Slow down, and Orchids, painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Orchids, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 20x24

Slow down and smell the roses. Well, orchids in this case.  Slow down, you move too fast!  No, not the Simon and Garfunkel 59th Street Bridge Song, Feelin Groovy, but me, talking to myself!   

I was rushing around last week, moving too fast getting some groceries, and fell in the parking lot as I tried to outrun the rain.  Squished a mango and bumped my head pretty hard.  I'm fine, just fine, but ended up with two very ugly black eyes.  No photos! 

It reminded me of the Aesop's fable the Tortoise and the Hare.  I wasn't racing against anyone but myself, but lost this race!  Not many rabbits here that I've seen on the island, but Marco has some wonderful gopher tortoises.  Thanks to a friend, here's a little Marco Island tortoise for you to enjoy. 

Don't forget to slow down and smell the flowers,  Watch your step, and take time out for tea on Friday at 4 at the Studio.  YOU are welcome! 





Take a Deep Breath, daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Take a Deep Breath

5x7, acrylic on board

Sold

Do you notice the sound of the frogs, a gentle breeze rustling the palm fronds or the eagle soaring overhead? If you live in South Florida, take a moment to enjoy the nature that's all around us. In addition to unique and amazing wild life, like the gopher turtles and the owls, and sea turtles, the very air can give you joy.

The sunsets and sunrises this time of year are almost always glorious shows of natural light. Sometimes the late show is quite dramatic as the storms roll through, like in today's Everglades painting. Other times it's the quiet layering of soft salmon, mint green and a gentle turquoise on the horizon as the sun comes up that might make you sigh with delight.

As you go about doing whatever it is that you have planned for today, at some point step outside, take a deep breath and listen to what our earth might have to tell you. It just might make your day!

Gopher Tortoises, water mixable acrylics, daily painting by JoAnn Sanborn

Good Morning! This small bouquet is the second pass using my new, water mixable oil paints. I haven't used oils regularly for years, and never particularly liked them. I tend to cut in and out and layer over and over when I paint and find that the oil colors blend too much and usually turn to mud. But I was given a set as a gift artist Rob Hazzard, and decided to give them a try. First pass is below.

I had to wait three days for the paint to somewhat dry between the two sessions. Had a lot of trouble getting the contrast I wanted, and the sharpness as well. It will probably be several more passes, or a number of small paintings before I'm comfortable with this medium in any way, but it's always fun to try something new.

We had the great pleasure of showing some friends the island this week and in addition to Marco Island's burrowing owls, were delighted to see an active colony of gopher tortoises in Marco's hilly estates area.

These guys were quite happily munching on the thin grasses, even in the hottest part of the day, which is their habit. They can withstand the warm temperatures well, and like to live in sandy areas containing a variety of shrubs and grasses.

The gopher tortoise is listed as and endangered species, and among other initiatives there' s a council dedicated to it's preservation. The gopher tortoise is considered a "keystone" species, because a number of other species use their burrows for their home or survival. When the gopher tortoise declines, so to the other species.

So, if you happen to see one crossing the road, slow down, or even give them a hand!