Yellow Bouquet by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Yellow Bouquet, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

 

Please take a moment to appreciate the sacrifice of our veterans today.  I'm grateful for their duty, skill, hard work, determination, and honor.  If you've served, thank you for your part in keeping us free.  This bouquet is for you. 

 

 

Artist's Tabletalk and The Red Bouquet, by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Red Bouquet,2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

I enjoyed meeting with other artists earlier this week for the first Artist's Tabletalk.  We watched the movie "Who does she think she is?" about the struggles of women artists, and had some refreshments and conversation afterwards.  The Next meeting will be on Monday, February 2, 2015, when gallerist Tracy Jerome will present.  Save the Date! 

"The Red Bouquet" could have been named "The Gift," since it's thin vase and reminds me of someone handing a hand-picked bouquet to someone, but the 

prominance of the red won out.  I'll do a few of these little field bouquets, some from photos I took while in France last year. 

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"

 

 



Nest, Daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Nest, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

 

 

I've been drawing and painting owls, and owls and owls.  We seem to have a great crop of them on the island this year, and their little peanut shapes are just so appealing.  Each seems to have a unique character. 

 

Across the canal from me is a vacant lot, and it seems some plovers are nesting there.  I see one or another of a pair move back and forth across the freshly cut field.  Hopefully there's a second crop of young ones, and they're feeding them.

 

So a nest -- on the ground, not in it like the owls, but I can't see what's in an owl's nest.  Do plovers have spotted eggs? 

Acrylic mediums, and Up to my Knees, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Up to my Knees, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

Here's some information I'd written a while ago about acrylic mediums and never posted. I don't really like using them, because they feel a bit sticky to me, but have tried quit a few and insist my acrylic students do, too. 

I don't like working with mediums as they make the paint feel someone sticky or "plastic, but they do have some important uses to consider.  For those who like the paint to stay opened longer, a little medium is terrific.  It is also good for extending paint into large areas of the canvas, like some skies.  The most important reason to use a little now and then is to increase adherence.  This is especially important when you are using it with a lot of water.  A ratio of 50% water can cause the paint not to adhere properly, and just a little medium will ensure it stays in place. 
 

Acrylic mediums come in a choice of matte or gloss, and are the consistency of thick cream.  They are most usually made of acrylic binder, the same thing that holds the pigment together in your paints, and can act as a colorless paint.  Acrylic medium is works very well for glazing transparent or opaque paint, and can also be used as an isolating and protection layer on a finished painting. 

There are a number of gels available for use with acrylics, each with it’s own special use.  It’s fun to try these out now and then and when I hold a class I bring a number for students to try.  These can act as a binder for another additive, like sand, can thicken the paint to improve the retention of brush marks, and double the volume of paint with little loss of color. 

Additives, as opposed to mediums, do not contain binders, and  should not be overused without consideration for adherence.  After all, you want to make sure your textures last long into the future.  Using a little medium with the additive can extend your options while still being sure that the quality remains high. 

If you’re an acrylic painter, learn as much as you can about the additives available for your use.  Liquitex, my favorite brand, provides a handbook with detailed information about they’re mediums and additives.  This Guide can be read online or downloaded.

Don't be Fooled!

Pot of Purple, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7" 

 

I started painting the Everglades twenty years ago.  I fell in love with the light and the bold forms.  Lately I've notice a number of similar paintings, so that several people have mistaken other's paintings for mine.    While imitation is a sincere form of flattery, it also can infringe on copy right issues.  So here are some hints to help you determine an original Sanborn painting:

1.  The color harmonies and compositions that make up my work are unique.   If it doesn't have subtleties and nuances  it may not be and original Sanborn.

2.  I use high quality acrylics, (occasionally small oils) on archival canvas or hardboard, so your paintings will stand up to good use now and survive being handed down later.   

 

3.  My signature frames are almost always gold, unless you custom framing.

4.  "Sanborn" is singed on the front, and since 2005, on the back you'll find "j sanborn," the month and year of completion, and the paiting's title in black charcoal pencil

So, don't be fooled!

 

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Thanks to the collectors and friends came to the season's final tea. The African Red Tea was quite popular. On my new new pin-up board at the studio/gallery there are photos of people with their Sanborn painting. If you want to join in, bring in a photo or send me one to add to the collection.  You'll get a bag with some special tea as long as they last.

 
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As the season draws to a close, I'll miss the many friends and collectors who have visited the studio/gallery. Your kind compliments, and purchases of precious Everglades landscapes  have made me glad to be painting what I love the most.  Thank you!

Have a wonderful Spring, and take a moment to notice all of nature's small wonders!