At My Side painting by Everglades Artist JoAnn Sanborn

At My Side

42x60

AT MY SIDE is a painting of two palm trees side by side at the water’s edge. The taller of the two is a little older, and seems to be sheltering the other with its fronds. Both are solid, well defined, and healthy. They have grown on land that rises a little above the rest of the sawgrass prairie, hat supports them and allows them to flourish.

There’s variety in the grasses at the water’s edge in both color and size, and the passages unifies the painting as the eye moves across. The opening onto the prairie allows the eye to move into the painting onto the water-rich prairie, into the future, into the unknown. The way in is smooth rather than rocky and the ancient limestone below is solid. This, along with a light breeze gives movement and life to the landscape.

The sky is dark, but morning clouds are beginning to brighten the day. They have variety in size and color as well, but not enough movement to disrupt the serenity of the morning. The scene is quiet and peaceful, rich with the promise of a new day.

Lubber Grasshoppers, Prairie & Palms daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Prairie & Palms

5x7

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One of the things you're likely to see amoung the prairie and palms of the Everglades this time of year in a large, brightly colored the Lubber Grasshopper . They can be up to 2 1/2 inches long and are very slow-moving. Although they have short front wings they are so small that the Lubber is flightless.

The lubber eats, and can demolish, a wide variety of native plants an some smaller insects. Their bright colors warn predators that they are toxic, but they also have prominent spikes, or spines on their hind legs and exude a foul-smelling fluid when disturbed. Most predators leave them alone.

The lubber grasshopper has a number of color changes throughout its life. You can see them and learn more about this gorgeous insect here. Be sure and double click on the photos so you can fully appreciate their beauty!