Blue Palm, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7" x 5"

 

Most often I use a fairly limited palette when painting, consisting of a warm and cool red, yellow, and blue, white, and the occasional visitor color depending on subject. Some time ago a friend who was moving generously gave me her supply of acrylic paints. 

 

Even though she's a fine artist, her interests were turning to jewelry, and she didn't want to carry across the country art supplies she may not use.  Many of the gift tubes were not colors normally used in my palette, and so I let them sit and the box got moved and moved again. 

 

Cleaning out the studio in preparation for the upcoming season, I found the box and took a second look.  Why not try some of them?  Permanent green adds a whole new brightness, and mars black, a color I've avoided, might have some potential in making new greens. Time to find out!

 

Changing up our comfortable materials pushes us to find different solutions.  Look for some new colors in my painting, like the undertone of Phalo Turquoise in the palm! 

Pensive, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

It's always good to take a little time out for reflection, and better when you can sit by some water to do it!  Water is soothing to me, whether it's the sound of a little fountain or the crashing of waves on the shore.  Gently moving water calms our minds and our souls, and decisions made while sitting by the water always seem to be the right ones. 

 

What's on my mind?  Good friends new and old, a client who had a nice turn of good fortune, upcoming holidays,  projects I've taken on, a new home slowly emerging, and as always, my next painting.  What fills your mind these days?

 

The courtyard of the Esplanade will be filled with artists for the first Left Bank Art Show this Sunday, and the studio gallery will be open, with new paintings of all sizes to enjoy, and several new sets of coasters, including some shells.  They'd make a nice gift for yourself or someone you're thinking about! 

 

 

Three at the Beach, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board,  7"x5

  

Since the pursuit of art is often a lonely one, I love an artist get-together.  It's rewarding to exchange ideas, learn what other artists are working on, talk techniques and exchange ideas. 

The Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Avenue, is supporting their artist members with a new activity called "The Artist's Table'" a quarterly gathering for artists and about artists.   "Artist" is a self-defined term, and all artists are welcome.  

The first meeting will be held at the Marco Island Center for the Arts on Monday, November 3, at 4 p.m.  We'll have a beverages, light refreshments, and watch the movie "Who does she think she is?"  about the struggles of women artists.  This movie should lead to some interesting discussion. 

Please encourage any artist you know to come along!  You don't have to be a member, or a woman,  There is no charge. Hope To see you there.

Beach Babies, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

 

 

Fall is creeping up on us, especially on an early morning walk.  We've had such a hot summer, the hint of a change in temp and humidity is welcome.  Today's painting was inspired by a day last week when the palms had the wind in their hair.

Good Hair Day, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

 Can't remember my last good hair day.  How about you?  

 

 

Lemon #3, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 8"x8"