Spring Sparkle, and You're invited to Tea!

Spring Sparkle, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 12"x12"

 

You're Invited to Tea!!

 

At the Esplanade, 760 Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL  34145

 

Hope you can come.  I'm looking forward to seeing you! 

Five on a Prairie, painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Five on a Prairie, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

Acrylic on canvas, 12x12

 

 

I've been experimenting using the transparent acrylic paints in the same manner as I've been using on the oils.  On a white canvas, laying in the transparent paints first, quite wet, in dark local color, with some brights in areas I expect them to be later.  Then, rendering the scene over the top of the wet color,using smaller amounts of opaque paint and very little additional water. 

 

Most of my paintings are completed with one brush.  I clean it with water and wiping it off with paper towel if the surface starts to get muddy.  I have to work quickly, but can cut in and build better in the acrylics than with the oils.  Hold habits die hard, and I'm still experimenting with both technique and color. 

 

You might see today's scene, Five on a Prairie,  on a drive from Marco Island or Naples to Miami.  Look for it on Rt. 41 going west after crossing Rt. 27. 

Moonshine, painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Moonshine, 2013, J0-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 12x12

 

 

Magical, mystery moon!  The moon's glow seems even more exotic when viewed between the palms.  The light from the moon is cooler than that of the sun, so lights and shadows are more subdued and tinged with blue. 

 

Cool as it is, seeing the moon in the night sky warms my heart.  If you are interested you can get daily information about the night sky in the northern hemisphere here.  If you do, you'll find  a constellation featured that was new to me.  A teapot! 

 

Which brings me to remind you that the Center for the Arts on Marco will be featuring a multimedia show of teapots in November with intake on October 31.  Visit the website for more information, but start your teapot artwork now. 

Lily Pond, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Lily Pond, 20143, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on canvas, 12x12

 

The effect of light on this little lily pond in France varied with the weather.  If it was cloudy, as it was much of the time, the pond would remain dark and mysterious and full of hidden character.  When the sun was out, the reflection of the sky in the pool was much lighter, and the pond would dance and sparkle with color. 

 

The day I painted the pond, to the sound of the two large bullfrogs croaking to gain the attention of a rotund female, the day was overcast.  But by the time I finished, the sun had come out, warming and opening the lovely pink flowers.

 

I chased the light in this painting -- something students are advised not to do because of the danger of painting shadow shapes and lengths inconsistently as the day progresses.  I think it works here, though, because of the dark mystery of the early morning really set off the bright flowers of noon.   

Light Wind, painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Light Winds,  2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 12"x12"

 

 

Marco Island Center for the Arts director Lynn Holley visited me about a month ago and ask if I would be willing to chair the Gallery Committee at the Arts Center for the coming year.  Since I believe in giving back, and it's been a while since I had been active in the broader arts community, I agreed to give it a try. 

 

Some of the programs for the coming year are already in place or in the works.  For example, we will have an exhibition for the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Women artists in January, and one on Trains, Planes, and Automobiles, in Feb of 2014. And there's a core committee of wonderful members in place too. 

 

If you have an idea for an exhibition, want to sponsor an exhibition, or have an interest in joining this active and fun committee, just let me know.  Our first meeting will be August 5, at the Art Center.  Hope you'll join me in producing some new and exciting art exhibitions for Marco. 

 

 

Today's painting, Light Wind is painted in acrylic on canvas.  I like the square format very much, and will do a couple more companion pieces to this one as time allows in the weeks ahead.