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

 

 

Crazy Cephalopod

Somewhere in the midst of my brain and trying to paint my husband will throw something at me that does indeed make me go cross eyed. (Or at least roll my eyes.)When he brought me this canvas I wasn't sure what I was going to put on it, or if I even wanted to paint it. This is one of the new sizes that we're going to be bringing this fall. They measure 16x24 in with an 8x12 opening in the shadow box. He brought me six others that are the regular rectangular shape with rectangular shape shadow boxes. He did bring me opposites so that I can do pairs. Then he grins as he presents this one! As I said I wasn't sure what I was going to put on to it at first. As I was painting the canvases white, and octopus appeared in my minds eye. 

Here ya go!

I also wasn't sure what to call it. Drunk octopus came to mind, but I don't drink. I also kicked around Kooky octopus too. I ended with Crazy Cephalopod, it seems appropriate especially since I just finished reading Remarkably Bright Creatures for the third time. If you haven't read the book, at least see the movie with Sally Field. It was an incredible movie and the actor they had playing her costar was very good.

That's it for tonight as far as painting goes. 

Chris and our son Jere drove to Florida to look at and then purchase a new to me scroll saw. Chris got to use it first, finishing the Dead Men tell no tales front piece this afternoon. I'll pray for the family every time I use it. The saw belonged to the gentleman's dad and is part of the estate they're liquidating. Chris got the saw, stand, and a bunch of blades for $150. It has a longer throat than the one that broke, so things will be easier to manipulate under the blade. It does have a finger guard too, although I may try the one from my other saw to see if it will fit 

I will put all of it to good use, I'm sure!

Goodnight folks!

Crazy Cephalopod, acrylic on shadowbox canvas, 16*24 inches

Day 54 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

 

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

 

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

 

Octopus in my hands

I love the smaller format!

Not only are they much easier to paint, but I can also hold them in my hands while I am painting.

This makes this size portable and affordable for collectors.

It's been a long day of intense creating on the latest Dead Men tell no tales paintings.

Lots of cut work, lots of detail, I will finish it tomorrow.

I also got a confirmation for the latest commission, so it is a go now.

It combines several things that are memorable to the recipient.

It will also include a Bible verse.

Intense

Incredible

Interesting

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

But for now, Goodnight!

Octopus in my hands, Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 12 inches

Day 35 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

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

 

Dead Men Tell No Tales IV

The front piece for "Dead Men Tell No Tales" is done!

I painted a lot today on the entire front piece for the painting.

I stopped and cooked dinner, then cleaned up.

My neck was making my head hurt today, so it was a difficult day to complete this one.

I am unable to quit, even when hurting, so I paint.

After cleaning up, I contemplated not going to fireworks but sucked it up and off we went.

I am not unhappy that I spent the time with my son and husband.

We rode bikes to and from so we beat most of the traffic coming home.

I was a nervous wreck while riding and took a deep breath when we got home.

Then I headed to the studio and finished the day's work.

I am tired and am going to bed after a shower.

It's been a long day!

I pray you like it!

Dead men tell no tales, Acrylic on wood, 24 inches

100 days~100 paintings 2026, day 5

 

Dead men tell no tales IV

Dead men tell no tales IV.

This is the fourth one I've painted.

This one is a commissioned piece for a couple that saw one originally at a show.

Their daughter just graduated from college with a degree in marine biology, and while she was in school, working on a pirate ship doing tours!

Well at least this is the background for the newest piece.

I will also have to design and paint another one for fall shows.

I am honored for every dimensional piece that sell.

The dimensional pieces take an incredible amount of time to complete, but I still enjoy them a lot!

Sometimes the day gets away from me, and I cannot complete an entire piece in one day.

Grace and space allow me to not stress about it but wait for another day.

I've glued the blocks to the backs of the panels, and tomorrow I will mount them to the rounds.

The painting here is 24 inches round and features the sunken pirate ship on a reef with fish and sharks.

These backgrounds are always fun to paint and sometimes I get carried away.

My day started with going to Home Depot to get foam boards for the Summer Surge.

I was able to get 10 at a very reasonable rate.

Usually, you get a good price for buying 10 at a time.

I was able to get that price, then four of them at 50% of their original price 

because they are damaged on the ends. 

So, all told, I am glad I asked for the discount as I saved almost $100 for the church.

I was also able to get 5 gallons of white paint at Sherwin Williams because it was oops paint.

I've purchased 4 gallons of Kilz to paint the flats that are already at the church in preparation to repaint them for Super Mario.

This VBS will be another epic one for sure!

Just as we got back home, our son showed up asking to go to lunch.

We never turn down a chance to meet with our adult children.

It's always enjoyable, and we enjoy catching up on his day.

Of course, lunch.

Then invariably, a nap as my nights are not always restful.

We then went to the grocery store to get a few things as we are cooking a meal here while the 

guys are working on our sons camper.

Still trying to decide if we'll brave the crowds for the 4th of July at the bluff for fireworks.

We have four dachshunds that don't care for thunder and we are concerned 

about the noise of the fireworks. 

I may put the dryer on air, with several tennis balls as ambient noise.

We then went on a dog ride after they ate their evening meal.

Dinner, then I headed to the studio to paint and blog.

And here I sit, writing this tonight.

Thanks for reading, and joining with me on the 100 days~100 paintings 2026!

Dead men tell no tales IV, Acrylic on wood, 24 inches round

Day 4 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

 

Our future babies

 Is it possible to see anything more precious than a boil of sea turtle babies? When I first started walking with Share the Beach, I had never seen a boil happen. They truly do look like they are boiling up out of the sand. Each baby frantically climbing over the next in a frantic effort to reach the sea and hopefully safety. 

Share the Beach was started a long time ago, over 20 years and counting! It was started when a local that loved the turtles noticed they were going toward the lights of the houses and businesses in Gulf Shores. So many babies lost in the dunes, unable to get to the sea because they were confused by the lights. So many babies run over by cars that did not see them in time. Tired of seeing the destruction of life a group of people started Share the Beach. 

Volunteers now patrol 47 miles of beach every morning from May 1st through the end of August. They look for nests or activity of turtles, possibly signifying a nest. If an area looks promising, they carefully dig the nest up, leaving it if it is above the high tide line. If not above the high tide line, the eggs are carefully moved one by one into a bucket, counted carefully, then reburied further up the beach. Then nest is then covered with a screen, and sand placed over the top. The screen helps prevent foxes, dogs, raccoons, coyotes, and sometimes humans from accessing the nest. There is a perimeter placed around the immediate area, then a larger perimeter is established. It is a federal offense to disturb a nest. All nests that are found are carefully monitored, then the waiting begins. Towards hatching time, you will see a large group of people waiting and listening for the boil. It really is a sight to see. The monitors make sure the babies don't turn toward lights away from the sea. I've even been part of a group holding beach towels up along the track to shade them. If they insist on going the wrong way, they are carefully put into a bucket taxi and gently put into the sea and on their way.

Why go to all this trouble?

Most sea turtle nests have an average of about 100-120 eggs. Only ONE of those babies may survive into adulthood and produce more. Adulthood is over 30 years old. Scavengers, birds, fish, and other sea creatures may attack them on their way to the sargassum grass beds where they grow until older. Each nest is important as well as each baby.

The Eastern seaboard is having a banner year this year, with many turtles coming in for nesting. This year, our own Orange Beach team has FOUR so far! An amazing testimony to the hard work of all involved on our beaches from Orange Beach to Fort Morgan and Dauphin island. Our future babies indeed!

Our future babies, Acrylic on canvas 6 x 24inches

Day 2 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

A wonderful day one!

Today, June 30th marks the first day of the 100 days 2026.

Each year, I do 100 paintings, projects, or plans to do them.

Most of the time, it will be a painting.

Sometimes it's just my hectic, wonderful artist life here in Fairhope with my husband of over 40 years.

There are also 4 dachshunds in the mix, adding to the chaos which can be so much fun!

This year again my church's VBS is smack dab in the beginning of the fray and only adds another dimension of art to the 100 days.

I've already been accepted into two of my shows and am awaiting answers to 4 more.

Another 6 shows to add to my fall schedule and hopefully my checking account as well.

Next year, 2027 promises to be even more fun as I am praying to get my African Son, Crecious 

here for at least 3 shows of his own before returning to Zimbabwe.

It will take a year of preparations and planning to make his shows a success as well as mine!

For those who are new to the blog, Welcome!

I am a professional Christian artist living in beautiful Fairhope, Alabama.

I went back to painting back in 1993 after a drunk driver hit our family van.

I was working as a costumer at the time and had sewn all night to meet a Mardi Gras deadline.

We were headed to a parade that evening when we were rear ended from a dead stop at a light.

Unfortunately, I was turned sideways in the front talking to my husband when we were hit.

I don't have a typical neck whiplash, instead of being front and back, mine is a side-to-side injury.

I have two herniated discs in my neck as well as nerve damage in my right arm.

But God!

I began painting again because it was something I did as a child.

I did it to work through the pain and to give me a creative outlet as sewing professionally 

was not an option at the time.

Don't get me wrong, some days are diamonds and some days are dirt depending on the activities.

All of them are good days though, because I count it all as joy!

Today marks the beginning of 100 days 2026.

The blog began on July 1, 2009 with a painting of Middle Bay Lighthouse 

18 years of the blog, and my 32nd year of painting.

This year marks my 19th year since I started going to the Annual National Shrimp Festival at

Gulf Shores, Alabama in the month of October.

So many paintings, so many blog posts.

Come along with me as I paint, praise, and produce pieces.

Of course, today is a Loggerhead Sea Turtle.

My girlfriend refers to me as the Turtle lady!

This piece was started at Fairhope's art walk this month.

I finished it today in my signature Sepia color.

It is an impressive 24 x 36 inches and was so fun to paint!

Not my usual shadowbox canvas, or the new rounds from last year, just a flat canvas.

I'm looking forward to the wonderful creative journey this year.

Thanks for coming along for the ride!

A wonderful day one! Loggerhead sea turtle 24 x 36 inches

Day 1 of the 100 days 100 paintings 2026

 

On the 100th day....

Today began normally with me reading my Bible and sending messages. We then rushed headlong into the day with last minute packing, and a sewing project.

We couldn't find the rain gutter I made from before, so I took part of a wall and rebuilt a gutter for between the booths.

We then hit the road and grabbed breakfast on the way. 

We stopped off first at the Chamber to get my packet. Then we headed to the campground on the way to the show. We dropped off the camper, then headed into the chaos that is set up for the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores. 

We spent a while setting up both tents with their roofs and walls. We then began the daunting task of putting up the new Flourish walls with the French wall opening in one tent. The entire set up took 3 hours to get done. I really believe part of this is because of me sustaining an injury with first pole I picked up. As I lifted the pole, the bracket slid down and caught the edge of my index finger. An almost immediate blood blister popped up and it was rather large and painful.

I took a bandaid to put pressure on it and kept working. Finally everything was in place and we could start hanging art. So many bags! 100 paintings are a lot, but we didn't bring that many with us. The response has been very favorable so far,with several people coming in to look while we were setting up. We took the longest we ever have to set up. Five hours total. Most everything is done though, even price tags in place. Tomorrow we set up the Christmas ornaments and straighten before we open.

We also went to dinner with our son and his girlfriend at Sunliner diner after hot showers and setting up the camper.

After dinner we went for some quick groceries and to relax. 

I then painted the 100 th painting in the camper this evening. 

I'm really happy the 100 paintings are done! Tomorrow morning I'll draw the winner of the painting valued at $295.

Thank you for following this journey with me!

Headed to the show! As usual Chris looks injured! I love him so much!

Tentacles, tentacles everywhere! Acrylic on canvas, 6 x24 inches

Day 100 of the 100 days-100 paintings 2025

Protective pod

"Protective pod"

Dolphins are beautiful creatures that are a lot like us in many ways.

Their pregnancy is long, 10-18 months depending on the species.

They have a live birth after a labor of several hours.

The calf is born tail first, so as not to drown.

As soon as they are born, they must be guided to the surface to breathe.

The calf drinks milk from mom as often as every 20 minutes!

They have special feelers in their mouths that close as the tongue curls to nurse.

The moms are almost constantly awake to take care of the calf aiding in breathing and nursing.

Once born, the calf and mother will join the pod of siblings, aunts, and other moms.

Once they join the pod, the mom can somewhat relax and rest.

The pod is their playground, their babysitter, and alert system.

They also practice courtship and hunting.

Juvenile and bachelor pods offer opportunities for independence.

The moms teach everything from swimming to hunting.

They also teach communication.

Dolphins sleep with one half of their brain at a time.

This allows them to be alert and aware of their surroundings.

Social structure and bonding are essential to all pods.

This is National Shrimp Festival week!

I have an incredible list of things to get done.

But this is why I make a list, so I can cross off items as they are finished.

I still have several paintings to varnish, a camper to pack with both clothes and food,

wires placed on paintings, gas for car, and camper, money for dog sitter, groceries, not to mention packing all the art.

Somewhere in there, I have an afternoon of sewing to do as well.

I also need to go to the gallery and change out pieces and pick up as well.

We plan to leave early Wednesday, hopefully dropping off trailer at the campground and setting up the camper with AC, water, and power, checking all the systems before we lock it and go to the Chamber.

We go the Chamber to pick up the artists packet, then head to show for the actual set up.

It's going to be a very tight week time wise.

"Protective pod" Acrylic on canvas, 12 x24 shadowbox

Day 97 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Great Blue II and a birthday too!

The day started simply enough.

My Bible and Coffee, journaling, and messages around the world.

Well at least London England, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe Africa.

Each day I send messages to people that have requested them about Jesus's love for us.

They also receive my journal entry for the day.

We got a birthday call from London this morning!

Bappa, Christina, Neel and Dahlia all said happy birthday!

Somehow, we managed to play hide and seek too!

Such a fun call from the Banerjees!

Shortly after 9, we headed to Celebration Church to repaint the backdrop for CK kids.

It started out as backdrops for the dinosaurs, who have now found 

temporary homes at the Spanish Fort Library until next summer.

I was going to do it alone, but Chris tagged along to help.

It's my birthday and he wanted me to get done quickly.

Don't let Chris fool you, he enjoys helping me. (At least I think he does!)

I worked on the bottom, and Chris worked on the top painting leaves.

We both worked quickly and got the backdrop done in about 2 hours.

It was easy to add color to the wonderful work the youth did back in July.

This is the backdrop after.

Not a bad job!

Once the mural was done, we headed to lunch as we were both hungry.

I also received a phone call from Bangalore, India saying happy birthday. 

Dr B called me along with his wife to wish me happy birthday.

I then came home and finished this guy!

Another 6 x 24 ready for the shows.

I have a lot of varnishing to do this weekend for sure!

We then completed the day with a birthday dinner with the kids at a local restaurant on the causeway.

My brother, Ben Thomas wanted a photo of the three generations.

He thought it was funny we are ten years apart.

I turned 65 today, Ben turned 55 in March, and Jessica (our daughter) turned 45 in June.

I graduated high school in 1978, Ben in 1988, and Jessica in 1998.

It is kind of neat, this 10-year difference between us.

My birthday also falls on the same day as Ghandi, such a beautiful soul.

We had a lovely meal together as a family.

Sean, Jessica, Archer, Jere, Jenna, Lorene, Ben, Allison, Chris and myself.

Turning 65 has been fun so far!

Great Blue II and a birthday too! Acrylic on canvas 6 x 24 inches

Day 94 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025