get home for sure! This state is named correctly as well, they don't call it the sunshine state for nothing! I am coming home a little more tanned and I didn't even go to the beach. We are also making plans to go back!

This morning found us up early, putting away,  stowing, and packing for the trip home. Unfortunately we were the only blood available for the swarms of mosquitoes that invaded the camper. I'm sure some are still in there for the trip! We also had a rather large moth that found it's way in, buzzing the two of us like an angry hornet. Two adults, an 8 square foot space, and a scared moth are not a great combination. I'm sure it was comical to watch, although no one else was awake at that hour. Don't worry the moth was caught,and put outside . The mosquitos followed us outside to hitch up the wagon. Collier Seminole is probably not on our list of places to camp in Florida next year!

This is not the end of the manatees, as someone bought all 4 small ones for her home in Boston.

Manatee formal portrait,  acrylic on canvas, 12 x12
Day 32 of the 100 days 100 paintings Spring 2019

Manatee country III & IV

Our lives have been crazy fun the past couple of days. We have thoroughly enjoyed Naples Florida and are hoping to come back again. The show was a great success and I hope I can get in again next year. Lots of people building houses again after the hurricane struck this area. Lots of wonderful comments, lots of people asking for cards, lots of people saying will we see you again. We also met a lovely couple that have just moved here and admired a painting. Because of moving expenses,  she said they really could not afford it at this time. I made her cry when I handed her a card, and told her,  pay it when you can.

We ate dinner at Pinchers tonight located in Tin City. Thinking of my mother as I dug into Alaskan King Crab. Her fondness for the program Deadliest Catch was epic! She could also put down some crab, although they were snow crab most of the time. Fond memories of her using her fingernails to dig out every morsel.

We have enjoyed the trip and are looking forward to the end with a kind of bittersweet goodbye. Going home and trying to make it tomorrow night to our bed, shower, and dachshunds! Laundry, shopping , and then I can then pack for India! It will be a quick turn around for me for  sure as I leave on the 16th!

Manatees III& IV, days 30 & 31 of the 100 days 100 paintings Spring 2019

Manatee country

Needless to say we're having internet issues again! While Chris can sometimes get on the internet on his phone mine is not cooperating in the least. We are settling into a routine finally, shopping every day in order to have fresh meat and vegetables to make our meals. This means a trip every day towards the larger Walmart that we finally found off of Highway 41. Oddly enough, the Michaels is closer than the Wal mart!

Yesterday found us in Naples, scouting out parking for the show. We left a note for an individual offering to pay for parking at his house, but no answer as of yet. It looks like we will have to park at the government complex 2 miles away. Fortunately we have reconfigured the booth to add a storage area. Once we unload Saturday morning,  Chris will park the truck while I start set up. Speaking of set up, we think it starts at 4 am! This puts us getting up at 3am to wake up, make the drive, and wait until the streets are cleared before beginning the task at hand. We also had a lovely lunch at a cafe that will be next to our booth. Our booth faces South so sun shouldn't be a huge problem during the day. We also toured the Naples Art center. What a beautiful facility!

We also gave multiple tours of the wagon in the afternoon.  One of the tours turned into a you tube video coming soon!

Two of the local schools have manatees for a mascot, so I decided to paint some for the show.  We are giggling about their saying though, we are manatees hear us roar.

Camping, artist life in sunny Florida!

Manatees  I & II , acrylic on canvas,6x6
Days 28 &29 of the 100 days 100 paintings Spring 2019