Friendly Neighbors, painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Friendly Neighbors
12x16, acrylic on canvas
$400

This lighthearted little painting, friendly neighbors, is cheerful and colorful. You can see it in person at Celebrate the arts, the Marco Island Art League's fine arts show this weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 10-4. I'm hoping for no rain or wind!

As a exhibitor, I always hope for friendly neighbors at the shows. Set up and tear down occur in very close quarters and can be stressful. Everyone tries not to infringe on the space of someone else, get in their way, or park to confine, but a smile or kind work from a neighbor can make the task pleasant, while a grouchy neighbor just adds to the stress!

There will be close to a hundred high quality arts at the Art League show, including painting, pottery, sculpture and jewelry in addition to a nice selection of entertainment, children's activities, and refreshments, too.

The show is a fundraiser for the Art League. Many have suffered financial difficulties during these hard times, and the Art League is no exception. With a hands-on effort from the board, support of the members and the business community, the Art League is slowly working their way out of debt and back to fiscal responsibility.

This show will be an important fundraiser for the Art League. Come, pay the minimal entrance fee graciously, extra if you can, and pass this on to anyone you think might be interested in a really nice art show. Hope to see you there!

Last Wednesday Art Walk, Please Step Forward Daily Painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Please Step Forward

5x7, acrylic on board

$150

The Artist Colony at the Esplanade will present the Last Wednesday Art Walk in the studio galleries tonight from 5-8 p.m. You'll be offered a glass of wine or coffee, treats to munch on, and enjoy music in each of the three galleries while you visit with artists and see the new work produced this month.

Each of the three galleries will have new work to show and tell about. One of the joys of the Artist Colony is that it's fun to see what everyone else is producing. Ask the artists about the inspiration for a particular piece, or why they chose to portray something in a particular manner. We're all so different. Do you have a favorite yet?

It's been so cold that I haven't ventured too far out lately, but have found plenty of inspiration on the new Marsh Trail. I've got two new paintings from that area, and am working on a large piece. Stop in tonight, and see what's new!

Let's take a Walk

5x7, acrylic on board

$150

The Naples National Art show had the reputation of being the best art show in Naples, and this past weekend was no exception. The park was full on terrific exhibitions, the entertainment varied and even the weather cooperated, holding off on any rain until we packed up the car. I enjoyed being back in the show circuit after a break and some show food, too!

It was truly gratifying to have so many wonderful clients come by to chat, and humbling to learn how many of my paintings, some sold many years ago, are still enjoyed and appreciated. I'm hoping many people will stop by the studio/gallery at the Esplanade, too, now that they're aware of it.

You might enjoy learning that the Marjory Stoneman Douglas festival will be this coming weekend. Marjory Stoneman Douglas moved to from Minnesota to Florida in 1915 at the end of her marriage, and wrote for the Miami Herald where her father was editor. She became enamoured with the Everglades, understood how the water moved over the land, and became a tireless advocate for preserving the delicate ecosystem. Her plea for preservation went as far as the White House, where she was instrumental in persuading President Roosevelt to create Everglades National Park. Douglass is best known for her book, River of Grass, highlighting the natural value of the land. She continued to live simply in Coconut Grove, and to lecture and write about the Everglades until the end of her long life at 108.

She will be honored this week in Everglades City at the annual Marjory Stoneman Douglass Festival. The Festival, starting on Feb. 23, will open with a lecture of Everglades Culture and History by Dr. Laura Ogden, followed by a luncheon and fashion show. Walks, talk, films and workshops will continue throughout the week. Tickets, required for some of the events, can be purchased through the Everglades Museum.

Naples National Art Show, Breezy daily painting by Everglades Artist JoAnn Sanborn

Breezy

5x7 acrylic on board

$150

Another art show coming to town isn’t news these days because you can find one almost every weekend. There are the shows on Fifth Avenue, shows at the shopping areas like Coconut Point and the Mercardo, Art in the Park, ArtCrafter shows, and shows on several corners of Collier every weekend in season.

Ah, but is it art? If you attend many of these shows you’ll see a big difference between one show and another. If you’re looking for a pot holder or a painted coconut, then the corner craft show may have just what you want. If you want a quality piece of art for your home, where you know the artist is serious about their work and that your piece will hold it’s value and be well made, a juried show may be your best choice.

My favorite of the year is the Naples National Art Show. This large and prestigious show has been around for a long time and draws artists from around the country. Artists are juried in and the competition is stiff. I’m delighted to be included, and will have some larger paintings and some dailies for you to enjoy. I’ll be in the red section, along 8th Street Saturday and Sunday from 10-4. Hope you’ll stop by and say hello!

Inner peace, Morning Peace painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Morning Peace

16x20, acrylic on canvas

$500

I had the good fortune to be interviewed by a delightful young woman doing a research paper on what inspires artists, particularly those who find the beauty of the Everglades worth recording through art. We spoke for some time, as she asked me to define what it was about my special place, the Everglades, that makes it important for me to paint.

Talking about the Everglades is something that comes easily to me. I told her that the bold forms of the palms thrusting up out of the prairies, the quiet gurgle of the moving water, or the rustle of the breeze through the leaves of a cypress dome, the way dancing light played on the sawgrass compelled me to my canvas and provided endless inspiration.

She wanted something deeper, though, and as we spoke she drew out of me that the ties humans have with uninhabited places fills an emptiness of the soul. That as we contemplate the timelessness of an ancient place, and let it's beauty slowly become part of us, the we may find peace that may elude us in other circumstances.

I find inner peace on the edges of a prairie in the Everglades, in the morning light as the sun informs the dawn, in the breeze as Old Mother West Wind's children play. I'm absolutely delighted when one of my paintings can make you feel it, too!

Cold Florida Weather, Winter Sunshine painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Winter Sunshine

11x14, acrylic on canvas

Sold

Today's painting is another I was finishing up as a spoke with visitors to the Esplanade. It's interesting and informative to talk with people from all over the globe and to hear of their delight in finding working artists on site.

The weather has been a serious topic of conversation on Marco Island this year since many of our visitors come from colder climates. Some are delighted by our sunshine, happy to be away from the snow, while those who have been here in warmer winters are unhappy about the extremely cold winter we're having.

I know that I was certainly overly optimistic when I wrote my February newsletter, speaking boldly about spring in the air after a couple of warmer days. It's now mid February, and I'm fighting for the life of my tropical plants!

After all, we're in a subtropical location. Climatologists vary a little on the actual temperatures for a subtropical zone, but agree that temperatures in the 40's and 50's are common in winter, and we've had our share of 30's this year! Oh, for a day in the 70's!

Manatee deaths are up due to cold stress. Fish gather in deep holes near the bottom. I haven't seen a gecko for days. I'd be very interested to know how our invasive species, especially the animals, in the Everglades are handling the cold weather. Will it kill off the iguanas and the pythons?

Thursdays at Waterfront, Gift daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Gift

5x7, acrylic on board

Sold

This little painting was sold right off the easel as I put on the finishing touches. I enjoyed meeting the buyer, a young woman from NYC who knows and enjoys art. She was going to put it on a small easel on her coffee table. It was late, she didn't want it framed, so it was a quick sale and off it went. I'll enjoy thinking of it in it's more cosmopolitan life!

Last night we attended an art opening at the Artist Colony at the Esplanade. Waterfront Gallery is a little harder to find since it is facing the water rather than being in the main corridor, but once you are there it is worth the trip. There are nine enthusiastic artists in the Waterfront Gallery, and they have decided to bring more attention to their space by having a featured artist with an opening every week for the next nine weeks.

Their work is all quite different, and when numbers were drawn, abstract artist Tony Dallman-Jones was designated as the first artist to show his work. Waterfront Gallery loves to play host, and the wine was poured generously and the treats were delectable. Tony's work was hung on their long wall and looked terrific, his abstract impressions providing much fodder for discussion. Tony's work will hang all week, to be replaced by another artist next Thursday night.

It would be nice to have strong community support for these openings. The Artist Colony is bringing people from all over to visit, and is helping to make Marco an arts destination. If you're a business person, you'll benefit from increased business. If you're a realtor, you'll benefit, since people want to live where art opportunities are available. If you have relatives from up north after the beach you can take them out for lunch and an art walk. Visitors and residents alike tell us every day how much they appreciate our being available to them.

And you personally benefit by expanding your vision, seeing new artwork, talking to an artist about the how and why of what they're doing, seeing what you like and what you don't, and enjoy a constantly changing feast for the eyes.

Hope to see you in all three galleries, and please, put Thursdays at Waterfront on your calendar.

Complacency, Waiting for Spring daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Waiting for Spring

5x7, acrylic on board

$150 framed

Cold again! Looks like it will be this way all week. We've nothing to complain about visitors are all too willing to tell us as they come into the studio in their sweatshirts. It's much colder where I come from. But for me, I'm sick of sweatshirts, socks and scarfs!

I'm ready for Spring and it's showing up in my palette! When you get comfortable with the colors on your palette, know what to expect of each one, know how it will react with all the other colors you squeeze out for your working day, and exactly how it will mix, it’s time to add a new color to your palette. Or perhaps try a whole new palette.

An artist should never get too comfortable with any materials and methods that allow staying in a comfort zone for too long. That’s not the job of an artist. Experiment, try a color, method or material, think about your work with a fresh eye. Comfort equals complacency, and complacency stifles creativity.

I have thought about this a lot lately because I’ve been painting the Everglades for a long time now. Still, after examining my motives, I know I’m not done yet. I continually see new things, new colors, new forms. The light continues to be fabulous and intrigues and inspires. I don’t copy nature, my paintings come from deep within and resonate with this ancient landscape. The day I feel complacent and the work becomes easy, I’ll try something new.

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.