Autumn Mood by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Autumn Mood, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 7"x5"

 

I'm in an Autumn frame of mind. There's definitely a chill in the air this morning.    The coolness is welcome after the abundant rains of summer and high humidity with little relief. A change in the weather might prompt a change in energy levels.  Fall is a great time to paint en plein air, or to just take a walk in nature to absorb inspiration. 

 

Thanks to all of you who supported me by coming to the 20 year anniversary of my painting the Everglades.  It was a great party, and YOU made it so.  It's always so nice to see you, and to hear about your travels and your families.  Each of you means so much to me.  If you weren't able to come, just stop in when you are on Marco and I'll have a special little gift for you.   

 

I've had a busy week couple of weeks, working to finish up a couple of commissions, and starting some new things.  I also finished painting a bowl for the Chamber of Commerce's "Souper Bowls."  The event, which will benefit scholarships for Marco kids isn't till February, but getting the bowls painted and glaze-fired takes time.  We're passing around the little pill vials of paint, too.  You'll be able to purchase your choice of bowl and enjoy soup made by local restaurant at Mackle Park on the Saturday before Super Bowl Sunday.  Wish I had thought to take a "pre-fired" photo! 

 

 

An anniversary invitation by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Celebrate 2013 ( SOLD)

Please join artist Jo-Ann Sanborn
and
CELEBRATE!

20 years painting the Everglades and Marco Island !
One year Studio/Gallery anniversary !

with an

 

Open Studio Party
Thursday, October 17, 2013

5:30-7:30

Refreshments!

Give-aways! Fun!!

 

Hope you can come! 

Coastal View, painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Coastal View, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 24"x20"

 

Paths leading to the gulf are always a favorite subject.  In today's painting I've left out a couple of buildings that encroach on the natural view, and included just the tall palms and the beautiful sky.  Later on this day there was a downpour, but by then I was safely home. 

 

I painting this location a few years ago, and found that it was pretty much the same, except that the palms had grown even taller.  I'll go back again after a while, its such a pretty scene. 

Portrait of a Palm, daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Portrait, 2013, JoAnn Sanborn

oil on board, 7"x5"

 

It might interest you to see the progression of  a daily painting.  The one above is the final product, signed and ready to be framed for sale in the studio and shown in my gallery at Daily Paintworks.  It is a painting of a single Everglades palm, worked in oil on board over several hours, each time refined until I was happy with the outcome.  

 

I thought I might be done when I finished the second version, but analysis showed it needed more work.  The lack of a light source weakens the whole, so in the final version shadows added beneath the canopy add dimension, and the grasses are integrated and balanced with the canopy.  As you move down the page you will see the progression from the bottom up.   

 

In this second pass, color is added to the grasses and canopy.  Compliments of purple and yellow add a little zing to the ground, while adding some color character and adding connection between the grass and the tree.

My goal was to portray a single palm to show it's character, without the distractions of my usual mantra of palms, water, prairie.  The palm was placed on the canvas with intent to ensure the edges form interesting and varied negative spaces to move your eye around the palm.  At this point the greenery of the palm and the grasses have no real connection and the painting lacks a definable color strategy.