Arts on Marco, and Palms by the Water daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Palms by the Water, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

 

Things are finally calming down after a few very unsettling weeks.  I'm delighted to know that I will be in the studio/gallery at the Esplanade for another three years.  I just couldn't image having to start all over elsewhere! So now there's time to focus on other things.  

 

The new director of the Marco Center for the Arts has hit the ground running, and the center is now experiencing a renaissance.  There are a number of new activities for both artists and art lovers.  The upcoming Miami trip on May 31 should appeal to both groups, and will be a blast!  Guests will visit the new and special Perez Art Museum, (called PAMM by those in the know) and the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art.  A nice day trip by luxury motor coach  including lunch.  Space is filling up, so check it out and make your reservations now.  If you are a member of the Marco Center, you will get a discount until April 30, so don't delay!  Nice to have something happening in "off season."

 

If you can't make the trip, check out their redesigned website.  There are some wonderful choices for summer classes, including classes for children, in conjunction with Marco Parks and Rec. department.  You can sign up to get their emails so you'll know what's going on if you are interested in the arts on the island.  There are also new member opportunities, so if you are an artist who hasn't been a member for a while you may want to re-join. 

 

There's also a new arts alliance in the works called the Marco Island and Goodland Alliance for the Arts.   The organization of Marco's cultural groups, will including the Center for the Arts, MIHS the Goodland Alliance, MIFA, and the Marco Players and the Island Players.  Terrific to see them working together for the benefit of the arts!

Acrylic brushes, and Edge of the Gulf daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Edge of the Gulf, 2014, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5" Sold

I’ve been putting off talking about brushes because I treat mine so badly.  Hog Bristle is my brush of choice, and I often scrub with them and use them until they’ve been worn down into a whole new shape! 

Brushes come in many sizes and types.  Both synthetic and natural bristle brushes are great for acrylic, and each has its advantages.  Natural bristle brushes are best for soft edges and drybrush, and synthetics hold a lot of paint but  generally make harder edges.  I personally like brights, a rather square brush with shorter bristles because they’re a little stiffer than longer bristled flats, great for scrubbing, but as Emil Gruppe would say, “why pay for less, since you’ll eventually wear it down anyway!”  A couple of rounds are good too, since they are versatile and very responsive to your arm and hand movements in the early stages of a painting.  

As you become familiar with different brushes you will probably only use only a few favorites most of the time.  But for some people, it’s almost like shoes and you can never have enough.  If you do collect a few of each kind and you will occasionally find uses for most of them.  Before ordering brushes, go to an art supply store and hold and feel a number of brushes to see what feels best in your hand.  If you are just staring out, you can get by with a few flats and filberts, and a rigger, or thin, pointed brush for signing paintings. 

                       

Start your block-out with the largest brush you can and work over the whole canvas.  You can decrease in brush size as the painting progresses.  It’s always a mistake to get tied up nitty-gritty small brush details before you have developed the underlying character of the painting.  

Snowman #11, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Snowman #11, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

 SOLD

Have you completed your holiday decorating?  This little snowman wants to help. 

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 #10, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Snowman #10, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

SOLD 

Every year there's one who just doesn't fit the mold.  A tropical Santa.  Someone will find him just right for them! 

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 #9, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

 

Snowman #9, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

SOLD

 

 

 

Today's snowman is going to Spain.  Not sure how much snow he'll see in Madrid!   

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!

Portrait of a Palm, daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Portrait, 2013, JoAnn Sanborn

oil on board, 7"x5"

 

It might interest you to see the progression of  a daily painting.  The one above is the final product, signed and ready to be framed for sale in the studio and shown in my gallery at Daily Paintworks.  It is a painting of a single Everglades palm, worked in oil on board over several hours, each time refined until I was happy with the outcome.  

 

I thought I might be done when I finished the second version, but analysis showed it needed more work.  The lack of a light source weakens the whole, so in the final version shadows added beneath the canopy add dimension, and the grasses are integrated and balanced with the canopy.  As you move down the page you will see the progression from the bottom up.   

 

In this second pass, color is added to the grasses and canopy.  Compliments of purple and yellow add a little zing to the ground, while adding some color character and adding connection between the grass and the tree.

My goal was to portray a single palm to show it's character, without the distractions of my usual mantra of palms, water, prairie.  The palm was placed on the canvas with intent to ensure the edges form interesting and varied negative spaces to move your eye around the palm.  At this point the greenery of the palm and the grasses have no real connection and the painting lacks a definable color strategy. 

Artist Breakfast, Morning View daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Morning View, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 7"x5"

 

 

In the years before the Artist Colony on Marco, a group of artists used to meet for lunch once a month.  We did this every month for almost three years, just for the pleasure of having like-minded people to share with.  The result was that many of the artists on the island go to know each other.  This worked out well and was a big plus once the opportunity for an Artist Colony came along.

 

Since we lost our rent-free space when a new owner purchased the Esplanade,  we're all still working, but not as a unit.  I'm really looking forward to breakfast this morning with a group of women artist friends, just to catch up and see what everyone's been working on.  I'll try to remember to take a photo to share with you! 

Art Pricing, Magical Forms, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Magical Forms,  2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 7x5

 

Some of you may wonder how artists price their work.  I don't know about others, but will tell you my process.  I reassess my pricing structure about once a year.  First, I look at other artists who are in about the same point in our careers.  For me, these are regional artists who have attained some national recognition, have done things like win prizes in national shows, received invitational requests from outside their area, have a proven business model through steady increases over the years, and have a recognizable style.  These are my competition.

 

I price my paintings by size.  It makes sense to me and takes the emotion out of the equation.   However if I think a painting may win a prize, or want to save it for an exhibition, I may put a higher price on it.  

 

My best value, original work Everglades paintings are $150.  It's a great starting price for original work, and both new collectors and island visitors love these small 5"x7" pieces in terrific gold frames.  Mostly done in acrylic, I'm starting to work these in oils as well.  You can see them as a group in my Daily Paintworks gallery.  I love having a very affordable option for you, so won't change the prices on these.  That's been decided. 

 

I have more work to do in the reassessment, thought.  Since I don't do prints or copies, and offer just original work, next I look at what I have on hand, and what has sold over the past year.  If I've very little inventory and sales are very strong, I'll raise prices about 10% on either my smaller paintings or my on larger ones, but never both in the same year.  

 

But I'm concerned about the effects of a difficult economy had haven't raised prices lately.  Time to take a look and see what's new in the market!

Commissions, Summer Light, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Summer Light, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 7x5



The light this summer has been fantastic, and brings plenty of inspiration.  New works are underway, and things are heating up in the studio.  I'm working on three commissions, and they are all quite different.  One is a triptych that I've been fussing around with all summer.  The collector's sister has one of my paintings, and my client wants one, too.  With large space to fill, we settled on a triptych.  She won't be back until next month, and without the pressure of "I want it now," I'm taking my time.   When this happens, sometimes the energy of the painting leaks out, and it's hard to get it back.  I don't want that to happen, so will make it my priority.  I'm excited about the possibilities.  

The other two paintings will be for collectors who didn't find quite the size or color to suit their requirements.  They will be similar to paintings that they saw and like in the studio, but each will have a distinct personality of it's own. One will be a compilation of parts of the landscape for a couple who couldn't quite agree on what they liked. One wants distance, and one wants a prominent palm.  I'm confident that I can make them a painting they will both love. 

The last one is for a woman who furnished her son's home in Miami with my paintings years ago.  She's now looking for just the right painting for her own redecorated home.  She has a great eye for color and likes things a little abstract.  Fun! 

It's my habit when time and circumstance permits, to offer a commission client two different paintings that meet the requirements we've discussed.  It takes the pressure off both of us.  They have a choice, and I have some new inventory for my studio/gallery!   

Everglades Digital Library, Another Rainy Day painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Another Rainy Day, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 7"x5"

 

Florida International University Libraries in Miami, FL, is compiling a web-based digital collection of Everglades material called the Everglades Digital Library. The Everglades Digital Library collaborates with scientific, government, library and educational organizations in and around Florida to make information about the Everglades freely available for use by anyone interested. 

 

It's designed to support research, education, decision making, and information resource management, and is designed to serve patrons of the greater Everglades community as well as interested people from around the world. 

 

The web service includes "ask an Everglades Librarian" and other online information services.  There is a wide range of documents of interest, including a plant-collecting expedition (A cruise to the Cape Sable region of Florida John K. Small) to historical post cards. 

 

If you'd like to take a look, you can browse here.

Wet Feet Daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Wet Feet, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 7"x5"

 

 

One of the very first things I did when I came to Marco Island twenty years ago was to join the Marco Island Center for the Arts, then the Art League. I made my first friends there, painted en plein air for the first time, and had my first one person show there.  It's been on the island nearly forty years, and has become dear to my heart. 

 

The Art Center, like many arts organizations, has had some rough going with the economic downturn, competition from other arts organizations, and loss of membership for various reasons.  Art Center director Lynn Holley is leaving the island, but has been able to get the Center off the economic rocky bottom and poised for a positive future.

 

Lynn has been been an inspiration about what we can become by encompassing other arts, bringing in music through the Bach Society.  She's opened it up to the broader community by partnering with the Renaissance Academy and Marco Writers and the Chamber of Commerce.

 

Membership is up, the terrific staff is doing a great job, and the Board of Directors has grown and is finding it's footing.  But there's still a lot to be done to make the Art Center fully successful again. 

 

We're a small island, with lots of heart, and the support of both visitors and residents can make a difference.  Marco Island Center for the Arts needs your support.  Support can take many forms.  Take a class, attend an opening (Second Tuesday, tomorrow night at 5:30) donate money, visit the gift shop, or volunteer a few hours a week or a month. Your help will be welcome and you'll have some fun, too! 

Two of Us, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Two of Us, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on canvas, 7"x5"

 

 

What do you see when you see the Two of Us?  Two palm trees by the water? 

 

You and your best friend? 

 

You and your husband, or lover? 

 

You and a dear sister or brother? 

 

Your two children? 

 

Duo, couple, pair, match, deuce, doublet, brace.  Bet you can think up some more! 

Over 80 Exhibition and Palm in the Sun, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Palm in the Sun, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn,

acrylic on canvas, 7"x5"

The Art Center of Marco Island held  a lovely reception last Tuesday evening for the Over 80 Exhibition.  Long-time member artists over the age of 80 were invited to show their work, and fourteen artists responded with quality work of  paintings, pottery, and sculpture.  Many of the 80's  group attended the reception, as did much of the Marco Island arts community.  Great turn-out and enthusiasm for a summer show.  

 The  work represented  a wide range of styles,  mediums and subjects.  Many of the artists had been classically trained, and some of the pieces are just breathtaking.  Among other delights,  Shirley Piercy's (84) glowing watercolors in jewel tones lit up the room, and the wide variety of mediums used by Rena Tippett (92) showed her broad talent.  Marilyn Wirth's (83) fanciful impressionist pieces were pure joy.  Gerry Brunjulson (93), Bill Mosley (84,) Marie Senechal, (84) and Edythe Newbourne (82) are long time favorites of mine.

These people are a generation of artists on Marco Island, our forefathers in the arts. I learned something from each of them along the way, as no doubtnother artists did over the last 20 years. I value their sharing.  The show is a not-to-miss island event.  It will hang till the end of the month, with the gallery open from 10-4 daily.  Don't miss it.

Prairie Party, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Prairie Party, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

 

 

Mini-paintings are a great way to get started in the morning. You get reacquainted with the paint and the feel of the brushes before starting something larger or more serious. If things go poorly, sometimes a mini is all that gets done for the day! 

 

This one was done mostly with the knife.  I'm reacquainting myself with the palette knife as part of work on a commission.  You can pick up quite a bit of paint on the knife, and when using several colors the results are unpredictable.  This make for excitement in the unexpected color combinations and a feeling of texture sometimes welcome  in acrylic paintings

 

I'm also paying more attention to the palm trunks and necks.  They are providing me with a surface opportunity for pattern and color that I have only recently utilized.  You'll see several more paintings in this style in the days ahead.

 

If you missed my May newsletter, but would like to read it, you can see it here. 

Off to Africa! Palm by a Slough, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Palm by a Slough, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

 

 
You know me as an Everglade artist.  Often out in the glades or on the beach, painting the palms and landscape of South Florida.  (notice me peeking out from under the cloud)  But I'll bet you didn't know that I have an African side.  Yes, it's me again, peeking out from under an African sky. 

The above two-sided gem was made by a friend, and we are still giggling over the silliness of it all, however I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to accompany a dear friend on a trip to Africa's western coast this April.  

Thanks to another dear friend my studio will remain open Wed-Sat, and my affairs here on the island are in good hands.  I'll keep you posted if at all possible.   

 



Who's your customer? Alone by the Water, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Alone by the Water, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 7"x5"

 

 

Common wisdom is that you must know your customers and make a connection to them in order to sell to them.  I'm not sure this applies directly to art, since I believe that the connection must be between the viewer and the painting, but here's my effort at defining YOU!

 

The basis for this idea for a post came from someone else, and although I changed it quite a bit, I'd really like to give credit to the source.  If you know it, please let me know.  Thanks! 

 

Are you my customer?

 

What do you already believe in?

     In the value of original, unique, and handmade things in your life.

 

What are you afraid of?

     Not getting good value for your money.

 

What do you think you want?

     Something to fill a space on your wall.

 

What do you actually want?

     To own something that will enrich your life.

 

What stories have resonated with you in the past?

     Stories that make you feel something deep inside, a connection.

 

What is really important to you?

     Family, Community, Nature, Color, Sharing, Giving, Enjoying life, Work you love.

 

What is your relationship to money?

     It's a tool for living life your way.

 

After you have purchased a painting, what will you tell your friends?

     Now it's your turn.  You tell me! 

 

 

Lone Palm daily painting by Everglades painter Jo-Ann Sanborn

Lone Palm, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

Today's funky and somewhat stylized little palm is all alone looking out into a vast Fakahatchee prairie.  The sky is subdued and the next hammock so distant as to lack identifying character.  Will this little guy find the strength to survive and even flourish, or wither and die from lack of companionship and sheltering arms?

He's small and scrawny, but tough.  If he survives his youth, he'll provide homes and food to the prairie birds and animals, and shelter from the relentless sun.  I'm betting on him!

If you'd like to see more of the Fakahatchee, there's a new "ghost rider" tram tour given by Friends of the Fakahatchee.  Say hello to my little friend when you pass him by! 

"GHOST RIDER" TRAM TOURS - 2013

 

Tuesday, February 19 , Tuesday, February 26, Thursday, February 28, Tuesday, March 5

Cost $25/person, Reservations Required!

Phone (239) 695-1023 or email FOF_90@hotmail.com

Download a Reservation Form or Book Online.

Sunflowers daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Sunflowers, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

The Farmer's Market has a great selection of flowers, and a handful of Sunflowers can be taken home for a very small sum.
  

My husband loved to have fresh flowers in the house, and the whole time we were together we never were without a fresh bouquet on the table at dinner.  To him it was a small expense that brought color, life and joy into our home.

Another beautiful bouquet came my way recently.  My studio was the recipient of the Calusa Garden Club's Flowers in Public Places program.  This bouquet was in support of the Wet Paint Live reception the studio hosted.  (click the link to get this years map!) I love how the container and the bright red brush brush support the theme! Thank you!

The Florida Python Challenge and Out in the Glades, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Out in the Glades, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 7"x5"

The great Everglades Python Challenge is on, and 800 novice and experienced hunters from from 32 states and Canada are taking on the challenge.  The goal will be to substantially reduce the number of invasive Burmese Pythons in the Everglades.  

A combination of releases by pet owners no longer able to care for them, and damage to breeders cages during Hurricane Andrew in the early 90's. has lead to an explosive population of the snakes in the Everglades.  

Python numbers have reduced native Everglade mammals to nearly extinction. The pythons don't seem to have any natural predators, eat threatened and endangered species, and compete with native animals for habitat and food.  One was killed with a 76 lb deer in it's tummy.  They are very strong.

 

It takes a certain bravado to take on a snake, especially one of the largest. Pythons can grow to lengths of 23 feet and 200 pounds.  The stuff of nightmares, to be sure. But the snakes are elusive, have great camouflage, and are the winning species so far.  In the first three days of the hunt the 800 hunters registered just 11 of the reptiles.  

 

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The hunters must be registered and have a GPS.  They are supposed to kill the animals at the site of the capture, in the most humane way possible.  The remains are to be turned in for research.  

The hunt will last for a month, and there will be prizes.  $1,500 for the most, and $1,000 for the longest python in two categories, the challenge hunters and regular permit holders.  Hunting will end at midnight on February 10th, and you can pick up your prize at the awards event at Zoo Miami on February 10th.  If you're interested, you can learn the rules and take the training online here. There's also quite a lot more about the animals on the site.  

 

Me?  I'm being VERY careful out there this week.  All those inexperienced people running around the Everglades with guns and knives scare me almost as much as the snakes!  I'll be in the studio!  

Fishing Pond, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

This little pond is full of fish in Kent, Ct.  My grand kids think going fishing is one of the most fun things to do.  I sit under a tree and sketch while they catch fish and throw them back. We both think we've had a great time. 

 

Sunday is moving day, from my current studio shared with four other artists (sob, I'll miss them), into a single space just next door (yay, new adventure!).  Mixed emotions.  I'll keep you posted.