White Christmas on Marco Island

Oops, posted to the Studio blog by mistake! Marco did have a white Christmas and you can read my Merry Christmas blog here! Have a wonderful holiday week!

Winter Solstice, Christmas Angels

The dead stick remains of long passed plants has welcomed every visitor to my front door for the last couple of months. I'd look at my hanging basket, dead since the end of the rainy season, be ashamed, and then run off and do something else. I'd pass by and remind myself that it had to be replanted, but would forget to get the plants while out doing errands. Over and over I said, I must put that on my list for tomorrow!

To my absolute delight a Christmas angel snuck the basket away--I didn't even miss the brown remains--and brought it back beautifully renewed. What a wonderful, happy Christmas surprise! Many thanks to my terrific, plant loving angel!

Another nice surprise came about when a client called to ask if they could come and look at paintings. I'm delighted to have visitors to the studio, and here on Marco people are always popping in and out, and many are only here for a short time, so I always try to accommodate. She had met me at one of the outdoor shows and liked my work. My impression was that she and her husband might like a new painting for Christmas. Imagine my surprise when she purchased five good sized paintings, to go into a bank that she's decorating! There's some framing and delivery to be done, so in the short time left before the holiday, daily painting will have to take second place.

Last night was the winter solstice, the very longest night of the year. The solstice is a Pagan holiday,and some people make special plans to visit one of the ancient sites, such as Newgrange, or Stonehenge to watch the light travel exactingly through the ancient structures at sunrise. I like the idea of celebrating the long cold days of winter getting shorter!

Snow, Frosty, Daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

My Art Talk group met yesterday for lunch and we had such a good time. There were twelve of us, all who are, or seriously working toward being, professional artists. There's only one rule--the subject must be art! We start by giving each artist a couple of minutes to talk about significant art events in their lives for the past month. Everyone had something positive to say, about sales, recognition, new ventures. When someone has a question or wants to discuss something the group is very supportive and helpful. It's one of my most sacred calendar items, and I always go away uplifted. Santa had stopped by, too, and left everyone a small art journal at everyone's place. The Marco Island art community is getting to know each other and is growing!

All the weathermen are talking about a big storm that's affecting the cold north. Sometimes the forecast storms are really dangerous, and other times they dissipate before becoming a real threat. Still, all the hype makes me worry about my children up north driving around in the snow! Funny how things I didn't think twice about as a younger person, like driving in the snow, can cause anxiety just hearing about it at this point in life. Hopefully everyone will be able to get where they want to for the holidays without undue stress.

I decided to put all that latent anxiety to work painting the little Frosty you see above. Snowmen are always such fun to make and each one has it's own personality as distinct as the people we know. He's not for sale, as he'll be a gift for a very special new baby!

Here's a little video about the snow to make you chuckle, especially if you live in South Florida. It may not be so funny if you live in Boston or Chicago!

Everglades Value, A Quiet Day daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Everglades National Park may be the third largest national park in American, but it is only protecting one seventh of the land that we call the Everglades. The Park was created in Congress in 1934, and was finally dedicated by President Truman in 1947. The park has been designated a World Heritage Site because of it's history and diversity by UNESCO in 1979, and is also designated an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance. Despite all of these lofty designations, the land is still under attack and threatened by development and draining every single day.

Wetlands are vitally important to the health of our planet. Everglades wetlands are unique in the world, and vital to the health of the South Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. You can keep up to date on Everglades issues or support the restoration and protection of the Everglades by joining Friends of the Everglades. This organization was started by author and advocate Marjory Stoneman Douglass who saw the value in this wet, humid, difficult land and proceeded to promote it's protection throughout her later life.

Coming from New England the land seemed exotic and magical. Although I've been painting this landscape for 15 years, it never disappoints, even on a quiet day.

A Quiet Day
7" x 5"
acrylic on canvas
$150 with free shipping and handling in the US

Island Christmas, Award, Building Clouds daily painting by Everglades Artists JoAnn Sanborn

This time of year most businesses are hoping to be busy, and this is true of the art world, too. Part of the weekend was spent preparing some daily paintings for shipping this morning, and working on a commission due before Christmas. The last day to order a painting to be shipped for Christmas will be December 20th.

We enjoyed a party with wonderful friends, good food, and nice music, on Friday, and had a great time at the Christmas Marco Island Style Street Parade on Saturday. The boat parade will be coming up this weekend, and should be lots of fun, too. Just because we live where there's no snow doesn't mean that we don't celebrate Christmas to the fullest! There's a Marco committee working on Christmas Island Style all year long, and a number of festive events each December! It's easy to say that Christmas has become too commercial, but it's my feeling that we should never pass up the opportunity for good cheer and good will, and any holiday that reminds us of the things we hold deep and dearly, and causes us to wish perfect strangers a joyful Merry Christmas is just fine with me!

Good news! I was awarded a Merit Award for my painting "Night Mists" sent to the National Association of Women Artists, Florida Chapter show "Art, the first language" held in the Jeanette Hare Art Gallery at Northwood University. Stop in and see the show if you're in the West Palm Beach area before February 5th. I hope to attend the opening reception on January 8th.

Today I'll mail the paintings and family packages, work in my home Studio for the rest of the day and look forward to the Marco Art Marketing Salon meeting at four. We'll have a bit of Christmas cheer as we discuss how to better our art careers!

Building Clouds
7" x 5"

acrylic on Panel
$150 with FREE shipping and handling in the US

Oops, Beach View Daily Painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Beach View

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Yesterday turned out to be one of those days--you know the kind, when you have too much to do, not enough time, and your mind is in 10 places at once. Our Internet line had failed the day before and required a new modem, an extra trip to Naples in an already busy day. First thing that went wrong was that I mailed a deposit check from a client, yes, mailed it! UGH. By the time I realized that I had no deposit for the bank, the mail shipment had already left town. Embarrassing to have to tell the client. The rest of the day went pretty much like that, with several backtracks and errors, until we saw that big, gorgeous moon, which I wrote about and posted. Oops! Posted to the wrong blog. It went to my studio blog, at Jo-Ann Sanborn's Art and Sunshine Studio, where I talk more about my process of painting, post larger work, and post some art lessons.

So, take a look, and see what you missed. The above daily painting is there along with some comments about the moon. The moon was big, rich and lustrous here, truly beautiful, the party last night a lot of fun, and tonight's the Christmas Parade. Hope you're doing something fun and seasonal this weekend!

Naples Potters, Parade Daily Painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

This lovely pottery bowl with flowers and tendrils was gift from clay artist Gabrielle Nappo, who had a similar bowl in her booth at a show last year. By the time I decided that I must have it, it had been sold. Gabrielle said that she would just make me a new one. She did, and would not let me pay her for it. What a nice, much appreciated gift. Thanks, Gabrielle. It will be among my treasures. I really love durable pottery for household use. It warms my day to have coffee in a handmade mug or to serve vegetables in a unique handmade dish. We're beginning to get a nice collection of handmade pottery and we use it every day. We pick up a piece whenever we travel, so have some from afar, but also enjoy the work of fabulous local potters like Gabrielle, Annabelle Johnson who we've watched evolve, and part-time teacher and crafts person Rinny Ryan whose work we are delighted to own. We also look for their pieces when we need a gift. It's important to support others who make art, and although we aren't wealthy, we purchase what we can from people we know. Their work is unique a pleasure to live with, and in a small way we're helping to ensure they can continue to do what we love.



Today's cheery little painting was done in response to a request for "another" after the first painting was sold right in front of one of my favorite clients at the art show last weekend. It's actually quite different from the first because no two of my paintings are ever the same, but has the same colors and feeling. There's always room for a small painting, and this one would be nice set on a table easel as part of Christmas decorations, to be put away and brought out to be special at this time of year!

Parade 2

5x7

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Mini-Masters, Charmer Daily Painting by Everglades Artist JoAnn Sanborn

We had a great time at the Marco Center for the Arts Mini-Masters and Mimosa's Show yesterday. This was our first time to attend since we have reduced our outdoor show schedule, and thought it was a wonderful event. The gallery show of members paintings was terrific, and the mini-masters were superb! Each 5x7 work of art was done on paper, and donated by the artists to benefit the Art League. There was something for everyone including beautiful executed sketches of local scenes, rich watercolors and acrylics and lush oils, plus a photo or two and some wonderful small ceramic pieces.
There were so many we wanted to take home, but decided to bid on artists Jerry Brunjulson, Stan Saran, and Shirley Piercy, all who have been prominent in the Marco Island art scene for such a long time. The bidding started at only $25, a great price for original works of this quality, and was quite active on some pieces. Anyone who wanted could have picked up a charming original work by a local artist at a great price. This could become a great community event and will be a not-to-miss for us in the future!

Today's Everglades painting told me it's name was Charmer, and I can see that it is. You often see a row of three or more palms emerging from the brush in the Everglades with one or two out in the open. Are they moving to higher ground?

Charmer
7" x 5" acrylic on Panel
$150 with free shipping and handling in the US

Marco Island Wet Paint Live, Winter Noon Daily Painting by Everglades Artist JoAnn Sanborn

What a nice party at Orion Bank yesterday for the Marco Island Wet Paint Live artists and sponsors last evening. It was fun to see and visit with the artists, some quite renown and some quite new, but all with strong ties to the island. There was a great group of art supporting sponsors in attendance, too! Wet Paint Live is an event held by the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Marco classes to benefit student scholarships. Marco Island Center for the Arts and the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts will also participate and share in the money raised so they can grant scholarships, too. It's a nice community symbiosis.

This year a business sponsorship is only $50 and there's a long list of merchants and businesses already. It's not too late if you'd like your business listed as a supporter of the arts, scholarship and leadership on Marco! Just contact the Chamber and for $50 they'll be happy to add your name. Another way to support this event is to buy a ticket to the event, to be held at Hideaway Beach on the evening of Jan 29, 2009, and then show up! At this truly community event you'll have some delicious "masterpiece appetizers", see a great selection of "en plein air" paintings done on and around Marco on the day of the event, meet and talk with the artists, and have a fun time watching the paintings being auctioned off to the highest bidder. Tickets are already available at the chamber office. It could be you with a great painting at the right price, so save the date!

Today's Everglades Painting is one of a very common scene. The beauty of the simple components never fails to calm the soul. Now I'm off to prime a canvas for a commission that has to be done by Christmas!

Winter Noon
7" x 5"
acrylic on Panel
$150 with free shipping and handling in the US

Roemer Dutch Warmblood, Morning Moon painting by Everglades Artist JoAnn Sanborn

If you're looking for something special for Christmas this year, and think that maybe a dream horse is just the thing, take a look at my daughter's year old Dutch Roemer Warmblood Filly. She breeds Dutch warmbloods in Connecticut, and has had some wonderful successes. The filly, Creme de Lila, is a daughter of the famous Dutch Stallion Roemer, and her mother has consistently produced KWPN top ten national champions. Lila is a beautiful little filly with a great personality and a desire to please. There's bargains to be had in this economy and her price is quite negotiable. Email or call me and I'll put you in touch!

Did you see the conjuncture of the moon, Jupiter and Venus the other night? A beautiful sight! A couple of weeks ago on my morning walk, the moon was still high in the sky as dawn lightened the sky. It stuck in my memory for today's painting.

Morning Moon

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Art Show Weather, Off by Myself Daily Everglade Painting by JoAnn Sanborn

Thanks so much if you are one of the old and new friends who stopped by my tent to chat or to purchase at the Renaissance Art Festival on Saturday. It was a lovely show with quality work and a leisurely shopping crowd. Congratulations to two new collectors.

Sunday's weather provided a bit more challenging. My husband and I got there early so we could park right behind our tent, and then went to the lovely Bella Sera Hotel for a nice breakfast. Little did we know that breakfast would be the nicest part of the day! We knew there was threatening weather, but this far south the weather forecasts can be quite unreliable and most of the art show artists watch conditions closely and are prepared to act quickly when conditions change. The tent was dry inside, so I decided to set out the paintings. Several rain squalls later and a leaky roof made me rethink that decision. When strong wind gusts suggested that forecast tornadoes could become a reality and festival management left the decision to each individual, we decided there would be limited visitors and shoppers, and decided to pack up. We were among several exhibitors who lost equipment due to the strong gusty winds. The rest of the day was spend washing up and drying everything out and putting it all away until the next show.

Today's Everglade painting is on a lighter note. Nice and sunny. As you know I love the single palms. This one, on the edge of the canal, seems not to mind being all by itself. Could it be admiring it's reflection?

Off by Myself
7" x 5"

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Black Friday, Mellow Yellow Daily Painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Today is Black Friday, or Blitz Day. It's the day for putting retailers out of the red and into the black on their balance sheets. If today is a good day, it could be a good sign of a rebounding economy. Still, some of us prefer to skip the early mornings, the parking traumas, and the overly hyped sales. How much nicer to stay home with family, have a slice of leftover pie and make some nice turkey soup!

I'll be busy today getting ready for the Naples Renaissance show this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, if you'd like to work off some of that turkey and pie, and still get some shopping done at your leisure, walk the Naples Renaissance Art Festival on 10th street, just up from the Naples Depot and south of Coastland Mall. It's an invitational festival, and there'll be many renown local and distant artisans happy to show you their work and help you to select just the right gifts. Handmade gifts and original art will bring value and pleasure years for many years to come.

Thanks to the purchaser of yesterday's plump little pumpkin!

Mellow Yellow
7" x 5"
acrylic on Panel
$150 with FREE shipping and handling in the US

Thanksgiving, Pumpkin Daily painting by JoAnn Sanborn

Despite the gloomy economic outlook we have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week. The majority of us have jobs, roofs over our heads and haven't gone hungry, ever. For the most part we're safe in our homes, have medical care available, systems in place for those less fortunate, and a government that will try to help. Much of the world has so much less, so I'm going to appreciate and be very thankful for what I have.

Personally, I'm thankful for my art, and a place to do it. I'm thankful for a terrific growing family, good longtime and new friends, and a wonderful, supportive husband. I'm thankful for you who take the time to look at my paintings and to read this small blog. I'm thankful to the collectors who enjoy my work and purchase my paintings. I have so much to be grateful and thankful for. Thanks for being part of it!

Now, I'm off to make a pumpkin pie. Have a wonderful, thankful Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin
7" x 5"

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Conservation Land, Trustee's Meeting, Daily Painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

I was dismayed to read in this morning's Naples Daily News that nearly 200 acres of Everglades wetlands under consideration for purchase by Conservation Collier has been sold to a private airboat operator. This land lays in the center of lands that are already protected and would have saved a block of wetlands into the future. Selling to a conservation group takes time and takes patience, but well worth the effort when it's the right thing to do. It seems that a box of cigars turned the deal from good faith to a sham. Now the land will have noisy and disruptive airboat tours tearing up the fragile wetland grasses. This land is on the south side of 41 to Everglades City, and will be the closest airboat tour for Marco Island and Naples, but let's not go there!

On a lighter note, here's a turkey trivia quiz for you to enjoy. How much do you really know about the bird? Turkey Quiz How'd you do?

Trustee's Meeting

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Manatees, Quite a Character daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

The first manatee of the season made its way past our dock last night. Our new neighbors said there were a group of manatees in the canal last week, but I didn't see them myself. Manatees are vegetarians, and come into the canal during the day to feed on a sea grass bed at the end the canal where it opens up into a wider pond. At night they head back out to the river and into the deeper water that might be a bit warmer on a cold night. It's hard to get a good picture because the manatees swim just under the surface of the water, so all you see is a pattern of expanding circles on the surface unless they happen to do a nose-up for a quick breath. I've promised my sister for years that if she just visits Florida in February I can guarantee that she'll see a manatee int he wild. This year she's coming, so I'm going to have to watch their movement patterns carefully to fulfill my promise!

The palm in today's Everglades painting is Quite a Character. Don't you know someone just like him/her? A bit prickly in places but strong, stately, and with some gorgeous attributes!

Quite a Character
7" x 5"

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Twitter, Outdoor Artist, New Day Daily Painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Brr-r-r. It's cold outside this morning despite my two layers of clothing. That's the news over much of the country and the most talked about subject on Twitter this morning. I intend to spend the morning in the warm studio rather than venturing out, and may even turn on the heat to warm things up just a little. Wednesday is the Marco Island Outdoor Artists paint the island together day, and you may see some brave souls painting outside in Old Marco today, at either Mereck's Restaurant, the shops, or the old Marco Inn. You may want to wait wait until the day warms up just a little before looking for them, thought! Hope you're able to stay warm and cozy wherever you are today!

Today's daily painting is of a place in the Everglades where the composition is simple and pleasing. I've watched the small mangrove grow from just a few leaves to a nice full bush. There's usually an alligator sunning on the far bank.

New Day
7" x 5"
acrylic on Panel
$150 with free shipping and handling in the US

Art Show, Happy Hour Daily Painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

There's a spot off to the left coming into Marco Island that has beautiful sunset reflections if you happen to be passing by just at the right time. We were fortunate enough to enjoy this beautiful sunset recently. It's a good place because you're just going over a bridge so you're a little higher up than usual and can view the distance as well as the gorgeous reflections in the water closer to you. Great spot, so don't miss the magic if you're passing by at sunset.

The art show on Saturday was very enjoyable. There were just 25 artists since this is a revival of a show not held for years and will probably get larger in years to come, but the public came in enough numbers that no one complained and everyone really enjoyed the day. It was hot, hot, hot, so the Art League made lots of money selling their ice cold water. A couple of my daily paintings were adopted into new homes, and I was delighted to meet and greet a number of my collectors. Several of us were trying on new ideas or methods considered at our local Alyson Stanfield's Free Art Marketing Plan seminar, and were pleased with the results. I'm sure it will be the subject of much conversation at our bi-weekly meeting later today!

If the iguana post intrigued you, go back one post and look at the Comments. One of my friends has posted a link to a short movie of an iguana on her dock! You may have to cut and paste the link but he's worth it. His colors are fabulous!

Happy Hour
7" x 5"
acrylic on Panel
$150 with free shipping and handling in the US

Iguanas, Art Show, and Skyline Daily Painting by Everglades Artist JoAnn Sanborn

An exploding green iguana population has become a problem for some people living on the canals of Marco Island. I saw one right in the middle of my own street last week, but by the time I ran for my camera it was gone and hasn't been back. The City of Marco has hired an iguana catcher to help limit the population. This man has a lot of experience with iguanas and caught fifty in just two days work! You can see a picture of one of his catches and read more about them in the Marco Eagle. They're quite handsome, but apparently are a nuisance species here on the barrier islands and will spread rapidly, causing damage to boats and seawalls and spread non-native plants.

This Saturday I'll be showing my work at the Marco Island Center for the Arts Fall Members Arts and Crafts Festival on the grounds of the Art League. This outdoor members show was successful years ago, and now the Art League is trying to bring it back. Since this is the first year of it's revival it's a fairly small show, but a great place to see the work of local artists. Several of Marco Island's well known artists will be there as well as some very talented newcomers. I'll have a nice selection of my collectible original small paintings available as well as some larger work. I never do prints, so each work is an original. Help the Art Center, support the artists, and purchase a special treasure you will enjoy. See you there!

Skyline

5x7

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October Sun, Daily Painting by Everglade Artist JoAnn Sanborn

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I worked on two small daily paintings yesterday and am not satisfied with either of them well enough to post! Either I'll paint over them completely, or work through and resolve their problems. In any case, let's have a look at October Sun today. It's a painting started some time ago, and every now and then taken off the wall and worked on again. The contrast is stronger this time and I really like the reflections in the water. Perhaps it's finished! If so, I'll bring it to the Marco Center for the Arts Members Art show this Saturday.

The typical Everglades landscape is almost always composed of water, palms, and prairie and clouds. Oh, there are a few variations, some cypress stands and the pond apple swamps, but for the most part close to Marco Island it's water, palms, prairie, and clouds. I use these words to describe my paintings, and paint these subjects over and over. The repetition might bore some artists, but I love the familiarity. Even though the parts have become familiar, each time they reveal themselves in a way that's totally new and exciting to me. Sometimes the prairie is vast and wide. Sometimes the clouds are racing over the landscape. Sometimes a particular palm will demand to have it's portrait painted. Other times the grasses wave and sway demanding attention. Each day it's own joys and challenges.

The weatherman said last night that we've had 18 days without measurable rain. After all that rain this summer, the dry season is creeping up on us. It's a great time to visit the Everglades. There's wildlife in abundance, and the dirt roads are dry enough to traverse easily without the over-road water flows and the mud of the rainy season. The growth is lush and lovely in full fall finery, refreshed by summer rains. Take a drive or a hike, and see what the landscape reveals to you! For more information you can click on any of the Everglades places on the right hand side of this blog.

Brent Batten, Familar Paths Daily Painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Here I am speaking with Brent Batten following the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts quarterly luncheon. Brent is a columnist for the Naples Daily News and writes humorous, sometime irreverent articles about life in Southwest Florida. Everyone is always asking him what he thinks about something so he keeps a long list of "what I thinks" for talks like the one he gave MIFA. His book, Batten 100, is available from NDN or Borders Bookstore.

Centerpieces for the luncheon were original works of art by MIFA artists, set on small pedestals in a circle. They made a nice display, and the small paintings were the subject of much lively discussion about techniques and composition.

There's also a darling picture of a budding artist--at least that's what the adoring grandparents who sent me the photo are sure that she'll be!

Bob and I will be at the Von Liebig Center for the Arts in Naples today, doing some volunteer hours returning paintings to artists for the Show of Shows. Tomorrow is intake for the Founders exhibition, so if you've entered don't forget to take your paintings in tomorrow or Wednesday.

Today's Everglades painting, Familiar Paths is a common, but welcome scene. I love it when the palms are in sight of the water. We've had some remarkably good weather, with crisp days and low humidity, and it seems to have cooled my palette a bit. Or, that could be replacing the ultramarine blue with phalo for a while!

Familiar Paths
7" x 5" SOLD

Morning Stillness Everglades painting by JoAnn Sanborn

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Today's small Everglades painting worked out just the way I hoped it would. An artist often starts with an idea--the idea, or an idea, is really the reason for painting at all! The idea for this small painting was to capture the very still, quietness of the early morning. I love this time of the morning, when it seems that the whole world is just holding it's breath waiting to greet the sun and a new day. The Everglades landscape is infused with a soft light. It's quite still, so the reflections in the water are without ripples. Many days I take a short walk in the early morning to wake up and greet the day, and find early dawn a perfect time for the mind to reflect on the natural beauty of our fabulous landscape and be glad for it.

Back to the idea. Sometimes the idea for the painting gets changed into beautiful colors as the palette takes over. Sometimes the forms change according to the needs of the canvas. Sometimes an artist reacts to what's happening and develops the painting in a different direction from the original idea. Sometimes there are miserable false starts until the idea is diminished out of existence. But sometimes it all comes together the way it's supposed to, and there's a great sign of "hooray!" at the finish.

New Dawn, Daily Everglade Painting by JoAnn Sanborn

Phew, it's over! The election season was by far the most contentious one in recent history, with everyone taking sides and adamantly discussing the positions of the candidates. For the most part it was civil in my circle, with interest and respect for the other person's perspective. We saw some great humor on both sides if were able to enjoy it without taking it personally, and some really bad stuff that should not have been circulated under any circumstances. Just think for a minute how wonderful it is that we can discuss, debate and vote, and then move on under a totally different leadership every four or eight years without any serious civil disruption.

However you voted, today is a New Dawn, and we'll be ready with our American spirit strong and with hope and optimism to see what the future brings.

New Dawn
7" x 5"

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Rosy Future, Daily Everglades Painting by JoAnn Sanborn

The clouds, weather, and landscape have combined to give us a beautiful few days. We've done some work around the garden to get ready for the fall season. Here on Marco Island the drier weather means that its the planting season. Gone are the punishing rains and the rottingly high humidity. We've started a couple of tomato plants, some lettuce, basil and a lavender plant. Our rosemary from a few years ago is a beautiful established bush and smells heavenly when we brush past, and our pot of mint is growing nicely. Our lot is tiny, so it's easy to keep up with just a little work. I'll get some geraniums for color at the Island Garden Center today. Perhaps all this sprucing up will make me want to paint in the yard instead of going further afield into the Everglades.

Rosy Future, today's Everglades painting can be interpreted as you like. Perhaps you can picture yourself following the waterway out to a happy fishing trip. Perhaps you've got a new baby or a favorite child and want to think of them as having a rosy future. Maybe it's the economy, and you want to remain positive despite some financial setbacks. On the whole, we Americans are a positive people, hardworking and innovative, and ready to take on the future in a hopeful way. I'm positive that we'll have a new start and a rosy future regardless of the winner. What does Rosy Future say to you?

Rosy Future
14" x 11" (35.6cm x 28.0cm)
acrylic on canvas
$325 with free shipping and handling in the US

Internet image, Water's Edge daily painting by JoAnn Sanborn

As an artist it's important to have an Internet image. You're not taken at all seriously if you don't. Gallery owners, decorators, and clients can easily find you and to view your latest work. It's 's especially important for people who can't easily pop into your studio for a visit. So some web presence is helpful.I've been trying to upgrade my Internet image for a couple of weeks now. First, this blog had some problems in the validation that made it hard for the search engines to see it properly. Some 629 problems! Heart stopping, since I had no idea how to fix them. Still, it's good for us to learn new things, and sometimes there's no choice but to jump right in. I've welcomed the help of artist Manuela Valenti. I don't know Manuela, but know she's a fine artist and a fine person from meeting her in a daily painting discussion group online. She's knowledgeable about the web, and kind enough to share willingly. How nice to have some hand-holding from afar.

Second, I've joined Twitter. I'm not sure what its all about, since even my children tell me they're not interested in "following" my day. I'm not sure anyone is, but I'll "follow" a couple of people to try and learn the value. Right now it's hot, and if you'd like to twitter you can find it here, and me, here.

Today it's Facebook. A friend asked me to be her friend, prompting me to take action. Joining Facebook is something that I've been going to do for a while, but had been putting off, since it seems like a young person's thing. But the Internet art world says it's necessary, so here goes. You can find me by putting in my name if you want to be friends!

Water's Edge

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Marco Mickys, Into the Wind, Daily Painting by JoAnn Sanborn

Into the Wind, today's daily painting, will most likely be my donation to the Marco Island Mickys Program. The Mickys are a youth sailing program, sponsored by the City of Marco and supported by the Marco Island Yacht Club and other island organizations. I've donated a small painting to the fund-raising auction held for the Mickys as part of the Yacht Club's Fall Regatta since it's inception in 2004.

The Mickys program held their first regatta earlier this year and you can read about it here. It's great to see kids learning to sail safely on our waters, and the little sailboats bobbing on the water is a cheering sight for all to enjoy. Sailing builds confidence and self-reliance in children, as well as being a healthy outdoor activity. Now some larger boats need to be purchased because the program's earlier participants are growing up and will need some larger boats in order to continue to learn.

As an artist we're often asked to donate paintings to various causes. We certainly can't give a painting every time we're asked, but we can choose organizations that we'd like to support. I really like the Mickys!

Into the Wind
7" x 5"

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Artist Ethics, Out to Play Daily Everglades Painting by JoAnn Sanborn

The top prize winner at the American Watercolor Society this year seems to have stolen her images from a photographer, done most of the work on the computer, and we're still not sure if she ever painted on the painting at all! The whole affair is under investigation. There's been a lot of discussion and comment on the web, and most artists are outraged. If you're a professional, it pays to have at least a basic understanding of what's not only ethical, but legal as well. Stealing other peoples images is neither legal or ethical.

We all have a code of ethics, but few of us have them in writing. Art Biz Coach Alyson Stanfield has made a start by writing down her set of business ethics, and you can see hers by clicking here. All this thinking and reading about ethics has prompted me to make a start at defining mine, too. Here goes.

My work is my own, unique and original as interpreted by me from either life, or a photo taken by me or at my request by my husband who's a much better photographer.

I use quality, archival materials. I buy the best materials for the job and use them in ways to guarantee my work.

I try to help other artists. Through teaching, organizing artist events, and always being willing to share.

I never mislead a client to make a sale. The best fit for the client is always best for me. This leads to trust, and repeat sales.

I work hard to be the best I can be. I continue to learn through classes and self study.

I work to strengthen the arts community on Marco Island. I believe the arts help build community, so have been president of the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts, and are working with other community organizations like the Marco Island Center for the Arts and the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce to help create art events to benefit our community.

There. It's a start. I"m sure there's a few more in here somewhere. Have you thought about your personal or business ethics lately?

Out to Play
5" x 7" SOLD

Dana Souza, In the Distance Daily Painting by JoAnn Sanborn

The loss of Marco Island Parks and Recreation Director Dana Souza is a huge loss to our community. I was saddened by the news that Dana will be taking a position elsewhere. Dana has played a very big role in building our community by touching and including so many different people and organizations with a style that's inclusive, rather than in any divisive way. Dana was also a big friend of the arts, and actively promoted the arts on Marco.

I was on the first Charter committee after the City was incorporated, so I feel a vested interest in what goes on. It's just plain painful that after 10 years we still can't come together as a community and get it right. Some people blame our contentiousness on having too many people from too many different places, that we don't have a shared, common background. Some say that there are too many power frustrated, middle management people retired, with too much time on their hands. Some relish controversy as democracy at work. Whatever the reasons, Dana was a friend of the arts and a community builder, and we'll be sorry to see him go.

Today's daily Everglades painting, In the Distance, is a small version of the palms on the beach series I've been working on. I'll deliver a couple of paintings for display at the Morgan Stanly office today and finish my entry into the Naples Art Association's Founders show. You can see my painting Kindred Spirits in the Naples Art Association's Show of Shows

In the Distance
7" x 5"

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Arts Ordinance, Enjoying the Sun Daily Everglades Painting by JoAnn Sanborn

O-o-o-o-oh! Wasn't that a nice breath of cool air we felt yesterday morning here on Marco Island at the edge of the Everglades? We've had a long, hot summer, and it was wonderful to open up the house and let the breeze in after such a long time. Along with the cool air will come the end to our rainy season, just one of the passages of time to note in this climate. Another strong indication of season change is the number of just returned snowbirds. Welcome back! You add a vitality missed in the heat of summer.

This morning I'll be working with the other members of the Marco Island Arts Advisory Committee to begin forging an art ordinance for the island. The committee, and most of the Marco City Council believe that the arts help a community economically and help build community strength. We assembled the ordinances of several Florida cities to help us get started, but know that Marco has its own special needs. If you're on the island and want to help you can tell your favorite council member that you support the arts!

Today's palm painting is the third in a series of paintings of a clump of palms that I'm exploring. I'll post an even larger painting of this series on my studio blog later today along with some hints for composing a painting.

Enjoying the Sunshine
20" x 24"
acrylic on canvas
$750 with free shipping and handling in the US

Going my Way? Daily Everglades Painting by JoAnn Sanborn

The morning skies here on Marco Island and over the Everglades can be so beautiful. The light comes up slowly and the colors changes are so subtle that you have to look carefully to see them. Sometimes there are little puffs of clouds taking on the colors of blue, grey, and sometimes pink in a golden sky. Sometimes layers of yellow, pink, green and blue change places slowly as the sun rises. Sometimes, there's a thin layer of bright light right on the horizon, and the rest of the sky filled with dark clouds. But you can be sure that every single morning is unique and different.

JM Turner, a British painter who's rich, voluminous skies have inspired generations of landscape artists is someone that every painter of light wants to emulate. Haldane Macfall, an art critic, wrote of him in 1920 as..."All that is vital in modern art was born out of the revelation of Turner". If you're not familiar with his work take a look and learn more about him. Then sit outside early some morning and watch the morning show in the sky.

Today's painting just wouldn't photograph quite right. My simple camera has trouble discerning between the thin, glaze layers of colors and blurs them rather than defines them!

Going My Way
7" x 5"

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Artist Demonstration, Beach Light, painting by JoAnn Sanborn

Some of you may recognize this painting from a demonstration I began at the just opened Big Cypress Marketplace on Rt. 41 last Saturday. There are never great expectations for a great painting during a demonstration because the goal is really to show your methods and talk with people rather than to obtain a finished product. People seem delighted to see a painting emerge from the dark background on the canvas. I never finish a painting while demonstrating, since although my initial lay-in is fast, a finished painting needs much more thought and many layers of hard work before completion. So, I was delighted at home when I took a look and saw a "start" that perhaps could be made into a finished painting.



I"m enjoying exploring groups of palms on Marco Island beach. Most of the palms near the beach are accompanied by tall condo buildings, but it's easy to ignore them, look between them, and focus on the groups of palms and the beach light. If I'm lucky and the palms and the light cooperate, this exploration has the potential to develop into a series.

Handmade, October Afternoon Everglades Daily Painting by JoAnn Sanborn

Everything we live with and use on a daily basis has been chosen by you. What are your choices? How many of the things that you live with daily

would you classify as "art?" How many things around you in your home have been purchased directly from the maker? Do you have a piece of handmade furniture? A painting purchased directly from an artist? Do you drink your daily coffee or tea from a mug handmade by a local potter? Serve your vegetables in a handmade dish? What are your treasured things, and how well will they travel into the next generation. Just something to think about!

My brother has been visiting this week. His joy in our weather and natural environment is refreshing. Despite the showers we've had some great weather for him to enjoy. Today's Everglades daily painting is October Afternoon.

October Afternoon
7" x 5"
acrylic on Panel
$150 with FREE shipping and handling in the US

Big Cypress Marketplace, Morning Sky Daily Everglades Painting by Jo-Ann Sanborn

The Big Cypress Market Place , US 41 just south of 951, will hold it's grand opening this weekend Today the delightful banjo group Marco Island Strummers will be playing around noon, and a bluegrass group add their music later in the day. The Marketplace includes the Big Cypress Winery, where you can taste and learn the history of Florida wines, a food court, and of course the "fleas," a nice line-up of merchants selling most everything. The owners are working hard to include art and artists, and there will be an artist market section near the winery. Some Marco Island artists will be painting throughout the grand opening weekend. I'll be painting there tomorrow, Saturday, from 9-11. Stop by and say hello!

Were you up early enought to notice yesterday's morning sky was just beautiful, with moving storm clouds and glowing morning light? I came in from my walk and got right to work on today's daily painting, eliminating the homes of my neighbors and focusing on the sky!

Morning Sky
7" x 5"
acrylic on Panel
$150 with free shipping and handling in the US

Political Artists, Night Mist, Everglades Painting by JoAnn Sanborn

Did you watch the Presidential debates last night? This election is the first one in years in which the candidates are trying to draw clear differences on their positions. They're evoking such strong reactions from voters on both sides. Friends who love to debate are drawing battle lines. Some are careful to skirt any discussion of political issues at any gathering. The retoric means little to those who have had years of unfulfilled campaign promises. Yet our country is suffering, and we want to elect the canidate who will be a leader we can follow back to greatness. Now the economic crisis is adding to our worries.

As an artist, have you participated in an election event? According to an article in Common Dreamer, political artists are awakening in great numbers. The American Institute of Grahic Design asked artists to create non-partisian posters urging people to vote received over 200 entries. There's even a Virtual Gallery of Political Art.

I haven't jumped yet, and time in running out. In the meantime, I'm really enjoying our season, humidity, and the great way the Florida landscape looks this time of year. Did you notice the wonderful night mist two nights ago?

Night Mist
24" x 20"

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Egg Tempera Paint, Daily painting by Jo-Ann Sanborn

We enjoyed a demonstration of Egg Tempera painting at the Marco Island Center for the Arts yesterday prior to the opening of the new show "It's all about the Media." Artist Daniel Ambrose provided an entertaining demonstration with much information about the medium. He also loves and paints the Florida landscape, so seeing his interpretation of familiar scenes was an added bonus. I had admired egg tempera paintings in the past, particularly some beautiful icons seen at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. The icons were rich with jewel-like colors still vibrant after centuries, so it was informative and interesting to see the actual process. It's quite simple, using the same pigment as all paints but with a simple egg yolk as the binder. The downside is that the medium dries very quickly, so it's best suited for small or very patient artists! The results of Mr. Ambrose's egg tempura paintings were lovely, as was the rest of the show, so stop by the Art League if you're on Marco.

Thanks to the McGrory's for their acquision Red Palms.

Light Show
7" x 5" (17.8cm x 12.7cm)
acrylic on canvas
$150 with FREE shipping and handling in the US

Natural Light, Daily Painting by Jo-Ann Sanborn

The light was fantastic as we drove back from Tampa at dusk Tuesday night. The billowy clouds piled up low in the sky and the late day sun raked the landscape making strong contrast between bright and shadow areas. Without a bit of rain we saw a beautiful rainbow and got a picture of it from the car window. In some areas there was a wide variety of cloud types and the light coming through would highlight aspects of the landscape. We're used to unusual light down here on the southernmost peninsula, but this was spectacular and a fitting end to day filled with both goodbyes and renewal. The changing light made the trip go quickly and the drive easy, and we were home by dark.

Certainly the memory of that light had a part in the inspiration for today's painting. I'll work on it a little more before this painting is ready to be adopted. (Oh, horrors, daily painters!) Do you have a favorite natural light show stored in your memory? If not, just step outside at sunset some evening and see what nature offers.

Natural Light

5x7

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Tamiami Trail, Daily Painting by Jo-Ann Sanborn

Today's scene is one that I've painted before, right along the Tamiami Trail, or Route 41 between Marco Island and Everglades City. The palms have rearranged themselves a little since the last time I was there, and there's a couple of new little ones coming along. I'm returning to this site because a commission client wants something similar to a past painting of this area. I never paint exactly the same painting twice, but will return to an area with a fresh eye. Since the light and the mood is never the same, each painting is unique. The Tamiami Trail , State Road 41, goes from Tampa to Miami. Completed in 1928, the Trail has just had it's 75th birthday. Traveling the road is you'll see a fascinating mix of old and new, wilderness and over development. Think Route 66 only in Florida. The Trail is designated as a scenic highway and is well worth a drive even at today's gasoline prices. My favorite part, of course, is the drive from Marco to Miami, which is mostly undeveloped Everglades wilderness area. Each of the links above will give you a little more information about the Trail.

Watch carefully if you drive along. In addition to the alligators and soaring and wading birds, you might be lucky enough to catch a rare sighting of the hairy, bipedal Skunk Ape. The Skunk Ape is the most southern of the Bigfoot family. There's some footage of the creature here and you can learn more about this unusual creature at Skunk Ape Headquarters.

Tamiami Trail
7" x 5"

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Snowbirds, Two,a daily painting by Jo-Ann Sanborn

Here on Marco Island we have about three times more people in residence in the winter months than we do in the summer. The migrating snowbirds are people, not birds, usually gone by June first, and coming back in waves starting around October 1. We have several dear friends returning this week and some family coming in, too. Their return will begin a round of dinners, parties, festivals and other events to be enjoyed until the great migration north begins again.

It will start to feel a little crowded as the traffic increases and the grocery store lines get longer, but in reality Collier County, the largest County in Florida by land area, has approximately 80% of its land designated as some type of park or preserve. Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Rookery Bay, State Parks, a State Forest, the Audubon-owned Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and numerous County, City and private parks and nature preserves remain mostly natural. Although we live rather close together here on Marco Island, we have to travel only a short distance to several remote, natural areas where real birds are plentiful.

I've put these two palms in a wilderness setting in a sky the salmon color it was a few days ago for today's daily painting. Just the two of us sat watching as the light changed from day to evening.

Two
5" x 7"

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Outdoor Shows, Room with a View Everglade Daily Painting by Jo-Ann Sanborn

I've finished working on the outdoor art show applications and are glad to see them all in the mail. In another month or so I'll know which ones I'm in and which I can take off the calendar. We're doing only a few shows this year since the daily shows, much enjoyed, are so much work setting up and taking down for the day. This year, construction in Naples will mean longer walks for the car and more difficulty finding parking at all. We're getting older, and a little stiffer in the early mornings. In the studio I'm working on a large commission to be finished in the next two weeks. It's a "committee" piece, always more difficult because a group needs to approve the purchase. It's much harder to please a group than just one person, as our President is finding out. Let's hope for group approval for both of us!

When I finish a small Everglades "daily" painting and get ready to post, it needs a name. This painting answered quickly that its name is Room with a View. What's your favorite room with a view? Hint--while I love getting your emails, this is a clue to add a comment in the comment spot on the blog!

Room with a View
7" x 5"

acrylic on board
$150 with free shipping and handling in the US

Everglades Fall, Building Clouds Daily Florida Everglades Painting by JoAnn Sanborn

The Florida Everglades are lush and green this fall, wet, and with all kinds of living things filling every space. Insects are plentiful. Fish, frogs, turtles and alligators inhabit the waters. Mink and raccoon hunt and thrive on the edges of the canals and streams. Owl, shore and wading birds and meadow birds all find food plentiful. Birds of prey, osprey, hawks, and eagles soar above prairies and shoreline. Thick, lush sawgrass waves in the afternoon breeze, meadow flowers thrive and at the fringe the mangroves spring growth has turned rich green.

The Everglades is truly a magical place, remote, wild, and only in the last decade really habitable. Plant and animal life are only beginning to recover from the assaults of the last decade when the great swamp was almost drained and the bird population was reduced to almost nothing due to the feather fashion of ladies hats. As a regional landscape artist who has taken the Everglades as my subject, I urge you to take a few moments to learn more about this area by clicking on the links on the blog. Maybe you'd even want to get involved in helping to save the Everglades for future generations!

Yesterday was the first meeting of the Wet Paint committee of Leadership Marco sponsored by Marco Island Chamber of Commerce. Wet Paint Live 2009 will be held on Thursday, January 29th. Plans are underway for another great event! I'll have more on this later, but in the meantime save the date.

Building Clouds
7" x 5"

acrylic on board
$150 with free shipping and handling in the US

Autumn Equinox, Brilliant Morning daily painting by JoAnn Sanborn

Today is the Autumnal Equinox, and the official start of fall begins 11:44 a.m. this morning. This is one of two days a year when the sun crosses the equator and night and day are exactly the same length. The sun will not cross the equator at this exact same point for another 26,000 years! This is because the sun is rotating like a top, wobbling a little, and also rotating around the sun. Simplified, at certain times of the year the northern hemisphere is away from the sun, and cooler, and certain times the southern hemisphere is nearer the sun, and warmer. Celebrations of the equinox have existed in many cultures and have many forms, but are usually centered on the completion of the harvest and preparation for winter. If you are interested in the history and religious aspects of the Equinox you can find more information here.

Here on Marco this movement of the earth will mean a gradual decrease in high temperature and rain. We'll dry off and cool down in preparation for the the Winter Solstice in December. In the meantime our mornings will be brilliant with sunshine.

Brilliant Morning
7" x 5"
acrylic on board
$150 with free shipping and handling in the US

Art Talk, Gold Rush Daily painting by Jo-Ann Sanborn

One of the things I really enjoy outside of the studio is Marco Island's Artist Tabletalk luncheon. We're a group of professional artists who meet once a month to talk art. Yes, only art! We try to have only one conversation going at the table at a time. Not easy, but each artist around the table takes a few minutes to tell their news. It could be an award or an honor, experiments with a new media, comments on struggles and joys in the studio or "en plein air." All subjects are shared and discussed in a lively and supportive manner. After that, if nothing is pressing I try to have a topic or question for discussion that connects us to the broader perspectives of the art world. We usually end with "show and tell" or critiques of our work. The two hours pass all too quickly and we ask about health issues and and families as we leave.

This month I proposed that we take on the challenge of blogger Alyson Stanfield's Art Marketing Salon. It's free, and the only obligation is committment. There were eight people at the table and all jumped at the chance. We'll hold our organizational meeting soon and look forward to learning all we can about this important subject.

Today's daily Everglades painting is "Gold Rush" in honor of all the economic woes of the past week. I had no idea that total panic about finances could be achieved so easily! Real? Yes. Scary? Yes. Can I do anything about it? No! Back to studio for comfort? Yes!

Gold Rush
5" x 7"

acrylic on board
$150 with free shipping and handling in the US

Falling Leaves

Here are a couple of mixed media illustrations from another children's story just completed and delivered. This one is about the end of summer, where the woodland friends are eating ripe berries of the blackberry patch and later, asleep in the falling leaves. It's a cute story and a challenge to illustrate since the subject matter is so far from my usual. The client has some very definite ideas about what each illustration should contain. My next assignment is about bees, so I'm sketching bees and meadow flowers! I draw and sketch until the characters come clear and I'm comfortable with each of them before I begin the final paintings. Bringing me back to drawing is one of the best benefits of this assignment, but working with watercolors gives me a new appreciation for those who do it well!

Stormy Economy, Orchid Daily Painting by JoAnn Sanborn

Every time there's a hurricane in the Atlantic, Caribbean or the Gulf, I worry about losing everything, trying to prepare myself mentally for what could actually be a reality of life here on barrier Marco Island. We have plans. We know what to do, when to get out of the way. But in an economic crisis? What to do? I was born on the upside of the depression, after the great war, when our companies, our country, and our lifestyles were going uphill, not down. Ultimately and deeply I have faith that our country can weather this unknown storm. But what to do in the meantime? Paint, I guess!

This little orchid was left in my care when my sister-in-law left for the north. She's missing it's beautiful blooming!

Orchid
7" x 5"
acrylic on board

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Art Business, West Wind, Daily Painting by Jo-Ann Sanborn

I've added a new box to the blog, linking you to artists who blog about the business of art. Art is like any other business and an area where most artists welcome help. Top of the field is Alyson Stanfield, who writes and produces podcasts about the business of art on the Art Biz Blog. Every Thursday she posts a question that make us think about where we fit into the BIG picture of life. It's fascinating to read the different positions of artists from all over the world. Don't be wary of blogger/artists Barny Davey in Art Print Issues even if you're not a print artist. His thoughtful blog is full of helpful information about becoming a better art business person. Harriete Estel Berman in Ask Harriete has developed a series of Professional Guidelines for artists that you'll find helpful. In addition, she welcomes and answers questions about the art business, as does Alyson. As an artist are you the best business person you can be or do you have more to learn? Check out these art business bloggers by clicking on the link on the right side of the blog, about half way down!

Today's painting is still influenced by the wind! Who would have thought it could be so windy here on Marco Island from a storm so far away? By the end of the day yesterday the winds had subsided and the sun peaked out. We're still watching Ike and hoping that the targeted folks in Texas have prepared well and will find shelter from the storm.

West Wind
7" x 5"

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Out for a Walk, Daily Painting by JoAnn Sanborn

If you live on Marco Island and haven't been to the Town Center Mall on the first Wednesday of the month you're missing something special! You can sit back and sip something cool from the Crazy Flamingo as Island musician J. Roberts plays his delightful easy listening music to a appreciative crowd and artists gather around to paint. Art and music! The Blue Mangrove Gallery and local artist Tara O'Neill set up a number of easels at the tables around the gazebo where people are welcome to take up a brush. Children and adults are welcome, but children should not be left unattended--it's a family affair. They've had a great response to the event and it's a lot of fun, so put it on your calendar for next month!

Speaking of children, today's painting reminds me of a mother out for a walk with her kids. There's always one who has to get too close to the water!

Out for a Walk
7" x 5"

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Investing in Art, Watching Ike, Daily Painting by Jo-Ann Sanborn

Yesterday's Naples Daily News article Artful Investing discusses whether art is a financial opportunity in these challenging economic times. Certainly if you have certain French Impressionists works in your collection, you have seen the prices rise to astronomical heights. The prices of many American artists are also seeing a nice return. The international art market is growing, and many dealers feel the Russian art market is both hot and affordable. However art as an investment can be just as risky as any other investment. There's a great deal of satisfaction in looking at a painting you love, but any return can only be realized if you part with the work. If your budget puts you below the "blue chip" art market, then emerging artists is the way to go. The painting can bring you much pleasure, is affordable, the artist will be grateful, and just like any speculative stock can be fun to watch.

Watching Ike
7" x 5"

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