2 days, no paintings

The past two days have been intense.

I have been working hard on the Super Mario build for Celebration Church.

This is another major build, as there are multiple parts and pieces required to complete the sets that the children will be immersed in when coming into the program.

Mind you, this will only be the foyer.....

The stage will mostly be created visually on our church's large led screen in the main sanctuary.

I'm having so much fun creating these pieces.

I am immersed myself in the world of Super Mario, constantly getting ideas for how to build.

I pray as I create, and the Holy Spirit frequently answers me.

While working on the first couple of the mushrooms, I have to admit struggling somewhat.

Some help please!

The base of the large one was simply covered in paper and not making me happy at all.

The larger one is over 40 inches tall.

They need larger bases to keep them from toppling over, and I need a way to remove the caps to make them easier to paint.

The second one is the one in front and has a new design.

As I worked, the ideas started flowing and the new design was born.

I even rebuilt the larger one's base and cap attachment.

I am now much happier with the result, but I am going through massive amounts of cardboard.

Fortunately, I have a large amount from Sarah and her job at Bass Pro Shops.

Thanks Sarah!

(Hey I need more LARGE boxes!)

I still have an incredible number of coins, thwomps, bricks, boxes, and trees to build.

The trees are going to be quite large, with bases made possibly from pallets, wire pieces, and fabric.

Still mulling that one over in my mind.

There's also a motorcycle, two gates, and a main entrance.

Backdrops on the 28 panels we painted with over 3 gallons of Kilz.

(Thanks Chris! It took the two of us 4 hours, so I would've been 8 hours or more by myself!)

Fortunately, there is a week planned of youth painting the scenery.

I just have to get things projected and planned.

The new sanctuary is much larger than the space we decorated before!

Today was a full day of working on more mushrooms.

I'm afraid I may see them in my sleep.

My arm is reminding me of my age.

There is lots of razor cutting of double thickness cardboard.

I am in my element of creating, recycling, and just plain fun!

I will forge on because I am working for the Kingdom of Jesus. 

I will be filled with pure joy as I work.

Days 8 & 9 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2026

Cardboard, masking tape, hot glue, 16 hours so far!

 

I "Arted" more today!

The youth were all working hard today.

We will be ahead of the game by tomorrow evening.

I'm so proud of the kids, taking instruction, following through, and completing tasks.

They are an amazing team to have.

Of course, today we started painting the dinosaurs.

The kids are very excited to work on them.

But before dinosaurs, we worked on more leaves for the jungle atmosphere.

I am buying a container and storing these leaves for future use.

Not going through this again!

We've gone through almost 1400 feet of wire, several rolls of tape, and two large rolls of green papers.

Resorting to standing on a chair to reach the long neck's upper reaches.

The kids are excited to see them come to life under their hands.

By the time we're finished they will have several layers of paint on them.

The belly is worked on while the dinos were on their sides.

Several teams working at once.

Sometimes you have to get under the dinosaur to paint!

I think they're having fun!

Although I know we're all tired of leaves, wires, and paint.

Sets this big are a lot of work.

The stage is 10 separate pieces with a working door on one side of the stage.

Each alcove is 4 pieces X 2, the large alcove under the balcony is 8 pieces.

There are two reserve pieces for whatever we need.

Of course, the set dressing on Sunday will pull it all together.

I painted too.

 Really, I did!

I painted the upper parts of the set, to look like palms are peeking up out from behind the wall.

I set up and painted leaves by the dozen, changing them from flat to fabulous.

I then handed over the leaf painting to another team.

I also directed a lot of kids in their works.

Our total today was 78 more hours.

Go team KOTC!

I went to the hardware store to get more wire tonight as well as more green paint.

We have large palm branches to spray.

Multiple panels with palm branches and plants to paint for backgrounds behind each of the dinosaurs.

Gates looking more like stonework paint.

Greenery to assemble with several hundred leaves.

Really hectic, really head hurting (me trying to paint, while being asked "what's next?"),

 really fun, fun, fun!

I Arted more today!, Paint on multiple canvases, (including dinosaurs)

Day 22 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

I'm "Arted" out today!

Each of these VBS builds are different and yet the same.

What an incredible day at Celebration Church.

The Youth and adults we have are amazing and wonderful.

I painted some, but the youth got an astounding amount of work done today.

Uncomplaining for the most part, they dogged until they were almost completed with 

Every

Single

Panel!

Sixteen to be exact.

I am so grateful for them.

There also was an amazing team of ladies cutting hundreds of leaves.

Several bunches of leaves had wires attached as well.

We have some purchased leaves that did not have wires.

Hopefully we can save all of them this year, instead of having to make them again.

If you remember, there were leaves two years ago too!

It's a lot of work!

The boys at the table were cutting wire for the leaves.

They cut wire ALL day!

I've also had to go buy more wire to put on the larger leaves.

It's going to be a jungle out there.

The guys also started the build on the "Gates"

There are two sets, one for the entrance into the sanctuary, the other is for the stage.

We also removed lights from the galaxies from last year, and taped the holes.

Two will be painted for the stage.

I'm not sure yet what will happen to the other two.

We also used scraps of paper from the leaf cutting to build "rocks".

Sarah is also there; I just didn't get a photograph of her working.

She painted 9 flats for the stage today.

I'm sure she's tired of the gray paint!

My right-hand woman for sure.

I can always count on her beautiful smile and generous laughter.

The youth are extremely excited to paint dinosaurs tomorrow.

Anyway, it was a full day of working together.

We were there from about 8am to 4:30 pm

20 people x conservatively 6 hours each

120 hours!!!!

Did I paint?

On sets, yes.

Did I get a painting a day done?

Technically, not really.

Space and Grace for me today.

I truly am "Arted" out.

Goodnight!

I'm "Arted" out today, No painting, just hard work!

Day 21 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2025

 

Feeling partly cloudy

I'm feeling partly cloudy that is!

It has been a looooooooooong day to say the least!

I started out as usual with my Bible readings, journaling and sending Scriptures 

and my journal entry to my friends in Africa.

This is a daily ritual for me, starting with the readings and ending with the texts. 

I then can start my day!

I went to the bank first in an effort to help Christina with a transfer but it was a useless trip.

I then went on to the church in an effort to organize before others showed up wanting to help.

I got there at about 9:15.

Help showed up around 10 and boy did we work.

In between letting them know what was next to complete, I was building clouds.

At least I pray they look like clouds.

Problem is, I needed a virtual ton of Chinese lanterns to build them, but all I could find were itty bitty ones at Dollar tree. I bought what I could, but it was not enough to make large clouds.

After going to three stores with no luck, I ended up back at Dollar Tree.

The holy spirit nudges me frequently, and the trip to Dollar Tree was no exception.

I purchased a dozen baskets, and 15 colanders.

This gave me 4 baskets and five colanders apiece for the clouds.

I used zip ties to put them together.

That afternoon one of my good friends came and brought the batting 

I had asked her to purchase for me.

We wrapped the bundles of basketry with paper, Then used the batting to cover the paper.

We then added pieces here and there to fill them out.

I am pleased, but very tired as I did not get home until 6pm.

I started a blue crab painting, to day but will finish it in the morning, 

as my back and neck are giving me fits right now.

Time for a hot shower, and bedtime!

Feeling partly cloudy, plastic, batting, zip ties, 3-4 feet in size

Day 15 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2021

 

Independence day sketch

Have Watercolor pencils, will travel!

This sketch is for a painting at a later date.

I worked on this sketch until it got too dark to see.

Watercolor pencils are fun to use, either drawing with them or pulling color from the tips with a wet brush.Sitting in a chair, listening to the conversations around us,  seeing friends and catching up, families winding down their day with tired children running freely around the crowd for the 4th of July.

Things are happening in the studio as well, I started a major canvas day by setting up my compressor and staple gun. Trouble was, I could not find my canvas pliers. They were not in their regular place, in the drawer with my supply of staples. I am not real certain where they are, possibly at our oldest daughters house. I may have taken them there when we were working on her dining room chairs. Any way, she cannot find them, I cannot find them, dead in the water as far as canvas stretching goes!

(we did stretch one by hand, but I cannot do that for the other 17 left to go.)

 I did get the canvas cut and ready for the next step. One large 6 yard roll of canvas just about makes 18 complete shadowbox canvases along with scraps from the studio.

At any rate, I still accomplished getting a new hose for my compressor and eyes to replace the ones lost on our grandson's "turts". Their dog has chewed the original eyes off, after our grandson scratched the paint off the pupil. Our daughter keeps replacing them with glass beads, but turts hits the floor quite frequently. We also shopped at a sale our local Goodwill had, 50% off everything. I managed to find 2 pairs of cargo pants to take to Africa, as well as an animal print coat and black swing top.

 Another day starts tomorrow, I borrowed a pair of canvas pliers and managed to get 2 more canvases  completed before stopping to cook dinner and go to fireworks at the bay.

Another day in our home and country, free to celebrate, free to worship, free to gather in large crowds without fear. I 'm glad we live in the United States!

I pray the rest of the world can have the freedoms we have as well!

Independence day sketch, 11x17, watercolor

Day 3 of the 100 days~100 paintings 2019

Then, I must paint them all white, in preparation for paintings coming soon. 

Thanks for visiting

Diving girls

These little ones are fun! Painted on recycled wood, they are sold at the Artist's Gallery in Downtown Fairhope. 

Fairhope Diving Girls , Acrylic on recycled wood, 5 x 8 inches

Day 27 of the 100 days~100 paintings

Vintage Beach VII

 Day 12! 

Already?

Summer is going by at hyper speed this year. 

Our pool is almost too hot to swim. The grass alternates between dying from the mole crickets and growing like hay that needs to be mowed. The summer rains have arrived, with almost daily deluges of vast amounts of water. I am hesitant about going out on the water on my paddle board because of lightning. Summer classes are in full swing, with classes already lining up for fall as well. I have three more weeks of teaching children during their summer break and then I have a breather before fall classes and shows begin.

Shows should be interesting, with Grand Festival being cancelled for this year. I am disappointed about this show being given the heave ho, but I understand.........I do it because it is local and lets me show my works to a wider audience. I still plan to do Jubilee, Daphne, Al end of September, National Shrimp Festival (on an end booth, so excited!) Gulf shores Al, October 13-16th, 

and Peter Anderson, Ocean Springs MS, November 5th and 6th. There are a couple of Christmas shows as well, more on that later! 

On to today's painting.

I love the happy yellow of this suit. It reminds me strongly of a suit my Mom designed while we were in the Philippines. Ours were similar to this, bright yellow with brass rings. Ours came to the center in a single ring in the middle over our stomach and two rings on the sides of our hips. It also had two rings on the side of the top and the neckline came up around our necks. They were open back, with a strap across the chest to hold the top. They were a very small bikini style because they were connected to 1 1/2 inch rings. They were made from double knit. Mine was exactly like moms except a smaller version. I remember standing beside her, sewing machine humming, eagerly anticipating the new suit that matched hers!

Vintage Beach VII , Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 20

Day 12 of the 100 days~100 paintings

Table Topper~hopefully a show stopper!

       Today's offering is the table top painting for the donation to Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser in September. I am hoping with the reaction to the previous days paintings that this will also be a hit! The cigar boxes have been given good reviews so far. I carried the shell theme to the next level by putting some on the table top as well. I hope this side table provides many hours of enjoyment because of what you cannot see!
       The cigar boxes that fit on the shelf below hold games inside for entertainment because our weather is so unpredictable. We can have sunshine beating down and fifteen minutes later it can be pouring down rain. You also know you live in the deep south when you turn on your heater and air conditioner in the same day. Ah, life on the coast................Isn't it grand!

Table painting, Acrylic on wood, Donation Habitat for Humanity

Elementary my Dear!

       The age group of 8-11 year olds got to paint in two classes as well Watercolor and Acrylics that pop! were on the menu last week. The kids had a lot of fun and I am sure that the  Pop Dachshunds will end up at Art Party to you in some form or another!
Initial white crayon on paper with watercolor, Sunflowers watercolor on paper 8 x 10, Pop Dachshunds 18 x 24 acrylic on canvas, watercolor crab and shrimp 12 x 16 each. These pieces are days 24 through 28 of the 100 Days~100 Paintings. I will post more later on these kids and their wonderful art work created while at Art Camps on the Gulf Coast!

Painting with the "tweenagers" En Plein Aire!

" En Plein Aire" one of the classes I taught at the museum during the past three weeks, This class took the children, ages 12 & up on an outdoor adventure into the world of outdoor art. It is always interesting to see what the kids come out with in this class. In the beginning, a lot of I can'ts, by the end of the week, I can't believe I did thats! Always enjoyable, always changing, sometimes unpredictable. Outdoor painting is a challenge for adults and children alike. We battled heat, rain, bugs, and lawn maintenance!

A wide vaariety of sizes from 5x7's to 12 x 16's, these 6 paintings take care of days 16,17,18,19,
20 and 21 ! of the 100 Days~100 Paintings

Shorebird

     I have a favorite painting that I did years ago when I first began that featured 6 sandpipers and beautiful pale water. I carted this painting around for the better part of three years before the right buyer came along. The story goes like this...................

     Most painters paint in uneven numbers, 1, 3, 5, etc. For some reason, I wanted to have 6 birds in this particular painting. It has 5 birds going in one direction and one towards the others. I love the painting and it is still one of my best selling prints, called "Sand, Surf, & Sandpipers" From the beginning, my husband wanted me to paint out one of the birds, and kept telling me on a regular basis that was why the painting did not sell. Featured at the National Shrimp Festival, the painting caught the eye of a woman that was married to a much older man. She loved the story about the painting, looked at me and said I want you to tell your husband something for me. I am going to buy this painting and the reason is my husband tells me stories about his children chasing the sandpipers along the beach. The main attraction to me is the 6 sandpipers. Why you ask? My husband has 6 children and it will mean the world to him! She not only bought that one, but another as well . So stick to your guns artists! Don't always follow the rules and stay in the box!

     Back to this little guy! Painted much larger than life, this bird is so much fun to paint! I am so excited to bring a painting a day to the Eastern Shore and will be teaching the discipline this fall at the Eastern Shore Art Center. I am really looking forward to it! Painted with a limited palette, color decisions are easier and quicker to make. The limited palette makes your paintings more cohesive as well, because they are simple to make similar if you are making a series such as these birds. The limited palette is also non~fugitive, meaning your paintings will never change!

Shorebird~12 x 24~Acrylic on canvas

The Beach at Goa

                        "The Beach at Goa" will finish the series from India. I have enjoyed my "visit" and may even return to it during the 100 days. This painting is based on a photograph taken by my daughter Christina while on one of her trips. She tells me the water was not wuite this blue, more root beer in color. The photo was taken on a gray day as well, so maybe the water was prettier than she remembers.

                       "The Beach at Goa" 24 x 36 acrylic on canvas $295.00

Rangoli Fish Jubilee

                How appropriate that I would paint fish in a rangoli! I was quite taken with this design and it went rapidly after I started it. I love the bright beautiful colors that reflect my thoughts of living on the eastern shore.
            
                      Our coastline here alsong the Mobile Bay is one of two places in the world that has a phenomenon known as Jubilee. The other place is off the coast of Africa, I think. Back to our jubilee here. Jubilees are caused by  a number of factors coming into play. Temperature of the air, water temperature, and  an eastern breeze are what is required to cause a jubilee. The locals know what to look for, and start gathering up their buckets, gigs, nets and lights.
                    
                        When the jubilee occurs, the cry goes out along the coast, and if you are very lucky, someone calls you and informs you of the happening which usually occurs in the middle of the night. Creatures of all types come rushing to the shoreline, starved for oxygen. Everyone scoops up buckets of crabs, flounder, and fish of several types while avoiding the eels that join into the fray.
               
                       I have yet to experience one of these events, but hope to join in on one this summer, primarily to photograph the people and their catches.
             
 Rangoli Fish Jubilee 8x8 Acrylic on canvas.

Exploring the seashore

         Exploring the seashore came about because of the trip we took to the Keys last year. On the way, we stopped again in St Augustine, Florida. We spent a few days ar the state park and rode our bicycles all over the city. Bicycles allow you to park easier, and when the traffic is really bad, get ahead of the crowd of cars waiting for the traffic lights..
         The day we arrived was our first day out from Fairhope and we were tired, but wanted to see the Atlantic ocean that evening. We were not the only people there and I observed the children playing in the water. Several camera shots later, I felt I had the pictures neccessary for some delightful paintings. I changed the bathing suit, punched up the color and just had a lot of fun painting this little girl on the beach.
          This year I am pleased to announce as well that the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope, Alabama has asked me to teach a class about  "A Painting a Day" Look for them to announce the class soon starting in the fall. I highly recommend the practice and diligence it takes to make a painting a day. It makes you a better painter, allows you to make quicker decisions, and makes painting more profitable (if you have chosen this for your profession). It also is just plain FUN!
"Exploring the Seashore" 12 x 24 Acrylic on canvas

Splish~Splash

             
           It seems appropriate to start the 100 days~100 paintings 2012 with a post about the sea. I have really been a water bug my entire life. Now in my adult years, I find myself drawn to the water frequently. I may be swimming, out on a sailboat for an evening sail, or painting water. Our bodies are made up of mostly water so I guess that is the connection.

            I helped my father in Ohio when we had a boat refinish project. He made the gunnels, keel, dash, windshield, and other parts at the wood shop at the Air Force base we were living. This is the same base that brought me my first and only horse, gave me a new love for fresh corn, started me on the road to extraordinary kite flying, and fostered in me a new respect for children that were different from myself.
             
            I also spent what seemed like hours with my father under the boat painting the inside while the snow fell gently from the sky. As we worked, I dreamed the dreams of children, in eager anticipation for the day when I would again hit the water. Until then, patience was the key word, carefully pushing the enamel paint deep into the cracks and crevices of the fiberglass that would soon be under deck boards during the summer. My father finished the  wood pieces carefully and slowly, and, after several coats of polyurethane the water reflected in the sheen of the wood grain while we were on the water.
            
             The boat named Quarter Penny (because of  money found under the decking) also made the trip to California when we moved to yet another Air Force Base. This time though she was not on the water, but a trailer and made a very efficient way to carry the camping equipment we used while trekking and camping across country to our new base.
            
            This was the life of a military family, moving every couple of  years. New friends, new home, new schools, new adventures.
            
              The one constant in my life was the presence of water.

Just Catchin a Wave

I have fond memories of surfing as a child, what little bit I got to do as I did not own a board. I loved the way this guy was working so hard to perfect his technique and stay on his board. His board is really a skim board and not a long board. I photographed him early this Spring at the Fairhope Beach. It really was beginning to get warm in the air temperature, but I am certain that the water was still very cold. He just could not wiat for warm weather to try out the skim board.

I enjoy watching others trying out new things. I was really pulling for the kid that was learning to water ski behind our condo recently. The father was yelling directions, but in the long run, the only way you can get better at something is to practice. (It also helps to have someone teaching you with patience!) I felt bad for her because the advice the dad was giving was weird. Somehow, she finally popped up out of the water and I cheered inwardly because I remember the feeling of satisfaction when finally "getting" something. Have you tried something different and out of your comfort zone recently? I find myself challenged on a daily basis, either with something entirely new or a new way to do something I have never done before.

Just Catchin a Wave Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 36

Jumping for Joy

I photographed this dolphin while on a cruise in Orange Beach. We saw several dolphins on this trip and it really not money wasted. The guide said it was one of the best "shows" the dolphins had put on in a long time. They were so full of life and caused much joy on the boat as well. Their acrobatics started in the early part of the trip almost as soon as they heard the boats. I say boats because there are two of them that run side by side causing the water to churn between them. The children are guided to the rail first, so they can have the best view. I hung onto the railing, wrapping my leg around one of the supports while photographing,
I shot over 100 pictures that afternoon, grateful for a digital camera that my husband bought me 2 years ago for Christmas. I fought digital all the way, loving my 35mm but hating the wait for developing as well as the expense. I was delighted at how the photos turned out, filling my computer screen with lots of happy dolphins and water shots.
The guide explained to all of us that the dolphins were pink because they were happy. I imagine they were rather flushed with the heat as well, with the heat index over 110. I remember our daughter Jessica remarking about the pink blush and the dophins being happy. She said that must be why the animals at Sea World attack their trainers, they are not happy. She then explained that did not ever remember seeing them blush like that in any captive arena. I don't recall seeing them blush either. We really must work harder to make peace with our creatures that God puts in our hands.
Jumping for Joy acrylic on canvas 24 x 24

Monet's Lilies

The children were very pleased with this project we did at the Museum. I painted an 18 x 24 while the kids painted 16 x 20's. The kids were very excited to show their parents all of their hard work for the week. We managed to complete 5 paintings that week, and I varnished them all in time to send them home on Friday. We all should be as loose and carefree as children. They like almost everything they create but much like their adult counterparts, they don't love them all. Some paintings and art projects are really just about learning, not necessarily complete projects we love. Have you created something you love today. This painting helps to catch me up some more! It is number 34! Monet's Lilies 18 x 24 acrylic on canvas panel.

Tequlia Sunrise I &II

These trees are always such fun to paint! I had leftover paint from the classes I have been teaching and did not want to waste, so here we are with bright happy color!
My children have no appreciation for these "play" paintings. (I love to show my wild side every now and then. They call it t-shirt art) I usually call it sold!
I had a pair of 15 x 30's of this type that sold last year at two different shows! These are much smaller 6x12 deep edge canvas. I am sure they will find a home. Otherwise, they may have to stay with me!
They can be purchased for $50.00 each or $90.00 for the pair. SOLD