Everglades Safari, Everglades Mangrove daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Everglades Mangrove

12x16, acrylic on canvas

$400

The Florida Everglades have become my muse and my mission. As an artist, their bold shapes, colorful forms and remarkable light provide my inspiration. One of my joys is to introduce others to their beauty

Some people are afraid of mosquitoes, the heat, alligators, and other dangers both real and imagined, and would prefer to have someone with knowledge and experience introduce them to this ancient landscape. Just such an event is coming up soon.

Friends of the Fakahatchee will be holding an Everglades Safari on Saturday, February 27th. Famous Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher will make a guest appearance, and you'll have options for walking, riding or wading as you are introduced to the landscape. The afternoon will end with a "Florida Cracker Dinner" including wine. Since events like this are fun and very popular, reserve early!

Out of Focus, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Yes, today's photo is out of focus. Its either that, or nothing. Yesterday I chose not to post it, and then forgot to redo the photo. I realize there are no excuses for this!

My camera, same brand and model as my old one, doesn't seem to work the same way at all. In addition, I'm never in my old studio where I took fine photos in the past, at the times the light is just right. The new Studio at the Artist Colony in the Esplanade has very uneven light and I can't seem to get a good photo there at all. Sometimes, however, I will take a quick photo to remind me that I haven't documented the work yet so that I don't forget while going back and forth.

It's funny how what you do comes back to haunt you. Not long ago I suggested, to another blogger who had asked for comments about her blog, that she not apologize for h
er photos. Hers were almost always good, at least on my computer, and often I couldn't see the flaws she she apologized for almost daily. Looking for the flaws took the focus off the beautiful works of art she was creating.

So, sorry, Kelly. I can't seem to get a good photo, and this one's definitely worth an apology! But sometimes life is a little out of focus, and if you just squint a little . . . . . . . . . .

Dancing Ladies

20x24. acrylic on canvas

Sold

There was an interesting discussion recently on the web about what constitutes an original work of art. Some people felt that it was any work of art done by the hand of an artist, and that the job of the artist was only to observe and interpret.

But there was also strong opinion that if 10 art students are in a room drawing the same figure, none of the work is original because the idea of drawing the figure is not original, and that an original work of art is only something that shows us something new, in a unique and different way.

Since I'm a landscape artist, when I think of artists who showed us a new way of interpreting the landscape, I think of artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and more recently, Wolf Kahn. These artists have painted differently from artists in the past and opened our eyes to seeing the landscape in a new way.

Their work is instantly recognizable as a Monet, a Van Gogh, or a Kahn. They've shown us a new way of looking. Now that's something to strive for!

Occasionally someone will tell me that because of seeing my paintings they see the Everglades in a whole new way. While I know that I'm only a small way along the path of "artist", it's the highest compliment I can receive.

The Marco Island Wet Paint Live Auction on Thursday night was a great success. Fourteen artists painting around the island during the day, including Jared Stitchcomb who painting in/at the little magrove island. We all brought finished and framed artwork to the Marco Island Center for the Arts for auction, with two paintings shown throughout the week and available for silent auction. The auctioneer and MC worked well together and the crowd came ready to bid. It was a lot of fun, despite the usual nervousness that no one would bid on my work. No paintings went for extraordinarily high amounts, but no paintings were left without bids, so it was successful for all. Half the money raised will be returned to the artists, and the other half go to scholarships for Marco youths.

Here's my set-up earlier in the day. For the first time you had to have your canvas marked, so I had three -- small, medium, and large, thinking I'd do the smaller canvas. When I viewed my subject I knew I needed the bigger canvas, so I painted with terrific speed all day long not sure if I would finish in time. I did, and was pleased with the result. Congratulations and thank you to the high bidder!

Just the night before the Artist Colony at the Esplanade had held our first Last Wednesday Art Walk. It was a great success with a good turnout and quite a bit of interest in our coupons paired with restaurant specials. Thanks to CJ's on the Bay, Guy Havey's Island Grill and Tara's Steak and Lobster House for adding to the fun by providing artist-named specials for the evening. Thanks also to singer Shelley Million who sang in each of the three galleries for an extra special treat. We''ll be doing the Art Walk again next month, so save Feb. 24 on your calendar!

Acrytlic paint potential, painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Today's painting is one that was started some time ago. Working a painting surface over and over can deepen and enrich the painting, and this painting has had multiple layers applied. I brought it out again yesterday to discuss in my acrylic class.

It was the last class in a series of four, and the subject was using acrylics in a variety of ways. We talked about how it's a magical medium and how few artists use acrylic paint to it's fullest potential.

The above canvas is one of four I brought to class to illustrate a variety of techniques. The canvas had been covered with a layer of thick gel medium, applied with a palette knife and allowed to dry before beginning the painting. The uneven surface added texture and interest as the paint was applied. Some iridescent paint has been worked into the surface, so it's got a nice glow, and the negative spaces hhave been painted again and again in a variety of colors.

It's fun to try something new, and to learn new techniques. Each of my students was able to find a way to glaze, texturize, get a glow or manipulate the paint in a way that was new to them. They probably won't use the techniques all the time, but have gained some new understanding of the range of opportunities with acrylic paint. Thanks, Class. It was fun!

Marco Beach

11x14, acrylic on canvas

$325

The beach in the early morning is just lovely, with light from the early morning sky highlighting the waves along the shoreline. In the distance the last lights of some of the condos mix with the first rays of the upcoming sun, making it difficult to tell which is which.

Today, the beach won't be as appealing as usual because of Red Tide. The cause of red tide is still unknown, with some appearing to be related to pollution, and others from natural causes. Rising sea temperature is thought to also play a part. Here's a good good red tide fact sheet.

In any case, while they are not thought to be dangerous except to fish and shellfish, people with respiratory problems should stay off the beach today. It's going to rain anyway!

Great Blue Heron, Still Waters daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Still Waters

5x7, acrylic on board

Sold

This time of year in the frozen northland it's not unusual to see birds, but you wonder how they survive the cold and snow. Many New England birds will be viewed and counted and lectured about at the Cape Ann Birding Weekend in February.

Here in Southwest Florida we also have many birds. This time of year there are a lot of them, and many are quite large. Some migrate here here to spend the winter, others stopover on their journeys to elsewhere.

This morning as I poured my morning coffee a great blue heron flew down the canal. The sheer size of the bird catches my eye even though I'm only half awake. Because I've left the window open wide, I can hear the beat of wings, and I'm in awe.

The Great Blue Heron is one of the largest North American birds, and lives year round in much of the country, most often somewhere that water meets land. . They eat a varied diet and live in colonies of as many as 500 nests. There's a nice photo here.

Surf Fishing

5x7, acrylic on board

$150

This small painting of Marco Beach was inspired by another artist who's work I looked at yesterday morning because it was highlighted on Empty Easel. It stayed with me thorough the day, and later, I recalled his style. which inspired this little daily. You might like to look at the work of Malcolm Ludvigsen, too. His paintings are larger, and with a much deeper developed surface. They made me feel peaceful, and his areas of activity we like jewels!

The beach has been beautiful in the early morning. If you're on Marco you can take a walk when the light coming up from behind casts a beautiful glow on the sand. If you're from afar, you can take a look at the Marco Island Sun Times web cam, or the web cam at the Marco Marriott.

Snowbirds and prizes, Getting Your Feet Wet daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Getting Your Feet Wet
5x7, acrylic on canvas
$150

Palm trees, and getting your feet wet are some of the reasons Marco Island is so popular this time of year. Since the first of January there has been a big increase in the sightings of snowbirds. Snowbirds are our friends from the north who spend several months with us resting and enjoying the warm sun. It's thought that the term snowbird might refer to an Ann Murray song.

"Spread your tiny wings and fly away
And take the snow back with you
Where it came from on that day
...
So, little Snowbird, take me with you when you go
To that land of gentle breezes where the peaceful waters flow..."

So welcome, friends from the northlands! Enjoy your season here.

Congratulations to Cynthia Prince, winner of the first daily painting drawing. She chose a marsh scene for her prize!

A winner for one of the daily paintings will be chosen periodically from those who receive my monthly newsletter. Add your email here, or come into the Esplanade Studio Gallery to be included in the next drawing.

A winner for one of the daily paintings will be chosen periodically from those who receive my monthly newsletter. You can sign up here or come into the Studio Gallery to be included in the next drawing! If you already receive my newsletter, you'll automatically be included!

Iguanas & Clyde, Good Morning daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Good Morning

5x7 Acrylic on board

$150

It is a good morning, with just a few hints that our cold, cold spell may be weakening. With only one wool sweater left I've been hard pressed to stay warm. The sweater is thigh-length, old enough for the fashion to have come around again!

Yes, frozen iguanas! I saw one for myself in the parking lot of the Marco Island Library early one morning when returning some books. The poor iguana had gotten cold enough to loose his grip and fall from tree. Someone had gently place a construction cone near the cold body to avoid a squishing incident, but with the ongoing construction most people just walked by without looking down.

I've heard that they will warm up and recover. Unless, of course, the iguana collector comes by and sends them into the big chill forever. Iguanas are not native to Southwest Florida, and there are efforts underway to rid the island of them. This cold spell we've been having has made collecting easy.
I have mixed feelings about the green iguanas. They are exotic and beautiful, but do a lot of harm to the seawalls and foliage, and worse, apparently eat the eggs of our birds. Still, I'm sorry to see the suffering.

We attended the screening of the Big Cypress Swamp, the Western Everglades, last night at the Von Liebig, and all the Everglades people were in attendance. We spoke with Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher, filmmaker Elan Stoltzfus, Big Cypress Interpreter Ranger Bob Degrosse, and were delighted to see a group of Seminoles in colorful costumes.

The film takes you on a journey through the Western Everglades, the area closest to us and quite different from the Miami side River of Grass. I'll have the film in my studio gallery at the Esplanade, and will be happy to loan it to you overnight for a returnable deposit.

This weekend Rookery Bay, just north of Marco Island will hold its Nature Festival. With lectures, demonstrations, swamp walks, rides and cruises, there should be something for everyone. It's a great way to get a feel for our environment without getting too far off the beaten path.

I, along with other Marco Island professional and aspiring artists, will be be participating in the Left Bank Art Fest at the Esplanade on Marco, about 1/2 mile on the right as you come over the bridge. There's plenty of parking only a short walk away in the city lot by Winn Dixie. I'll be inside my gallery, and urge you to visit the artists both inside and out! The Left Bank Art Show is produced by the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts.

In addition, the Marco Island Center for the Arts is holding a Craft Fair on the Art League grounds on Winterberry.

Wet Paint,Catching the Light daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Catching the Light

5x7, acrylic on board

$150

My class on Acrylic Basics is going well, with twelve talented and delightful students. When the Education Committee asked me to try four two-hour classes to be held within a month, rather than my usual four day intensive workshop the Florida landscape. The goal was to offer classes to monthly visitors as well as residents.

I wasn't at all sure it would work. I worried. How would there be time for our "talking time?" How could the students possibly learn something and paint it in such a short time

Well, it's working out just fine. We start the class with the day's subject--yesterday was composition, and between some discussion and a handout, students were at their easel in no time working away. Fortunately, they are not adverse to a little homework, and will be bringing their own homemade value scale in complete next week for our session on value. All the while we're learning to work with the acrylic paint, and I'm learning too as we talk and share.

On the subject of Wet Paint, my husband and I hosted a cocktail party for the artists and sponsors of the Marco Island Wet Paint Live event last night. It was a fun event with a great turn-out, and everyone is looking forward to paint-out day.

Wet Paint Live, now in it's third year, will be held the last Thursday in January. There's fewer artists this year and more sponsors, which translates into a stronger event. Paintings of participating artists will be displayed at the Marco Island Center for the Arts the week before the event, and participating artists have the opportunity to include two paintings in a silent auction.

The event provides scholarships for Marco Island students, and is presented by the Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Marco, the Marco Island Center for the Arts and the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber for $35. Don't miss it!

Artist Colony, Baby makes Three daily painting by Everglades Artist JoAnn Sanborn

And Baby makes Three

5x7, acrylic on canvas

$150

The Artist Colony at the Esplanade is now going strong. There are now three studios galleries and a total of 17 artists, with at least one working artist in each of the three locations each day. I'm usually there Wednesdays and Thursdays, and sometimes on Friday, although I'm happy to meet you there at another time if possible.

My work at the Esplanade varies, and I spend time designing, priming canvases, framing, studying, making a color chart, or best of all painting. I'm working more from photos, partly because of the hours I need to spend there, and partly because the weather has been so challenging!

There are completed painting up on the walls for you to enjoy. You are invited to get some coffee at Starbucks, come in, sit a while, learn a little more about art, and to share my passion for the Everglades. I’m very happy to talk while I work, and if I can’t for some reason, I’ll let you know why. You’re not disturbing me!

In addition to showcasing my own paintings, I actively support the Marco Island Center for the Arts and the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts, and other cultural events within our community. I'm delighted that the artists can provide an art presence for our citizens and visitors alike to enjoy.

Vanishing Lands
24x30, acrylic on canvas
$900

The Picayune Stand State Forest was the scene of a celebrtaion yesterday marking the beginning of a project to restore natural water flow to the Everglades grassland south of I-75.

The project was approved in 2000, but funds have been a long time in coming. Florida Senator Bill Nelson assures that the rest of the money will come more easily, and that a complete job will be done. Let's hold him to it!

Standoffish

5x7 acrylic on canvas

$150

Burr-r-r-r-r! It's cold here this morning, colder and cold longer than we're used to. I smell like the cedar chest. I opened up the old, scarred chest for the first time in ages to find my own remaining wool sweater. I've owned it long enough that it's thigh-length, in today's current fashion!

The geckos are hiding and the palms are looking a little peaked, but the sky is blue and the sun is shining brightly. I'm hoping that the orchids will make it through this cold spell on their own. The last time it was this cold I brought them into the house along with a resident snake. Won't do that again!

Goals and Resolutions, Happy in Crowds daily painting by artist JoAnn Sanborn

Happy in Crowds

5x7 acrylic on board

$150

Now that the holidays are past, it's time to begin working toward the year's goals. Setting goals, with completion times attached, is the best way for me to get something done.

I'm going to paint a large painting every month. I want to take at least one painting class this year, visit more museum shows, finish cataloging my paintings, improve my newsletter, and thank people who help me weekly. I'm grateful for my online friends, art and otherwise, and want to do a better job of connecting online.

As I thought about the coming year, I believe that most people expect it to be better than the last few years. But what does that actually mean? More access to money? Better jobs? New houses? That we'll go back to times before the last decade? The reality is that times change in ways we can't foresee.

So, I'm going to try to keep an open mind in 2010. Look at new things without prejudice and maybe try a few. We can move along with the tidal swell of the future, or we can look back, digging our feet in the sand. If we do, we're left behind.

Fresh Start, Daily Painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

The Rocks, Gloucester

20x24, acrylic on canvas

Happy New Year to you and yours! New morning, new day, new year! May you dwell on your dreams to fullfillment in 2010! 2009 was a tough year in many ways, but there were a few high points to treasure. Still, I'm ready for a fresh start. How about you?

Today's painting was done as a gift and sent just before Christmas. An overdue commission was finished and delivered on Wednesday. You can read my January newsletter here. Interested in learning more about painting with acrylics? My class starts January 5th at the Marco Island Center for the Arts. Phew! Still busy! Guess that's a good thing.

Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday!

The Artists at the Esplanade held great party for our Holiday Open House. Even Lulu our mannequin was decked out for the party. The weather was perfect for viewing the short but sweet Marco Island Boat Parade, and artists were in a party mood. We all had a wonderful time sharing refreshments, and Season's Greetings and Merry Christmas to everyone and enjoying the beautiful harp music of Kim Adamson. Thanks for stopping in!
Holiday Hours can be found on our website. You might be needing a last-minute handmade gift!

While I'll still be at the studio, I'm taking time off from this blog between Christmas and the New Year. It's a time to be spent with family and friends, a time for reflection and renewal. I'll be enjoying Christmas, and then will get very busy cleaning out the old and focusing on the new.

I like to start each year fresh. I agree with artist mentor and coach Alyson Stanfield who suggests that you look back and write down your accomplishments of the past year and then look ahead to what you'd like to accomplish in the year ahead. Try it. You'll be amazed at what you've done!

Rightside Gallery served a warm mulled wine that smelled heavenly and tasted just as good. We kept it in a crock pot between our Christmas trees. Here's the recipe as my gift to you!

Jo-Ann's Christmas Mulled Wine

Make a sugar syrup with 3/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup water. Add 6 whole cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, s few shakes of nutmeg and the zest of a lemon and an orange. Bring to a simmer, simmer 5 minutes. Add:

2 bottles red wine (cabernet is fine)

1 bottle blackberry wine ( if you can't find the blackberry wine, a brandy would work

Top with leftover lemon and orange slices. Serve quite warm.

It's been a tough year, and a tough decade. Let's bring in the New Year with hope and promise for a better future. Best Wishes for Wonderful, Joyous Holidays and for a Happy, Healthy New Year to you and yours!

Holiday Open House, Out on My Own, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Out on my Own

5x7 acrylic on board

Sold

Today's daily Everglades painting is a scene out on the Marsh Trail, and yesterday's early morning fog ensured it would be a quiet, subdued daily painting. The stillness of the water and the reduced values and color make the scene peaceful and serene. The single palm is alone but not lonesome on soil raised just enough above the swamp to allow its growth.

Tomorrow will be our Holiday Open House. You're invited to come along anytime between 5-8. We'll share a glass of holiday cheer and watch the Marco Island Boat Parade when it comes through Smokehouse Bay. If you're afraid that parking might be a problem, just park in the City's Farmer's Market lot a short walk away.

Seth Godin, One of a Kind painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

One of a Kind

16x20, acrylic on canvas

$400

This palm caught my eye at the head of the Marsh Trail, the new trail into the Fakahatchee only a few miles from Marco Island. It was absolutely glowing in the warmth of the late afternoon sun. I took a photo and wanted to paint it before the memory faded. A few minutes later the sun had moved in the sky and the palm didn't have nearly the same appeal.

Times are fast changing, and one way I try to stay up to date is to read the blog of Seth Godin. He wrote "Tribes" and he's trying once again to update our thinking. His ideas are revolutionary, and he has an extraordinary group of friends You can get his new ebook, free, here.Wish I had time to figure out what a riff is--I'll save that exercise for later!

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.