Camp in the Fakahatchee, and Alone by the Water,daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Alone by the Water, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 2013

Camp in the Fakahatchee

We drove out Janes Scenic Drive to where a number of tram roads branch off, each closed to vehicles by a locked gate.  The trams are raised roads remaining from the logging of giant cypress trees in the 40's. 

The trams are only available to walkers unless you happen to still own a bit of property.  My new friends owned such property and had a key to gate #7, so that we could go further by car.  I transferred from my car to theirs, squeezing into the back with Lelia, a beautiful weimaraner.  

The road was narrow and close with greenery brushing the sides of the truck, but it was dry, and the truck had no trouble navigating another mile deep into the Fakahatchee.  It would be different in the summer months when the heavy rains would turn the road to mud and the mosquitos attempt to eat you alive. 

We stopped the car with just enough room for another vechicle to pass, in an area filled with dense greenery.  We jumped out, unpacked the car, and took our provisions over a footbridge to a small camp sent on cinderblooks raising it above the remaining shallow water.  (to be continued)

Thanksgiving, Out on Jane's by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Out on Janes, Jo-Ann Sanborn

Acrylic on Canvas, 16"x20"

So much to be thankful for! For me Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and really appreciate my life.   I’ve never gone hungry, always have had a roof over my head, a terrific and supportive family, a sustaining relationship with my dear husband, and work I’ve found satisfying.

 

That doesn’t mean I’ve never had hard times.  I have, but I try not to focus on them.  Get through them, learn from them, and move on.  This Thanksgiving I’ll focus on what I’m thankful for as a working artist. 

I love my job. 

There’s a beautiful world to paint.

 

My paintings are recognizable anywhere as my own

           

The warm, wonderful and changing light of South Florida provides daily inspiration

I have quality materials, and right now at least, enough of them

A supportive Artist Colony to share with and learn from.

A wonderful studio at a cost I can afford. 

Students where learning goes both ways. 

Collectors who respond to my work in a positive way.

Visitors from all over the world who visit my studio and enrich my life. 

And that’s just a start.  Artists still need to eat, so I'll be cooking the Thanksgiving turkey.  I'm thankful for that, too.  What are you thankful for? 

Have a wonderful and thankful Thanksgiving holiday!

Dry Season, Autumn painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Autumn, Jo-Ann Sanborn
acrylic on canvas, 30"x40"

It's the beginning of the dry season in the Everglades, and one of the best times of year to visit. There's less water and fewer mosquitoes, and as the grasses dry the colors become soft and warm with lots of purple. If you winter in the area and haven't been out to the vast wilderness just outside our door, it's time to take a walk. You can go with a guide, but the area is very accessible for you to investigate on your own. I'll start close to home

The Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve is only a few miles from the Naples/Marco Island area and is easy to visit. Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, is a self-guided boardwalk about 8 miles from where SR92 hits SR41, is on the left. The easy boardwalk, about a mile out and back, takes you to a lovely natural pond at the end, where you're almost sure to see an alligator. If you're fortunate you'll see the bold eagle who lives in a tree off to the left, and we've seen a huge owl there, too. Raccoons, snakes, deer many birds and even a panther have been seen on the boardwalk. It's best to go early and be very quiet!

The newer Marsh Trail makes a lovely walk. It's found about 3 miles past Seminole State Park, on the right coming from Marco. It's a pleasant walk with a fabulous high overlook for a great view of the area. There's always a lovely breeze on top, and you can see great distances. Several of my new paintings come from this area, including Autumn above. See if you can find it!

If you're more of a driver than a hiker, Jane's Scenic Drive off SR29 will take you into the strand. It's a beautiful area with many cypress trees where you can stop and look into the clear, clear water or take a walk along one of the old logging trails.

C'mon, give it a try!