May Morning, daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

May Morning, 2914, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

 

 

Beach Wind, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 18"x14"

 

Here's an example of what I spoke about in the last blog post.  It's the same scene, a clump of palms on the beach near one of the condos.  It's contains a nice mix of brush and grasses, with several palms for height.  The composition and variety of textures is interesting and challenging. 

 

In this case the larger painting was painted first.  The strong vertical and motion of the palms help to give the painting a windy-day-type feeling.  There's a lot of detail in the grasses and brush, and quite a bit of subtle color. 

 

While very satisfied with the painting, I felt there was more to say about this scene, so a month later painted the smaller daily painting. The scene is simplified into more basic elements., done fairly quickly in just a couple of hours.  You can see that it is much more immediate, but still has the feeling of the day

Blank Canvas and Quiet Sunset, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Quiet Sunset, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

 

 

When looking at a blank canvas, the possibilities are endless.  Freshly into the start of a painting, my energy level is high and I have a wonderful sense of freedom, and confidence.  I spend a couple of hours or more in this nirvana, enjoying the flow of the paint, the clean palette choices, making decisions about composition.  This stage is the joy of painting, often called "the zone." 

After a while I step back and take a look.  I usually walk away from the easel at this point, do something else for a minute, and then go back to assess my efforts after my eye has been refreshed.  When everything looks good, I continue, but more often than not I have to face the agony of reality. The composition needs to be adjusted.  What I've painted might have strayed from what the client and I talked about.  The color strategy could need strengthening.  Or worse, "What was I thinking?" 

Then the real work of painting begins.  The next few days or hours or weeks are spent getting a painting to a point where the painting can stand on its own, has a life of its own, and doesn't need me anymore.  It lives and breathes separately, without any help from me.  Then, and only then is it done, ready to go out into the world, into someone else' home or space, and hopefully, to bring them joy.

Studio on the Esplanade, and Cold Day, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Cold Day, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

After being offered a one-year lease for my Esplanade studio the past two years, it was a surprise when the Esplanade leasing agent requested a three or five year lease.  I thought it over carefully, and as Dreama Tolle Perry would say, put on my big girl panties, and responded positively to a three-year lease request.  

THEN, was totally taken aback to receive a phone call telling me that my lease would not be renewed.  Not because I'm not a good tenant--"you are a model tenant, I was told--but because Sunshine Studios did not "fit the profile" of the vision of some marketing people up in Maryland, where the owners of the Esplanade reside.  They think someone selling soft goods or sunglasses would be more appropriate in the space.  

I became mildly (wildly?) hysterical as undesirable options flashed through my brain. Where would I go?  Was it time to retire?  How could they evict me without even giving me first refusal? What about the Everglades? Didn't they see the value of art?  Didn't my gallery provide diversity and interest?  What to do, what to do?  

The space is a perfect size for one artist.  It's a good fit, and I love it.  I'm not ready to retire!  After 24 hours of weighing and rejecting a number of options, I visited some of the other Esplanade tenants and asked them if they appreciated having me as a neighbor, would they, please, put in a good word for me. They DID, and I'm very grateful to them.  Then I called the leasing agent and calmly requested a reconsideration of their decision.  

Granted.  Reprieve.  Now I'm busy writing a marketing plan to show that my being in the space makes sense for their business as well as my own.  It will be presented to unknown people in a far-away place as a request to become an exception to their plan. I've got my fingers crossed, and I'll keep you posted!  

Color Considerations, and Peaceful passage, daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Peaceful Passage, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

 

 

Color is everywhere today, more color than at any time in the past.  Everyone enjoys color in their home, clothes, and in the objects they use every day.  We relate colors to psychology, and most colors have both a negative and positive connotation.  The way you use color in your painting can set the tone or mood, and provide harmony.  

If you are a painter, considering what colors to use, you may choose a traditional color harmony, such as compliments, triad, or analogous colors, or you may look outside the traditional harmonies as you look for ways to establish a relationship between the objects in your painting.  Here are some points to help with color considerations:

 

          Color can lead you on a visual path

          Repeated colors can provide a rhythm in the painting

          Colors reflect on and off the objects around them

          Either warm or cool colors should be dominant a the painting

          Colors must support each other rather than clash

          Look for a dominant color, a secondary, and an accent in both color and value

 

Hope this helps with your color considerations! 

Palm at Dusk, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

Dusk is a special time of day, a time when nature sometimes surprises us with the gift of natural beauty.  I love to just sit for a moment, sometimes with a glass of tea or wine, and just absorb the beauty in the landscape. 

 

These times can be peaceful and restorative, and give me the energy to do what needs to be done at the end of day.  I encourage you to take a quite moment with nature to feel the energy and joy, and you will be well rewarded.  



Pair of Aces, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 7"x5"

 

 

Thank you for the many requests to play games on Facebook.  I'd love to play with you, but don't have time.  I'm at the studio early almost every morning, and tired by the end of the day! Although I check in with Facebook whenever I can, because I love catching up with you, I'm unable to spend much time there.  So, this pair of palm aces are the winners.  Hope you win, too! 

 

 

 

 

Close to the Land, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Close to the Land, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

 

 

 

Belated Happy New Year to you!

 

Usually I have everything in place to start fresh on January first.  Not this year.  This year I'm running a bit behind.  Oh, I'll catch up.  In the meantime, please bear with me! 





Snowman #6, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Snowman #6, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

 

 

This snowman is cozy and warm in a purple hat and a big smile on his face!

 These are one of a kind, limited edition Snowman, each one signed and dated, and created just for you with love. They come with a gold wood easel for display on a table to brighten your home and make you smile. They are a perfect gift for a beloved child or grandchild, for the person who has everything, as a housewarming gift or as a treat to yourself and can be shipped to you for a small extra charge.

This year's crop of Snowmen will be available in the studio/gallery on Marco Island after November 28, and through my Daily Paintworks gallery . They will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Don't wait!

Snowman #5, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

 

Snowman #5, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

SOLD

 

 

 

Charity Snowman, sold online for a Shalin Liu benefit.  Did you bid? 

 These are one of a kind, limited edition Snowman, each one signed and dated, and created just for you with love. They come with a gold wood easel for display on a table to brighten your home and make you smile. They are a perfect gift for a beloved child or grandchild, for the person who has everything, as a housewarming gift or as a treat to yourself and can be shipped to you for a small extra charge.

This year's crop of Snowmen will be available in the studio/gallery on Marco Island after November 28, and through my Daily Paintworks gallery . They will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Don't wait!

Snowman #4, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Snowman #4, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 6"x6"

SOLD

 

 

Christmas Carols are such a great part of the holidays!  Most of you will know all the words to at least a few.  A singing snowman is a bit unusual, and this one is ready to go to a good home.

 These are one of a kind, limited edition Snowman, each one signed and dated, and created just for you with love. They come with a gold wood easel for display on a table to brighten your home and make you smile. They are a perfect gift for a beloved child or grandchild, for the person who has everything, as a housewarming gift or as a treat to yourself and can be shipped to you for a small extra charge.

This year's crop of Snowmen will be available in the studio/gallery on Marco Island after November 28, and through my Daily Paintworks gallery . They will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Don't wait!

Snowman #3, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Snowman #3, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

SOLD

 

 

Did you know that each snowflake has a unique and individual shape?  Can it really be true?  This Snowman wants to know!  He's going to live in the Boston area and will se plenty of snow! 

 These are one of a kind, limited edition Snowman, each one signed and dated, and created just for you with love. They come with a gold wood easel for display on a table to brighten your home and make you smile. They are a perfect gift for a beloved child or grandchild, for the person who has everything, as a housewarming gift or as a treat to yourself and can be shipped to you for a small extra charge.

This year's crop of Snowmen will be available in the studio/gallery on Marco Island after November 28, and through my Daily Paintworks gallery . They will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Don't wait!

Facing the Modern, and Scented Beauty, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Scented Beauty, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

 

When deciding what art exhibitions I could fit in on a recent visit short visit to London, I found a great tool to let me know what was available.  At the top of Katherine Tyrrell's terrific art blog, Making a Mark, among many other useful categories was one for major exhibitions in London for 2013. 

 

My first choice was Facing the Modern, The Portrait in Vienna, 1900, at the National Gallery.  You might think it an odd choice for a landscape painter, but I found the exhibition well worth the visit.  To my knowledge I had not seen an original painting by artist Egon Schiele.  I found the brushwork vigorous and exciting on the surface of the canvas, impossible to appreciate fully in a flat image.  I also wanted to see another painting by artist Gustav Klimt and was rewarded with a portrait of Amalie Zuckerandl.  It was a great lesson in delightful and useful pattern that so beautifully set off the figure. 

 

I took away a sense of history, an appreciation for both line and color in portraits, and an awareness that seeing this exhibition will enrich my own work in ways that I could not have anticipated. 

 

Could Scented Beauty, painted before I left, be considered a portrait of a rose? 

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! 

 

 

Painting brushes and Sunset, a daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Sunset, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

 

 

 

Even though I've been painting in acrylic for 20 years, I'm new to regularly painting with oil paint,  and only have two brushes dedicated to the oils.  They are synthetic mongoose, a little softer than most of my acrylic brushes which are natural boar bristle.  Since I often scrub the canvas with acrylic paint, the brushes actually wear down--sometimes to a point or stub. 

 

I don't scrub with the oil brushes, but they are beginning to show wear.  Not just that, but their bristles are beginning to curl individually on the edges, and interfere with making fine lines.  I've tried cleaning them and using a close-pin to repoint them, but as soon as I get busy painting and the brushes are saturated, the curls come back. 

 

So, like today's daily painting, it's time to "Sunset" them, or to use them for broader strokes, and order a couple of new brushes for the finer work.  Comparing materials and prices is necessary, but always takes longer than I'd like. The Monarchs are a very nice brush, but may try another type just to learn the differences.  Do you have a favorite oil brush brand that you can't be without? 

Summer Blaze daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Summer Blaze, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

 

Underpainting and overpainting built up to create a splash of striking color beneath the texture of the palms in this small daily painting, Summer Blaze. 

 

In this one, some cool jazz on the radio in the studio encouraged some warm colors and a bit of dancing brush..... 

 

My September Newsletter contains an invitation just for you.  You can read it here.   

Morning, Summer, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Morning, Summer, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

 

 

Hard to believe that it's almost Labor Day weekend, which to me signals the end of summer.  I know many people on Marco Island feel differently, but summer is my favorite season.   The skies are magnificent, and the afternoon thunderstorms so powerful and dramatic. 

 

Here's part of a blog post I wrote in the summer of 2007--six years ago: 

 

   I've added a link to the Daily Painters Guild website. I don't know any of them, but have been admiring their work for some time. Most of them paint every day, as I do. Their paintings are usually quite small. I paint small paintings sometimes, but use the summer when I'm not so busy and have a little more space in the studio to do larger works.

 

How things change!  Today I'm a member of the Daily Paintworks website myself.  You can click on the link in the upper right hand corner of my blog.  I

I know several of the daily painters in person, own a few of their works myself, and paint small paintings at least three times a week! 

Young Mangrove, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Young Mangrove, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

 

This little mangrove wasn't here a few years ago.  Somehow, a tiny leave found purchase, hung on long enough to get out holding roots, and little by little the plant has grown.  The small mangroves are particularly appealing. 

 

The roots hold the leafy heads high above the water and the leaves on top form a cheerful shape for painting.  The roots often glow in the sunlight, and there's always a nice but of shade under the tiny canopy.

 

If we could get up close without causing chaos, we'd find a little group of small and baby fish swimming among the roots, safe from the mouths of the larger predator fish and shaded from the hot sun. 

Open Praire, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Open Prairie, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5x7

 

The soil of the open prairies of the Everglades contain very few nutrients, and the grasses are either up to their knees in water in the wet season supporting an abundance of thriving life, or parched and thirsty, struggling to survive during dry season. 

 

Extremes.  That seems to be the way the Everglades landscape was designed.   

If you'd like to learn more about the Everglades landscape, you might enjoy my book, Embracing the Everglades, with photos of my paintings, and words about the workings some of the the Everglades systems. 

 

Palm Island, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Palm Island, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5x7

 

This little palm island is on Four Stakes, a prairie I visited earlier this year. The light was fabulous and remains in my memory.  I hope to get back there soon! 

 

There are fewer visitors to the studio in the summer, so I'll spend some time over next few weeks giving the studio a summer fresh-up.  Here is just a partial list to get me started.   

 

• Painting that haven't sold will be critically reviewed.  Once in a while this will mean a make-over for a piece I thought was done, but realize later it can be improved.  

 

• Frames will be examined to make sure that they haven't become damaged with the wear and tear of being moved around in the gallery.  

 

• Shelves will be cleaned off and dusted, paintings and furniture moved, floors washed and light bulbs replaced.

 

• Paint and brush supplies will be inventoried and ordered.  I know I have plenty of canvases, but will check sizes to make sure I have what I need plus some extras.

I enjoy working in an organized space and having what I need handy.  My gallery space is welcoming, and I love having it ready for your visit. So please do--visit, that is!   

Abundance, and Off Rt. 27 by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Off Rt. 27, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

 

 

 

It's the doldrums of summer, when the ever present heat and rain really start to get to some of us.  Every morning when you open the door to the outside you gasp for breath as a blast of humidity-laden air fills your lungs.  Even though umbrellas are rarely used by those of us who live here, they are kept close at hand for the torrential downpours the beat the houses and the landscape and flow generously through the gutters.  

 

The water level is high, and the animals and plants of the Everglades rejoice as nature brings them the bounty of summer.  Frogs and fish are abundant and the wading birds and the little ground owls are growing fat. 

 

The light is fabulous, and makes the landscape come alive with color.  And if you're lucky, you'll catch a breeze under an awning or a palm, and at the end of a day see a magnificent sunset, reminding you how wonderful it is to live here.