Sunmmer Blues, Edge of a Cloud daily painting by Jo-Ann Sanborn

Edge of a Cloud, 2017, Jo-Ann Sanborn

Acrylic on Board, 7" x 5"

Enjoy the beautiful blues and dramatic clouds of summer. Open your heart to the beauty of this wild land.  It is unique in all the world.    

A Few Flowers, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

A Few Flowers, 2017, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 7'x5"

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! 

 

 

Good Hair Day, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

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

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.

Snowman #7, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

 

Snowman #7, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

SOLD

 

 

 

Today's snowman was purchased by a matchmaking couple  as a "female" half of a more masculine snowman purchased from me last year .  Hope they'll get along. 

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!