Pick of the Garden, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Pick of the Garden, 2015, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 7"x 5"

If you are reading this, you are reading my blog.  The word blog means "web log," This blog has been mine since I started writing it in 2007.  It's like an artist's diary.  If you look back at the earlier posts you will see many of my earlier paintings and what was important to me on certain days in the past.  You have to sign up to receive my blog by putting your email in the box at the top right. 

I usually write two blog posts a week. The subject can be whatever comes to mind.  Early on I did quite a few teaching-type posts, and sometimes get back to that when I have a class scheduled.  Sometimes I write about the fabulous Everglades landscape--every time I visit, I feel like I've received a great gift from nature.  Some posts are about places visited or art exhibitions  attended, or a new tool I've discovered. It's a pretty mixed bag!  

My newsletter is a little different, published once a month.  I post my three newest fine art paintings and let you know about my schedule and any upcoming classes along with an article of interest. If you sign up to receive my newsletter either from the sign-up in the studio or through the website, you become eligible to win a daily painting, drawn randomly three times a year. 

Thanks, as always, for your interest in my work!

NAWA, and Summer Sparkle by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Summer Sparkle, 2015, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 11"x 14"

Today's painting is my entry for the National Association of Women Artist's (NAWA) 126th National Member's Show.  It's portrays a bit of coastline off Everglades City where are there is some tall palms.

The NAWA exhibition will be held at the Sylvia Wald and Kim Po Gallery, 417 Lafayette Street, 4th Floor, NYC 10003, from August 24th thru September 23. There will be a reception on Thursday, September 10, 2015, 6-8 p.m. 

The National exhibitions are always exciting since the mixed media show includes the work of some of the best women artists in the country. You will not be disappointed!

If you are in New York during that time period, please make a visit to the gallery.  If you take a photo of yourself with my painting, I'll be sure and post it! 

Palms, daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Palms, 2015, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

Small paintings are a great way to start collecting an artist that you love.  Choosing a small work gives you a chance to live with a painting, see how you like it, and whether or not you might like a larger painting by that artist.  

A small painting can be hung on those sliver of walls where nothing else fits.  If you like, you can hang two, one over another or side by side to liven up a narrow space.  Many small paintings look terrific sitting on an easel on your dresser or coffee table.  

The small paintings that I post on this blog are just $150.  When you see one you love, just click on the link to "Daily Paintworks" to see if it's available.  If it is, you can purchase right from the site and I'll ship it to you within a week.

Seaworthy, daily painting by Jo-Ann Sanborn

At one point in my life I did quite a bit of sailing.  I didn't particularly care about going out for an afternoon sail, but I loved being aboard for a week or two at a time.  Life became smaller and richer by being confined.  Time slowed down, and became marked by the sun and the moon, wind and waves, currents and bridges. 

In good weather, the smallest diversions became important--sighting of a seal or turtle or special cloud could be the most important event of the day.  Sometimes plans would have to change with the weather.   Really bad weather could mean holing up in a safe harbor for a day or two with little to do except ensuring the anchor was secure. 

Just last week I caught sight of the Marco Island Micky fleet.  It was comprised of a group of children learning to sail. I always donate a painting for their annual auction in the hopes that sailing lessons will instill a love of being on the water that will stay with those the kids through the years. 

Artist Inspiration Month, and Evergreen, by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Everglades View, 2015, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5" x 7" 

August is Artistic Inspiration month.  I'm not sure if it's a formal designation, but it seems generally accepted  among my artist friends.  Artists are responding by writing posts and articles about their own artistic inspiration.  

Here's my inspiration story:

Although I have painted since my youth and always loved the natural world, it was really my encounter with the Everglades Landscape that changed my life. Suddenly, I fell in love.  After more than 20 years my delight with the Florida Landscape continues.  I'm still inspired by the simple form of the clouds, palms, water, and ever-changing light of the Florida Everglades.  

We can all be inspired by the work of the very special Marjorie Stoneman Douglas.  She fell in love with the Everglades, too, and fought until the last year of her life (at 108!) to ensure Everglades protection. 

There are many artists I admire and have learned from as my artistic explorations continue.  For contemporary artists Wolf Kahn first comes to mind. I love his book Pastels.  Even though I'm not a pastel painter, I can open that book to any page and find an idea about painting to ponder to greater depths or to move me to get going at the easel.  His colors are fabulous, and his knowledge of how they work together admirable.  Wolf Kahn's paintings inspire me to continue to explore color, and to find new ways to both see and interpret the landscape I love.  

more to come...Who inspires you this month? 

Art shows, and Friends in a Field, Daily Painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Friends in a Field, 2015, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5" x 7"

Although it's a quite time of year on the island, there two new art exhibitions  going on that you might want to know about.   The Marco Island Center for the Arts is having a show called "Electric Summer Nights".  The reception will be held on Tuesday, August 11 at 5:30. Stop in to see our local artists interpretation of this interesting theme.

Another exhibition is one of 2-D and 3-D art at the Marco Island Historical Sociery.  This one includes quite a mix of media, and again supports local artists.The reception will be held Wednesday, August, 12 at 5:00 p.m.

Both can be viewed through August.  I don't have any work in either, but encourage you to enjoy each one.  Let me know your thoughts about them!

Rugged, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn, and some news about Owlivia

Rugged, 2015, Jo-Ann Sanborn SOLD

acrylic on board, 7"x 5"

As you may know, Dr. Dolores Burton and I have collaborated on a children's book.   But You Don't Look Like Me has been quite popular among our residents and visitors, with over 400 copies sold to date.  Children especially like to hold one of our "stuffie" owls while having this delightful story read to them.

  

There will be a second book based on our local burrowing owl community coming out in late fall. Owlivia, the beautiful barn owl, will be back and you'll be introduced to some new characters who are still under development.

Let's keep this a little secret between us for now.....but you'll be the first to know when it's launched!