Why your opinion counts.

 

Cloud Kicker, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 30x30

 

 

Cloud Kicker is another of the Four Stake Prairie paintings. There's something a little different about this group of paintings that I can't identify myself, but am glad to see.  The landscape seems revitalized for me, I'm taking more chances with colors and shapes, and am more easily satisfied with the results. 

 

Your thoughts about my paintings are very important, too.  When you tell me that you love reading this blog and enjoying living with my art in your home it means the world to me.  I seldom get many comments on this blog, (any ideas why?) but often hear from you by email, Facebook, or even in passing around Marco Island. 

 

For me, you complete the circle.  I love what I do, and although would always paint, would not be able to do it so fully or joyously without your support. Thank you.  Your opinion counts! 

Infinate Grace daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

 Infinite Grace, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 30x40

Four Stake Prairie has proved to be quite an inspiration.  Infinite Grace is the second painting I've completed of the site.  Mother's Love was the first.  Infinite Grace sold before I even had it framed, which makes me pleased that someone else saw its special beauty. 

The light was so perfect the day I was there.  The sky was soft and cloud-filled and the bald cypress was positively magical, glowing a rich grey-white in the background.  The palm hammocks stood out dramatically.  Good stuff! 

The bald cypress are deciduous, but loose their leaves for only a short time. They sometimes glow beautifully, and are ghostly presences, with an ancestral quality.   Leaflessness and the right light can give them an almost spiritual feeling. 

Shortly, especially after we've had a spring rain, their leaves will begin to sprout, and by April their character is hidden and they aren't so remarkable in the landscape.    But when the light is right, they are spectacular. 

Watch for them as you travel to Miami. This time of year they may look dead, but will soon sprout small leaves that will fast grow into a cloak of green.  

Camp in the Fakahatchee Part 3, Classic Beauty painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Classic Beauty, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 20x24

 

 

Camp in the Fakahatchee

 

The air was crisp and clear as we walked along the dense green tunnel of the tram road.  The coolness of the early morning passed as we walked, and the sun warmed our faces. 

 

 

After about half a mile, the brush thinned and we walked the vehicle path onto

Four Stake Prairie, a wide open prairie ringed with strands of bald cypress.  In a month they would sport a fringe of green, but today were bare and light grey, almost like ghostly spirits between the healthy deep green of the palm islands.

 

 

 

A bird sang in the distance, but that was the only sound.  There was no breeze, and little movement but ourselves.  There were paintings to be made everywhere, but all I had time for today were photographs.  After a while we turned and walked back to the camp for the return trip.  

 

Yesterday's painting is a gift to my hosts, in the hopes of being invited back.