Time for a Dip, Daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Time for a Dip
6" x 6"

acrylic on Panel,

Sold

When out on the water near Marco Island and the Everglades, one of the joys of boating is that you can just stop and take a dip in the gulf when you want. The temperature has warmed up nicely now, inviting you into the shallows. The building clouds are no threat since you know from experience that the late afternoon storms are hours off. We've had some days just like this lately, and will have them all summer long.

It's a time of renewal for the South Florida environment. The land becomes even more inhospitable, with swarms of mosquitoes and mucky, swampy trails. The afternoon rains can be torrential, flowing across roads making access difficult. Yet the drama of summer in the glades can be a great inspiration, and I'll see some of the most beautiful scenes of the year.

For me it's a time of renewal, too. Its a time to reacquaint with busy friends, go to places too crowded in season, and to have welcome studio time without interruption. I'm ready!

Memorial Day, Nine Palms Daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Nine Palms
6" x 6" unframed

acrylic on Panel
$120 with FREE shipping and handling in the US

Today's Everglades painting, Nine Palms, almost looks like a parade, doesn't it? As a kid, and when I return to Gloucester, we always attend the Memorial Day parade, ending at the Oak Grove Cemetery, where many Veterans, including my Dad now, are buried. Someone placed flags at the grave of every Veteran, and there were newly planted colorful flowers on most as well.

Marching would be Veterans in a variety of uniforms from a variety of conflicts. The High School band, Boy Scout Troops and Girl Scouts carrying bouquets of lilacs would round out the parade. Sometimes there would be a mournful bagpipe group, always my favorite.

Here on Marco there's a grateful rememberance at the Marco Cemetary, and a bright row of flags along the main street to ensure that we don't forget those who have died or are still fighting for our country. I've put my flag out, and I'm grateful to every one.

Award, Peaceful, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Peaceful
6" x 6" (15.3cm x 15.3cm)
acrylic on Panel
$120 with FREE shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

What a nice time we had at the artist's Tabletalk luncheon yesterday. There were eleven of us, which is great for this time of year, and as always the conversation was lively and inspiring. We start by going around the table and telling about our art month--struggles, joys, and rewards, talk about an art subject through lunch and end with "show and tell" or a request for critique. It's not a hard and fast schedule, but has developed as a way to be sure that everyone has a chance to share what they'd like. I hope everyone goes away as energized as I do!

Got a really nice surprise in the mail yesterday. My painting "Family Outing" entered in the National Association of Women Artists annual exhibition received the Dorothy Seligson Memorial Award for works on Canvas. It's only a small award, but means so much to me, particularly since the show is at the Salmagundi Club in New York City. If you're in the city before the end of the month, stop in and see the exhibition--and if you do, please take a photo of it hanging for me!
An artists work should come from the heart, and never for a potential award, but when it happens its a wonderful affirmation that some else likes the work, too.

Today's painting, By a Stream is a 6x6" size, so I don't have a frame for it yet. I'll be getting some in, but in the meantime you can purchase it unframed for $120.

I"m so glad to be back online. After my last post the computer went into a coma. Wasn't revived until until after a replacement part was ordered and came a week later! Visiting family was using the office as a guest room, and another couple occupied the studio, so nothing could be done. In addition to the computer, the air conditioning choked and the car tires had the steel belt showing through. Everything back to working now, but it was quite a week!

The wedding was perfect, filled with the joy of family and friends. My favors and place cards were a big hit and the bride and groom walked the beach for special shells to fill the bottles. The shell theme was continued in centerpieces and a beautiful cake. Despite the rain the bride looked radiant, the groom handsome, and a great time was had by all. The last guest left yesterday morning at 4 am, and we'll miss them all.

The day before the wedding one of my collectors came to pick out a painting for her daughter's birthday. She and her husband has a great time looking through the dailies and were happy to choose "Spring Morning" which I quickly framed for them in the frame of their choice. Walking them out to the car I was delighted to see that she was the winner of the "Smart Car" I had admired outside the Marco Island Library! Seems like she's a lucky gal.

It's been a really busy time with visitors and refreshing the studio since my class ended. I'm just now getting out some of the paintings I started and used to illustrate points in the workshop. There's about six of them.

Some of them may have a future, and some will be relegated to the trash. I love the square format of this one, and started working on it again yesterday. There's some potential, but the magic isn't there yet. I'll give it another day and see what happens.

Sometimes, in both art and life, it's hard to get back to something you started with such enthusiasm. What causes us to lose that initial urgency? Where does the energy go for such projects?

You may remember Jack Howard Potter's wonderful Marco Man sculpture, purchased by the city and now beautifully reflected in the mirror glass walls of City Hall. He's serving a dual purpose there. First, he reminds us that Marco Island is a City on the Move. We're changing and growing into the future. Second, he's providing a home to some of our feathered friends.

Think it itches? I'll be the co-chair of ArtQuest 2010, a public exhibition of high-quality sculpture presented by the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts in conjunction with Marco's business community. If you know a sculptor who might like to apply, please have them obtain an application here. Thanks! Want to work on the committee? You'd be welcome. Email me.

Shells, Marco Beach, student blog

Shells, shells, and more shells! Head down, bent posture on the beach is a clear sign that someone is harvesting the treasures of the sea. There's a beautiful selection of shells common and occasionally rare to be found on the beautiful white sand of the Marco Island beach. Our beach rivals Sanibel for the best shelling on the Southwest Florida coast.

A dear niece will be married this month here on Marco Island. She's taken shells as her theme and I'm helping with the wedding favors. She'll fill beautiful bottles with a little sand and some shells, and I'm making little folded cards to be tied to the top. So, a little out of my element, I'm drawing, hand painting, (watercolor!) and assembling the cards. I'm pleased with the results, and will show you the finished product next week! Today I'll be working on table cards to match.

We attended the Marco Island Center for the Arts "The Green Period" opening yesterday, It's a beautiful show with so many styles that there's sure to be something to appeal to everyone. We were told that the juror took the name of the show very seriously and eliminated those who didn't conform. The top prize was won by a man that I didn't know, but the next five prizes went to some fabulous artists, four of whom I"m proud to call friend. Congratulations, Ladies!

If you've been a student of mine in the past and didn't receive an invitation to the student blog Painting Marco, please let me know and I'll add you. I'm missing many of your emails. It will be closed to everyone but Sanborn students, and will be a forum for showing and discussing your lastest work, and a way to keep in touch. Check it out and respond to the invitation to be an author! Yes, there will be a little bit of a learning curve, but you can do it!

Out of your element, daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

As today's daily developed, the palm in its environment seemed to be out of its element, uncomfortable with its surroundings. It wouldn't settle in, and wouldn't be forced into a more normal mode. The colors fought me. As I painted, I decided to let the painting go its own way, and began to think about what it means to be out of ones element.

We've all been there. Sometimes we're been required to do things that we're just not used to doing. We're asked to do things that are different for us, hard for us, not usual for us, or stretching our limits. When you're forced out of your element, you have two choices, to grow or to retreat. Which do you choose?

The studio is clean, painted, and ready for work. I'm laughing at myself, though, as I post this photo, because after my hard work the studio still has everything it had it in, and here it looks almost as bad as last week! But yes, it's clean, it's fresh, and there's just a little more organization. There's also more room for the guests who will have to sleep in here when we pile in family and friends for a wedding in a couple of weeks!

Family Outing daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Sold

"Family Outing" was shipped off yesterday to the National Association of Women Artist's 120th Annual Exhibition, to be hung at the Salmungundi Club in New York City from May 11-29. If you're in the City, stop by and take a look!

This was not the painting I intended to send, but that one turned out too large. This was intended for the Marco Island Center for the Arts Green Period exhibit, but after much layering, color balancing and the agony of the artist I was finally pleased enough to send it. A new Green Period painting is at the framer to be picked up today for submission tomorrow.

After getting the "have to's" under control, painting the studio became a priority. It's been years, and was getting really shabby, so I got to work. The Studio is 12x12, just the right size, but I have it so crammed that I can only paint one wall a day.


The ugly futon, which many a gracious client has had to be pulled out of, has been donated to a friend and piled high on a truck full of furniture headed to Alabama. It served well for many years, and it's surface was covered with spots from times the brush flew out of my hand in the excitement of painting. However it was also hard as a rock and we're having a houseful of guests this month for a family wedding. It will be replaced by a much more comfortable wall bed for overnight guests and a couple of chairs for studio visitors.

Because there isn't much space everything has to be piled, and I can only do one wall at a time. Two walls are already done and look great! I'm off to paint the third one now.

When I'm done, I'll attend the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts annual meeting. The Foundation is (five?) six years old today, and has certainly done it's part in increasing arts awareness on Marco. For today's program Janina Birtolo will portray Mary Todd Lincoln. Janina has done a series of one woman portrayals of women in history, and it's always a pleasure to attend one of her performances. Hope to see you there!

Judge's Comments, In the Marsh daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

In the Marsh
7" x 5" acrylic on Panel
$150 with FREE shipping and handling in the US

This view of the Everglades is the frog's eye view! In the Marsh has tall grasses high on each side framing the open water. Perhaps following the open water will take me to something special, always just around the bend. More than likely it will be more marsh, but if you look closely or are just lucky the landscape may show you something special. It may be an animal, an orchid, or the light hitting something in a way to highlight it's uniqueness. Always keep your mind and your eyes opened to appreciate nature fully.

A while ago, in response to another blog, I defended the right of an art show judge to say nothing. However, I also am a firm believer that critique teaches more than a lesson, because the words relate to directly to the canvas at hand. This is remarkably valuable and appreciated when the response of the judge is documented, not only to the artist who did the work, but to the others hearing or participating in the critique.

RayMar, an artist painting panel company, has a contest each month to highlight the work of Internet artists. When the winners are announced, the winning paintings are shown with both the year and the month judges comments on display. Tom Browning, a fine Western landscape artist, was the year judge.

You can see the results here. If you look back, you can see the results of each month, and learn about the monthly judges. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Everglades Fire, Daily Painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Sunny Side
7" x 5"

acrylic on Panel
$150 with FREE shipping and handling in the US

Family visits over and studio reclaimed! Everything is back in place and I managed to paint this small painting yesterday. I'm always pleased after a break to see that I can still paint, and I like the bright, painterly quality of this one.

The smell of smoke from a large Everglades fire is still strong this morning. Fires are a natural part of the wet season, May through October, when they are often started by lightening, but burn only until the next heavy thunderstorm. The fires keep larger trees from invading the sawgrass prairies by burning them out. The sawgrass will lose it's grass, but the roots remain alive because of water in and on top of the soil. Nutrients are released into the soil and a healthy regrowth follows.

Fires started during the dry season, when there is very little rain can be more harmful. While they still reduce undergrowth brush, they burn much hotter and deeper than a wet season fire. They can start the peat layer burning, and destroy the root systems of the plants. The results are much longer lasting, and the recovery of the area may take years.

The National Park Service gets the most visitors during the dry season because the temperatures are pleasant, the bugs are less, and the animals tend to congregate at the remaining water holes. We were surprised to see the large number of visitors to the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk. We've been visiting this boardwalk-nature walk for years, and have never seen more than a couple of other people. Last week there were many cars parked and a stream of visitors. A nice walk, but hard to see much wildlife with so many people!

Marco Island, Arts Community, Palms, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Palms
7" x 5" (17.8cm x 12.7cm)
acrylic on Panel
$150 with FREE shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

It was a busy weekend on Marco, and the Left Bank Art Show was a nice success. The Left Bank Art Show is particularly fun because it's not juried. Beginners and professionals can show together without the special equipment and all the hoopla of a more formal outdoor show. I didn't participate, but took the family along to check it out. It was fun to see the work through the eyes of grandchildren and introduce my family to my artist friends.

As a I walked along viewing some wonderful art many of the artists greeted me with a joyful hug. It felt really good, and I slowly realized that I knew most of the artists. More importantly, I realized that they also knew each other!

Here on Marco we've had an Art League for 40 years. The current Outdoor painters have been meeting every Wednesday for sixteen years. The Foundation for the Arts supports the literary, visual and performing arts. There's a City Arts Advisory Committee. Artists meet and exchange ideas at Art Tabletalk, and most island artists participate in the Marco Chamber's Wet Paint Live.

But after Saturday's walk, I feel like it's all coming together and we finally have tilled the earth enough to plant the seeds of an encouraging and supportive arts community. It's still fragile and will need some careful nurturing. You may have had a part in creating it, and can now help it to grow. Thanks, folks!

Smell of Spring, Daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Gardenia
7" x 5" (17.8cm x 12.7cm)
acrylic on Panel
$150 with FREE shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

Spring is in the air on Marco Island as the scented flowers begin to bloom. The gardenia bush by my front door sends out a cloud of fragrance to be enjoyed by anyone coming up the walkway. It's very prolific, and I've place the blooms in small vases around the house as well. There's a wonderfully scented Confederate Jasmine over the garage door that's heavenly, too.

There's something romantic and timeless about the beautiful scent of the gardenia. Catching a whiff of the fragrance in the air when you least expect it is a special treat. I'll put a couple in the guest room for my daughter and her husband to enjoy on their visit here this week.


My first garden was given to me when I was six, a small plot between the walkway and the door. My mother said it was my garden, to do as a wanted, as long as I kept it up. Every year we would go to the nursery and pick out a few containers of starter plants. I learned a lot about both gardening and life as some tiny little stalks developed far beyond my expectations while others with much promise were a sorry disappointment.

Since that time I've always had a garden, but have to admit that since coming to Marco Island 16 years ago I was more attracted to the huge, large, bold green forms of dramatic foliage than the flowers themselves. I'd buy an orchid now and then but once the bloom was over the snails would eat the leaves into a pathetic eyelet and I'd loose interest.

Now, between the availability of beautiful, native plants at the Farmer's Market and the encouragement of my enthusiastic and knowledgeable gardening friend, I'm renewing my interest in both gardening and painting plants. The orchid plant on my kitchen counter has a slightly spicy scent and is one of my recent purchases. Will it live on? I'm excited to see where this will go!

Oh, and see my new post on color here.

Artists Tabletalk, Family Outing painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Family Outing

16x12

The MIFA sponsored Artist Tabletalk luncheon that I host is today, the third Thursday of each month. What started out to be a small group of professional artists has grown into a great support group for artists here on Marco. We've decided that we'd accommodate all serious artists who wanted to come, even new artists, at long as they were serious about their art, were actively painting, and wanted to get to know other Marco artists. Right now there's almost 20 people on the list, but only 12 seem to make any one meeting.

Our goal is to carry on one conversation, since we all want to hear what everyone has to say. We go around the table taking turns telling about our art month--successes, disappointments, experiments, new ideas, discovered materials. Sometimes someone comes with an art question or art issue that sparks lively discussion.

We also have a time for show and tell--where we can discuss how a painting developed, why we went in a certain direction, and get some help when we know things aren't quite right, or just want affirmation that they are. I'll bring the above painting to see what the reaction is.

Other artists have told me that they go home energized, renewed, and full of new enthusiasm. Me, too. Thanks, art friends! See you at lunch.

Nana in her Studio, Spring Morning daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Spring Morning
5" x 7" (12.7cm x 17.8cm)
acrylic on Panel

Sold

I'm so glad the show season is over, for me at least. It was quite successful but doesn't compare to a few years ago. Still, it was nice to renew my acquaintance with old collectors and friends. Most of them will head north for the summer months and not think about this area at all, but for those of us who live here, it's a wonderful time of renewal.

I'm thinking about a focus for my summer paintings. There are so many aspects of the Everglades and Marco that inspire me. I'm not sure yet if I'll work closer to home or get out a little more. I particularly love the Fakahatchee and the Big Cypress, and have spent many happy hours painting away. I do more studio work now, and would like to get a few large paintings complete this summer. I'll start outside, because that's where my inspiration is, but will take the painting back to the studio for the finish. It's so much easier to work in my small studio when I don't have to think about lugging out the paintings for weekend shows!

Had a wonderful week with the kids. One grandson was able to complete his Cub Scout artist badge by working on projects a little each day, and the little guy did this great portrait of me in my studio as I struggled to finish a NAWA submission in time to meet the deadline! Just made it! Next week will bring another set. Can't wait!

An award, for me and passing it on.

Today I'm the delighted recipient of an award! It's my first blogging award, and I'm delighted and honored, especially since it's for a passion for painting. Thanks, Rob!

I'm supposed to list seven things that I love, and then pass it on to seven other artists, so here goes.

1. My husband, my family, friends old and new, for being there and adding joy to my life. My sharing, supporting art group.

2. The morning light just before the sun comes up.

3. Wild places, like the Everglades, that talk to us with ancient voices and let us hear our own.

4. The Marco Island Beach, which you can see here if you're not close enough for a walk

5. Travel - almost anywhere, and coming home again.

6. People who tell me my paintings have opened their eyes to a beauty they didn't see before.

7. A nice glass of wine and a sit on the dock at the end of the day.

Now, I'm going to pass this award on to some of my favorite artists. Some have received many awards before, but still deserve this one for passion.

Thanks for being there, for sharing, for caring, and for giving so much to others.

Sue Smith truly a wise woman and beautiful artist who just keeps giving

Bonnie Luria - a truly talented artist who finds humor in mostly everything

Linda Blondheim - a passion to succeed, and a giving soul. She loves Florida, too

David Darrow - who'll probably hate this but gives often and freely

Deborah Paris - who has a passion for the landscapes moody moments

Hugh McLeod, who makes me think or makes me laugh

Doris Glover - who took me up on the offer to link when I started blogging

Taking a much needed break while grandkids visit. Back next week!

Art Show, Boca Grande, Daily Painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Beach Walkers

20x20

$800

On the Beach is another in the series of elongated palms on the beach that I've been working on, It's in the same family with Out to Sea, Night Mists, Warming in Sunshine. You can see them here. Sometime groups of palms just scream to be painted! The intervals of space between them, the different heights, and the way the tops interact all make for a painting challenge. It took a bit of work but I finally was happy with the value range and the depth and movement of color.

This painting, along with a nice selection of others, will travel to Boca Grande this weekend for an outdoor show. I'll have a couple of large things, and some daily paintings as well. I don't know much about Boca Grande except it's a barrier island near Gasparilla. Although we've passed by it a number of times, it's a part of Florida we haven't investigated yet. We're excited about having the opportunity to check it out. It will be a mini-working-vacation for us.

It's been really busy getting ready for both the show and my yearly Marco workshop which will start first thing Monday Morning. I've been updating and revising the class material, preparing handouts and putting everything together to take. It's a very intense class, and getting home late Sunday night won't give much time. This is the last day to sign up, so if you're interested, call the Marco Center for the Arts today.

If you're here on Marco this weekend, don't forget to attend the Marco Seafood Festival. The Chamber of Commerce will have a wealth of information about Marco businesses, and will have my April flyer as well. Stop by and mention my name!

Art Class, Art Show, Jane Hitler Park, Marco Island Sculptures

There's no daily painting today, and my order for the small canvases I've come to love has been delayed. I'll wait for them before painting another daily even though I have got some others that aren't nearly as satisfactory.

So here's something different! Today's image is of a beautiful double white bird of paradise brought to me as a gift from by my gardening neighbor. We share a love of the natural world and are just delighted to live here on beautiful Marco Island. I'm making a number of images black and white for my class next week and this will be one of several that are something other than the Everglades. Not everyone shares my passion for that landscape!

The Boca Grande show is this weekend, so please stop in if you're in the areas. It should be a very nice show. I'll have a couple of large paintings as well as a nice selection of dailies. We'll travel home after taking down on Sunday night.

Monday morning starts my yearly workshop, Acrylics and the Florida Landscape. I've been focused on having everything all ready for that. The paperwork is done--there will be lots of handouts because it's really hard to absorb everything in four days. I"m still collecting my materials. I bring tons of materials, and paints because it's important that students try new things. It's a sharing class, and I tell students not to bring anything they aren't willing to share.

If you'd like to see the plan here's the student outline. We cover a lot of ground in the four days, and the students will do six to eight paintings. It's a lot of fun and I look forward to it. It's not too late to sign up at the Marco Island Center for the Arts.

I'm speaking very briefly today as a member of the City's Arts Advisory Committee at a sculpture and park dedication. Jane Hitler, and early Marcoite left funds for a liner park along Smokehouse Bay. The park has recently been re-designed and will be dedicated today at 10. Part of the re dedication will include the unveiling of Kent Ullberg's beautiful sculpture of the almost extinct Ridley Sea Turtle, Journey's End.

The sculpture is a donation from the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts throught the generosity of gallery owner Dean Knox. The Foundation has placed three sculptures around the City of Marco Island including Jo Saylor's Willow Whistle in front of the Marco Library, Kent Ullberg's First Born, at the entrance to Residence Beach, and now Ullberg's Journey's End at Jane Hitler Park. Hope you're familar with all of them!

Following all this there will be some wonderful family visits in April. I'm not going to have much access or time for the computer in the next couple of weeks, so please be patient and I'll post when I can!

Plein Air Painting

Everglade Garden is hardly recognizable from my last post, but it's a revised version of the last painting displayed. I've given the palms a background and set them into the landscape so they're not floating anymore, but I'm still not happy with the finished product. I've spent hours on this little painting, and it's still not a go. Funny how some paintings just seem to paint themselves and others are such a struggle!

Here in South Florida we're fortunate enough to be able to paint comfortably outdoors all year long, but in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere the world is waking up to Spring. Whether you're an artist or not, it's time to renew your acquaintance with nature and the outside beckons.

I'll be teaching a four day workshop at the Marco Island Center for the Arts next week, and it's not too late to sign up! The class is Acrylics and the Florida Landscape. We'll spend half of each day inside, learning the basics of composition, values, color, and beyond, and half a day outside painting at various sites on the island and in the Everglades. It's a lot of fun and we have a great time. Everyone learns, including me. Today's photos are from last years class. Hope you can join us! There's also a list of tips for painting outside on my studio blog.

Marco Island Arts, Daily Painting by Everglades Artist JoAnn Sanborn

Sometimes, things just don't work out, and today's daily painting is just such an example. I'm far from my original idea, finally removed the background in desperation, and now the palms are elevated almost like a group of flowers. I've been gardening quite a bit, maybe that's what's affected my view! In any case this painting still isn't ready to go to a new home, so I'll take some time to see what can be done!

We were out in the Everglades yesterday scouting where to take the upcoming workshop class for some outdoor painting. It's as dry as I've seen it, and it's only March, so I expect we'll have a pretty active fire season, from now until the June rains wash the landscape and refill the pools.

My favorite class location had burned soon after our visit last spring, and when I checked previously the palm fronds were gray with ash, drab and drooping and the trunks were blacked beyond hope. I expected to be searching for another spot for the students to get off the road and with several options for painting.

Surprisingly, the area had almost completely recovered, with new green crowns on the palms and the distant views as lovely as ever. It's a natural cycle for the Everglades systems to dry out, burn, rainfall, renewal, but it's always a delight to see it working. An extra bonus is that the area had been cleaned of dumped debris as well. It will make a perfect class spot!

The workshop will be hosted by the Marco Island Center for the Arts where you can sign up. It will be four full days starting March 30 and there's still some room. We'll concentrate on composition, color, the Florida landscape and putting it all together with your own artistic signature. Half of each day will be spent painting outside. Come along, we'll have a lot of fun!

I was excited to learn that the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts will be giving three scholarships again this year. These will go to three Marco Island High School seniors who intend further studies in the literary, performing, or visual arts. If you know a qualified student, please ask them to apply.

The Marco Center for the Arts and the Marco Chamber of Commerce Leadership Marco will also be givng scholarships, thanks in part to Marco Island Wet Paint Live. Many thanks to the artists who painted and the community who purchased to make this benefit to our island youths possible!

Don't forget Marco Island's Community Conservation Celebration at Mackle Park on Saturday. There'll be something for adults and children alike, and lots of learning for all. See you there!