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

Rainy Summer, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 8"x8"

 

Are we molding yet?  This has been the wettest summer I can remember since moving to Marco Island 20 years ago.  I encourage people to visit the Everglades, and sometimes hand out a map that shows some of the easy to traverse dirt roads. 

 

This year, there are some spots deep enough to damage the underside of your car, and in some places water will flow over the road after a storm. 

 

Water can hide a hole or a wash-out, and it doesn't take much to float a car.  As little as six inches of moving water can be enough to float a small car!  So stay safe if you are caught in a storm, and enjoy the drama of our beautiful summer storms and sunsets.  

Remaining paints, and Incoming Tide daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Incoming Tide, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 8"x8"

 

Artists love their tools and methods, and change comes slowly.  When artists gather to talk about art, methods and materials are a big part of the conversation.  We are loyal to our paint and brush brands, although most of us are willing to try and buy the newest gadget, just to try out something new. 

 

Like in cooking, quality ingredients make a better final product. Excellent materials can make our job easier, may save money in the long run, and may mean that the work will have better archival quality. 

 

As you may know from previous posts, this summer I am adding oils to my painting skills.  Oil paints cost more than acrylics and more than most other art materials and some of my favorite colors come at a premium.  I try to squeeze out just what I'll use, but I can't stand being stingy with what I need.  Still, it pains me, if I am not going to be back in the studio over the weekend, to scrape my palette clean and toss out the still good remaining paint.  The idea of saving it and mixing it into an unappealing grey doesn't appeal to me at all.    Any ideas? 

Everglades Protection, and Close Family, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Close Family, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 8"x8"

 

When talking about my book, Embracing the Everglades, in my last post, I should have mentioned  that when I sell a book, $1 goes as a donation to groups that work to protect the Everglades. 

 

I belong to several such organizations, and want to support them with my work.  Friends of the Fakahatchee, a support group for the Fakahatchee Strand State Park, is close to Marco and does a great job of promoting and education people.  Their budget is not large, and it gives me a warm feeling to know that my small bit helps. 

 

One of the problems I see with Everglades protection is that there are so many stakeholders spread over such a large area.  They need to work together to have their voice heard.  The Everglades Foundation works to gather and build consensus among the myriad of Everglades support groups, so they can speak with one, hopefully a bit louder voice.  I like it that my contribution might be used for this purpose.'

 

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, in the Ten Thousand Islands is also close to home.  The reserve works with coastal communities to promote good coastal stewardship, something I also believe in and support.

 

The Everglades are fragile and at risk now.  If we don't take care of our environment, it will not be there for our children and grandchildren.  There are many other organizations that promote awareness and protection of the wonderful Everglades environment we live it.  Google "Everglades protection" and pick an organization of your own to support?  Even a small donation makes a difference! 

 

This post was inspired by Seth Godin's blog "Just Give."  Thanks for reminding us to be generous, Seth!

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

Fakahatchee Summer, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 8"x8"

The Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve is a very special place.  The best description of the Fakahatchee is a linear swamp forest, almost twenty miles long and five miles wide, with a high tree canopy of royal palms and cypress trees.  Orchids and bromeliads are in abundance, with 44 native orchids and 14 native bromeliad species. It is a haven for wildlife, including birds, both resident and migratory. 

Much ecological damage was done to the Fakahatchee Strand in the past by clear-cut logging, road building and drainage.  However, the area had recovered remarkably well, and there are high hopes for its continued recovery as part of the Everglades Restoration. 

It is a fairly intact and functional natural system with a number of different habitats.  It's one of nature's quiet places, a place that reveals secrets slowly.  You can visit it by walking the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, or driving Jane's Scenic Drive. 

You do need to wear your mosquito protection this time of year, and if they are too bad, just move on a little and you'll find they are  no problem. 

Blue Shutters, painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Blue Shutters, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 8"x8"

 

My usual supplier of frames doesn't carry an 8"x8" size frame, so I'm having to order elsewhere.  I'll try several different styles, and see which ones you and I like.  I'll still be offering a gold choice, but will try a couple of wood frames, especially for the French paintings. 

 

I'm very much enjoying painting 8"x8"  and 12"x12" squares, and will re-arrange the studio to make a place to view them together.  I think it's much easier to choose if you can see all the choices in your size or price range. 

They should be in by the end of the month, so if you have your eye on an 8"x8" or a 12x12 painting, please be patient and I'll soon have just the right frame for you! 

 

Blue Shutters, above, was done in France.  It's an 8"x8" painting, and will soon have a nice frame!