Meet and Greet, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

Today's Everglades painting is really all about meeting and greeting others. One of the pleasures of having a studio in commercial space with the Artist Colony at the Esplanade on Marco Island is that I get to meet all kinds of interesting people who wander in while I'm working.  You never know who'll come in, and if you like to meet and greet, there's plenty of opportunity.

Dreama Tolle Perry was in the studio la couple of weeks ago.  She was visiting Marco Island for a few days of respite, and wandered in with her husband and a friend. We chatted before I knew who she was, and was almost overcome over when I discovered who I was speaking with! If you don’t know Dreama, she is an artist, and half of the team that produces the weekly radio show Artists helping Artists. Her paintings are colorful and fabulous, and she’s lovely and gracious, and just as delightful as she sounds on the radio.

One of the things she noticed right away was my method of paint organization. I have a clear, over-the-door shoe holder to hold my paint supply, and use it to organize the tubes by color. It’s very easy to see what colors you have on hand and what it’s time to order. Dreama thought it was a clever idea, and two shows later spoke on the show about this method being a helpful tip for artists.

The show is terrific, geared to helping developing artists market their best work, but there’s plenty of substance for mid-career artists as well. This particular show answered a question of artist Mary Sheehan Winn, another artist and friend who stopped by two days after Dreama. The shows are all recorded and can be listened to while you paint or work on something that doesn’t require much attention. Listen in, and tell Dreama I sent you!

I'm going to work on getting Dreama Tolle Perry and her radio and sometimes workshop partner Leslie Saita to come to Marco for a workshop.  Would you like that, too?  If so, let me know! 

Dark and Suffering

The photo above is from a demonstration I did recently at my studio in the Esplanade. I tone all my canvases with a nice warm dark, usually a mix of dark red and blue, as soon as they arrive, and always have some toned canvases ready for the next painting.   My habit is to work from the dark canvas by blocking in the darks and working towards the light.

Other artists, especially in Florida, tone with a bright orange or red, feeling that the compliment will spark up all the green.  Other artists tone with a medium grey, and find that it's easy to see what's in light and shadow by starting in the middle.

I work back and forth, from the lights to the darks without worrying too much about anything but getting the feeling of the space until a composition begins to emerge.  From the darkness a plan emerges, once I'm satisfied with this rough block out I'll begin to add volume to the forms and develop a color strategy. 

Since daylight savings, I can't seem to get out of the dark.  I'm a morning person, and do my best working and thinking as the sun rises.  I feel for the late risers, who are probably more affected during the Fall switchback and delighted in spring, but find that daylight savings Daylight Savings Time has thrown me completely off my regular schedule. It's worse as I age, too. 

Even though it's been more than a week, I'm still suffering.  After waking naturally to gently lengthening days, having a sudden shift back to the dark is like waking up in a dark pit.  I find myself sluggish and slow thinking for hours. 

The health benefits of Daylight savings are mixed, providing more sunlight hours for exercise and outdoor activities, but possibly the cause for a rise in suicide rates and heart attacks right after the changeover.  It's time we got back to our natural rhythms! 

With so many serious problems in the world to worry about, this is a small one.  But I'm just saying, how's a person to solve them if half of the solvers can't wake up?

What's on your palette?

Art's Afire!, the week long celebration of arts and culture on Marco Island was terrific!  It culminated in a beautiful evening of celebration and awards.  It was a busy time, a wide variety of events happening around town all week.  I believe that arts help build community through shared experiences, and last week was a great example as people who might not come together otherwise enjoyed the events. 

The Afterglow Gala was specular.  Held at the Island Country Club, doors opened to a trumpet fanfare, the ceiling glowed with paper lanterns.  World renown Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher was there, and  PT Barnum and Reese Witherspoon made brief appearances.  Several of Marco's elected officials were seen having FUN!  The food was supurb, ending with delicious, flaming baked Alaska.

The Awards all held a requirement for service to community as well as achievement, and it was with great pleasure that I handed an envelope containing the name of the winner to each presenter.  Thanks to Ken Stroud, Commissioner Donna Fiala, Keith Dameron, Sandi Johnson and Howard Blankman for presenting the beautiful glass engraved awards. 

     Tara O'Neill - Individual Artistic Achievement

     Tyler MacDonald - Emerging Artist

     Public/Private Art in Business - Dave Rice

     Arts in Education - the Calusa Garden Club

     Cultural Leadership - Clyde Butcher

Tyler is a 15 year old nature photographer, and meeting Clyde was the highlight of his evening.  It was a magical community evening filled with good will.  I'm hoping it will become a yearly event. 

After taking a break from painting for a week, I'm going back with a slightly different palette.  Pretty colors, nice change.  What's on your palette today? 

Arts Afire Ignites the Arts on Marco Island! Changing Light painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Changing Light, Jo-Ann Sanborn, 2011

acrylic on canvas, 30"x30"

Arts Afire!, Marco’s celebration of Arts and Culture, starts tomorrow, and there are so many wonderful opportunities for people to see, view, and participate in a wide range of arts and culture events over the 10 days of Arts Afire!

One event that is sure to be well attended and VERY special will be Flashpoint, a Kick-Off Party at CJ’s on the Bay held by the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce on Monday, March 14th.  In addition to the literary and performing arts delighting you, the Artist Colony at the Esplanade will provide an opportunity for your participation in the Visual arts, but that's only a small part of what will happen at Flashpoint. Flashpoint will truly light the spark of arts and culture on Marco, and will delight you.  Don't miss it! 

On Wednesday, March 16th, The Artist Colony at the Esplanade will have demonstrations by each of the Colony artists all day long.  Stop in and have the opportunity to look deeper into each artists muse.  Some will demonstrate or show you a special technique, some will talk about their own art, and some, about the art of others.  Here's our schedule"

10:00 Waterfront Gallelry and Studios, Karen Swanker - Found objects

10:30      Rightside Studios, Darren Clack

11:00     Waterfront Studios Gallery and Studios, Maggie DeMarco - Glass Painting

11:30     Portside Studios, Inez Hudson - Inspiration

12:00     Rightside studios, Tara O’Neill - Art with an Intimate Focus

12:30     Waterfront Gallelry and Studios, Tom Gallagher - Watercolor techniques

1:00     Portside Studios,  Amanda Ganong

1:30     Rightside Studios, Betty Newman - Painting on Water

2:00 Waterfront, Tony Dallman Jones Sculpting with Light - 22nd Century Art

2:30     Portside Studios, Carolyn Burger - The Diversity of Acrylics

3:00     Rightside Studios, Jo-Ann Sanborn - Everglades, Light and Love

3:30     Waterfront Gallery, Claire Keery - Collage and Assemblage as an Artform

The week will culminate in a fabulous Afterglow Gala at the Island Country Club.  Tickets can be purchased online here. 

What a week!  Here's a SMALL sampling of the weeks events:

Opera!  (Opera Naples at Lutheran Church on Sunday - costumes and scenery!)
Dance! (Spotlight Dance at the Esplanade Monday)
History! (Museum on Sunday)
Song! (Ray and Mary Ellen Friday)
Flowers! (Art in Bloom at the Art League)
Movies! (MIFA Wed and Mackle, Friday)
Art show and all day entertainment!  (Art League)
Art of Flaming Food (Bergman at St Marks Tuesday
Photography!  (Clyde Butcher Lecture Wed at Historical Society)
Mimes and more! 

This can be wonderful!  It's still growing, but you can download a copy of the latest Arts Afire! schedule of events here or pick one up in any of the studios.  I'll be taking the week off from this blog to enjoy the events.  See you out and about!   

Life's a Beach, Jo-Ann Sanborn

Acrylic on archival board, 5x7"

Landscape class started yesterday and I've got a wonderful group of fine artists to share and grow with!  We spoke about the light yesterday, and how the light changes as it moves through the sky.  I gave out a handout about light on forms, but a student suggested I develop a handout about the changes of color and light.  It's something that needs to be observed, over and over until it becomes part of a landscape painters vocabulary, but here's a start to get you thinking about how colors change as the day progresses.   

Morning Light

Cool early morning light retains influence of night colors
Colors grayer in the early morning
More yellows appear as rising sun warms the land
Shadows usually soft
Horizon is lighter than the rest of the sky
Often there’s a beautiful array of soft, subtle color just before sunrise

Mid-Day Light
More orange in the mixes
Bluer sky affects the shadows more
Strong value contrasts between light and shadow areas
Bowl effect of sky becomes very strong
Light on the horizon, deep blues at the zenith

Late Afternoon Light
Colors are grayer and warmer as the daylight mixes with pollution
Yellows turn to umbers
Shadows lengthen

Sunset Light
Sun goes through more atmosphere as it sinks to the horizon
Increases the amount of warm reds, yellows and oranges
As sun sets,  the purples and deep blues of night slowly take over
Top of the sky darkens more quickly than near the horizon

On another subject, you may have visited the Art Artist Colony at the Esplanade  and wondered how one of the artists conceived and executed a painting or other work of art.  Here's a chance for you to meet them, hear what they have to say, and ask questions.  We'll be having a FREE meet the Artists demonstrations and lectures event every half hour NEXT Wednesday, March 16th, as part of Arts Afire, so put it on your calendar now! 

Here's the schedule!  

10:00 am     Waterfront Studios & Gallery,  Karen Swanker - Found Objects
10:30 am     Rightside Studios, Darren Clack
11:00 am     Waterfront Studios & Gallery, Maggie DeMarco - Glass Painting
11:30 am     Portside Studios, Inez Hudson, Inspiration
12:00 noon  Rightside Studios, Tara O’Neill - Art with an Intimate Focus
12:30 pm     Waterfront Studios & Gallery, Tom Gallagher
1:00 pm       Portside Gallery, Amanda Ganong
1:30  pm      Rightside Studios, Betty Newman - Painting on Water
2:00 pm       Waterfront Studios, Tony Dallman Jones - Sculpting with Light
2:30 pm       Portside Studios, Carolyn Burger - The Diversity of Acrylics
3:00 pm       Rightside Studios, Jo-Ann Sanborn - Everglades, Light and Love

3:30 pm       Waterfront Studios, Claire Keery Collage, Assemblage as an Artform

We'll look forward to seeing you.  I've got a nice, new, oversized postcard for those who come to mine! 

Art League's New Directions, painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Radiant in Spring, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on archival board, 5"x7"

The Art League of Marco hired a new director recently, after nearly a year of search for just the right person.  D (yep, that's the name, just the letter!) Michaels, hailing from Colorado, seems like a great fit.  She's a tiny dynamo with an upbeat attitude and a warm smile, and community partnerships in mind.

She's slowly getting her feet under her--remember the Art League was in a bit of a pickle with both funding and image problems, on a bit of a slippery slope.  There's a sound financial plan in place now, a new enthusiasm among the members, and things are looking up. 

D's a connector, and looking for ways for the Art League to partner and build relationships with friends and community organizations.  One of her first ventures was to partner with the Naples Children's Museum, soon to open, but already beginning to offering  some exciting and FREE classes for children at the Art League right here on the island. 

The Art League will be very involved in Arts Afire! next week.  First, March 11 and 12th, Art in Bloom, will be presented at that Art League, a partnership with the Calusa Garden Club.  In addition to having their annual awards show at the Art League, Garden Club members will interpret the work of local artists in flowers for the gallery show.  They'll have some outdoor vendors of garden related items as well. Should be fun. 

The second weekend, March 19 and 20, will be the Art League's Celebrate the Arts.  They were kind enough to reschedule this weekend at the City's request to coordinate with the last weekend of Arts Afire!  The Marco National arts and crafts show will be held on the grounds, as well as two full days of arts and entertainment on the big stage, and a car show besides!  I'll be there with my only tent show of the season.  Come out and support Marco's Art League.  You'll have a great time!

Check out the class lists, too.  There are several good ones!  Landscape class starts tomorrow with an optional day April 1st painting out in the Everglades.  Don't miss!

Signing and dating paintings

Pond with Bald Cypress, Jo-Ann Sanborn, 2011

acrylic on canvas, 5"x7"

I sign and date my paintings with charcoal pencil on the back. This practice probably comes from owning a small painting of an uncle dated 1942. It’s a painting of some pink roses in a basket, darkish background, light on the flowers, with a couple of bees flying around. I wonder if the flowers were real and the basket of roses sat on a porch scenting the warm summer air drawing bees while my aunt sipped lemonade and chatted with my uncle as he painted. I wonder why he wasn’t at war, and how he had time to paint during that difficult year. I like knowing the year.

So I sign and date and name my paintings on the back with a charcoal pencil, knowing there’s a risk that someone may refuse to purchase because the painting might not be my newest work. Usually paintings sell within a year or two, but sometimes one hangs about the studio for a while, just waiting for a collector who will immediately identify with the work, love and understand it where no one else has felt that connection.

Occasionally, however, familiarity breeds a desire to improve, and I’ll take up my brush and alter the painting in some way. Curving a line a little more, or adding a spot of light might enhance the value or the composition and doesn’t really change things and the painting is better because of it.

Sometimes, however, a painting just hasn’t reached the point of being all it can be, and major redevelopment occurs. What do I do with the date when this happens? Usually nothing, if the adjustments are minor, but if it’s a major revision, I’ll note that on the back. Why not? To call yourself an artist is to grown and learn, and when that happens, there’s no shame to admitting it!

Teaching again and Clyde Butcher!

Jo-Ann Sanborn and Clyde Butcher at the Fakahatchee Safari taken by fabulous Everglades photographer Jay Stanton

Do you paint, but want a little jump start on the Florida landscape?  Paint what you see but don't get what you  want?  Have trouble with clouds? 

I'm teaching a class focusing on Florida Landscape starting March 8th at the Art League of Marco Island.  You're invited to come along!   Four Tuesday mornings will be short and sweet classes indoors all about the landscape.  We'll cover trees, skies, water, atmospheric progression, and a lot more in the two hours we have together each week,

Then, on April 1, I'll lead a brave and hearty group out to spend a morning painting in the Everglades. The "plein air" day will be "stand alone" from the class, and you can take one or both. 

Actually, you don't really need to be brave or hearty either.  We'll be on solid ground, not in the water like famous Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher who loves to wade with the alligators!

Come along, it'll be fun!  Sign up online or call the Art League of Marco Island to register today.

Negative Spaces

Orchids, Jo-Ann Sanborn

Acrylic on Canvas, 36"x24"

Generally I try to avoid negative people, preferring the upbeat attitude of the positive around me.  But negative space in painting is a whole different thing. I welcome it, and find it's something every painter should consider when composing a painting.  

Positive space is generally the objects we are painting, in this case the orchids.  Negative space is the space between the objects.  Negative space can greatly affect the composition of the painting.

In the painting above it was the negative spaces that drew me to the subject.  I loved the way the blooms rose high above the leaves.  The negative spaces between the thin flower stalks and their supports and the thick, powerful leaves below jutting into the negative spaces around the basket could provide interest and variation.

I'm not sure this painting is done, and the photo above crops it a little too closely, however, here are some things to think about regarding negative space:

1. Negative space should always be considered in the composition of a painting
2. Negative spaces can contribute to shaping a positive object in the space.
3. Negative spaces can help you define space and distance in landscape.
4. Negative spaces should vary in size or shape within a painting.  (Exception is the stylized face becomes vase type of use)
5. Negative spaces can be used to help define hard and soft edges in a painting.

Everglades Safari,

Banana Wind, Jo-Ann Sanborn 1995

acrylic on canvas, 20"x30"

You will NOT find me at the Naples National Art Show this weekend, as you have for the past six years.  This year I've decided to do something different, and will participate in the Friends of the Fakahatchee Everglades Safari.

Anyone who has read this blog for more than a day knows of my love for the Everglades and my concern for it's future.  This group does a great job of both interpreting and maintaining the Fakahatchee, one of my most beloved painting spots.  The Safari is a fund raiser for them, and several artists have been asked to participate by showing their work.  I'm delighted to be among them! 

The Safari was a sell-out last year, and even though it rained, the participants all agreed it was a fabulous day.  This year should be even better.  You can chose the activities you'd like to participate in, from taking a birding walk with an expert to a swamp buggy ride, and end up around a campfire eating barbecue.  Come along!  You'll be glad you did!

If you're visiting the Naples National Art Show and missing my work, you can visit Aura Fine Art Gallery just up the street at 837 Fifth Avenue, just above Chops.  They'll be showing a number of my paintings through Monday. 

Seeing my work, February Walk painting by Everglades painter Jo-Ann Sanborn

February Walk, Jo-Ann Sanborn, 2011

acrylic on canvas, 30x30

February Walk was done from impressions and photos after a walk with visiting family in the Everglades on the Marsh Trail.  It brings me great pleasure to have others share my love for our fragile environment. 

People often tell me that they have been following my work and know it when they see it anywhere. I love to hear it, since it is every artists dream to have their work recognized. I don’t do anything special, just apply the paint with passion and guts as best I can, but do seem to have developed a style that people recognize and respond to.

The best place to see my work and to talk with me is my studio/gallery at the Artist Colony at the Esplanade. There’s a wide selection of work to show you, and I’ll have the paintings from the paintings from the show at Aura, too. I’m always happy to talk with you about your dream painting. The galleries are open Wed-Sat from 11-7, and I’m usually there Wed and Thurs till 3. If you can’t get there during those hours just give a call and I’ll be happy to meet you at a convenient time

Right now there are paintings out all around the County, so here are some other places you might see a piece or two. There are large pieces in the offices of the Drs Poling and at the Morgan Stanley office. These are pieces it’s hard to display in the space that I have, so they are on loan. If you’re interested in trying one out in your own home, just let me know and I can switch them out. 

There are three pieces at Iberia Bank along with a wonderful selection of local art, worth stopping by. These painting, too, can be changed out as necessary. There’s a piece at the Marco Public Library and three more paintings at Naples Bay Resort that can be retrieved to be sold at any time.
It may sound like a lot of paintings, maybe even too many. But if you are serious about your art you need to be ready to produce paintings for any request at short notice. Perhaps someone has cancelled out of a show and you are asked to fill the space. Can you do it? If you are trying to build a reputation as an artist, it won’t do to just give someone your leftover work, work that didn’t sell, or work you don’t really like. You will have to have a number of pieces of high quality artwork ready to go to take advantage of any last minute situation.

As an artist, I’m ready to meet most needs. If you are a buyer or an art collector, I’ve got a nice selection of pieces for you to consider. Hope to see you at Last Wednesday Art Walk tonight!

Summer Symphony painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Summer Sumphony, Jo-Ann Sanborn, 2011

acrylic on canvas, 60"x48"

Why are the Everglades the subject of so many of my paintings, and why are they also important to you?  Natural areas provide for recreation and wildlife observation as well as protect the vital ecosystems of our planet

The Everglades fuel our economy with commercial and recreational fishing and tourism.  The slow-moving river of grass filters our water, providing fresh water to the region.  Fish breed and shelter in the mangrove fringes along the coast.  Migratory birds rest and nest on the sandy beach of Marco Island, and use the mangrove fringes to shelter from storms and for feeding grounds.  A rich mix of plant and animal communities thrive in the estuaries.

With continued development pressure on our landscape the need to preserve, protect, and set aside natural areas also grows.  It is my hope that when you love one of my paintings, you'll also begin to find a new appreciation for the threatened landscape I portray. 

Palette and Painting Knives, One for All daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

One for All, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

Having just finished up working hard for the solo show at Aura Gallery, I've been taking a little time to contemplate what's next.  Just for variety I did today's daily painting mostly with a painting knife. 

A painting knife has a blunted point, no sharp edge, not always symmetrical, and with a handle more like a trowel to keep your fingers are somewhat protected from smearing in the paint.  A wide variety of marks can be made, from fine lines to pressing, lifting, smearing and spreading the paint.  

It's also possible to paint with a palette knife, which has a rounder tip and  less jog to the handle.  Palette knives are usually symmetrical and easy to use to mix paint on the palette or to scrape paint off either palette or canvas.  Neither has a sharpened edge, although it's possible to develop a sharper edge with use, especially using the earth pigments. 

Both are used interchangeably by most artists.  Using a painting or palette knife instead of a brush tends to  leave more texture and little bits of color to excite the eye.  In this case I used a brush at the finish, a combination which gives the best of both worlds. 

Off the Beaten Path painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Off the Beaten Path, Jo-Ann Sanborn, 2011

acrylic on canvas, 16"x20"

It's always delightful to see our landscape anew through the eyes of our visitors.  Most are enchanted by our sunny skies and closeness to nature.  A group of bottle nose Dolphins with perfect timing visited our canal and put on a terrific feeding show just as my sister stepped out to the dock.  One with a large fish in it's mouth surfaced only feet away.  Time was short, but we visited Otter Mound and saw the gopher tortoises  and those cute little peanut shaped burrowing owls, two rare species that populate our sandy soil.  

We spent an afternoon walking (can't really call it a hike) in the Everglades, this time the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.  Very close to Marco, the new Marsh Trail which I've written about before, makes a wonderful short trip.  A woodpecker greeted us from a tree along the trail.  A great blue heron flew right above our heads with a whoosh of wings, and we saw a great white heron with a nest nearly hidden among the verdant grasses.  

Installed binoculars on the viewing platform allowed us to watch the many and varied wading birds catching fish as if we were right there with them. 
Because we've had recent rains, the water level is still pretty high.  A small alligator basked on the edge of a fish-filled pool, and another rose and fell almost effortlessly in a deeper pool.  Small colorful butterflies accompanied us in the warm sunshine.  An osprey flew above a small pond rich with fish and swooped down to carry one off to the nest. 

The woodpecker cause great discussion later in the evening as some of our party insisted it was a Hairy Woodpecker and some the Yellow Bellied Sapsucker.  The birds are quite similar in size and coloration, and since both could be in South Florida at this time, and no one had a decent photo of the bird, no amount of research proved definative and the issue remain unsolved. 

Taking a break from painting for a couple of days now and then is restorative.  Deep breaths and delight in our natural environment are good for the soul.  I recommend getting out there soon. I'll have some new brochures in the studio if you need a map! 

Heat of the Moment, 2011, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 20x24

You are special! Happy Valentine's Day!

I've uploaded many images of paintings from the upcoming Gallery show to my website, so that you, my loyal blogging friends, can see them if you were not able to get to the show. 
If you have interest in one of the new paintings, call or email me so we can discuss your needs. If you already own a Sanborn painting and decide to acquire a new work, please ask for your collector discount!

Thank you, my Valentines, for your continued encouragement and support! I love you for it! Kisses!

Gallery Show, Earth, Water, Sky painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Earth, Wind, Sky, by Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 16x20

Earth, Wind, Sky is one of the Everglades paintings sold at the gallery reception last evening.  A relatively simple painting, it has a nice quality of moisture to the air that gives it a softness and distinction not always achieved. 

Thank you, Aura Fine Art Gallery, for a wonderful show and a fun reception.

The gallery was beautifully hung with my paintings, with a lovely "goodies" table and plenty of wine.  A woman was hired to stand outside downstairs and make sure people knew about the opening and could find their way up to the gallery, and Barbara and Tim were welcoming and helpful.  Being helpful at one point meant moving paintings here and there at my request as collectors wanted to see two paintings together or in different light.  Thank you! 

Several painting were sold to some of my very dearest collectors.  I was surprised and delighted by very special collector friends who came straight from the airport to attend the show!  Others I hadn't seen for a while warmed me with their greetings.  Thank you! 

Some of my favorite artists came, too, like John Bartolus of Historic Cottages of Naples Calendar fame, and Shannon White, an artist friend now turned jeweler.  (they'll have to get online!) Richard Rosen, fabulous ceramic artist stopped by, too.  Thank you!

Students came.  I love teaching, and to have students come out to one of my shows is an honor.  Thank you! 

Walking into a gallery filled with your work and having people tell you that they respond to this piece or that is just about the best thing that can happen to an artist.  I'll float on this one for a long time!  Thank you! 

The show will hang through February 24th, so if you missed the reception you are still welcome to stop by Aura Gallery and visit the show. It's on 5th Avenue South, just above Chops in downtown Naples. In the meantime, maybe I'll see you at the Left Bank Art Fest at the Esplanade on Saturday.

Icebergs, almost a whine, and a recovery

Monday, pleased with myself, I delivered 23 fine paintings, a little over six months work, to Aura Fine Art Gallery in Naples.  I also washed my windows and spoke for Arts Afire at the Marco City council meeting. Today we'll host a group from the Woman's Cultural Alliance at the Artist Colony at the Esplanade.  I'll supply tea sandwiches for 40 people, homemade, of course. That's what I did yesterday, Arts Afire meeting, groceries, tea sandwiches, computer training.  Tomorrow is the opening reception of my show Corner of the Glades at Aura Gallery and I'm hoping to see you there. Saturday is a Left Bank Art Fest at the Esplanade.  My sister and her husband will come from New England for a few days.  Phew! 
The iceberg?  I need a day to chill out!

It's mid-February, only half way through Marco's busy season, and I'm looking at a real killer week in March.  Still, it's a great time with exciting stuff happening, clients stopping by, a positive and energetic time.  I'm not whining, just hoping I have the energy to keep up!

But it's the painting that drives me, and I've got plans for a nice walk in the Everglades with family.  I know it will spark some ideas that are brewing in my brain for some new work!

By the way, if you are on the island and haven't yet nominated someone for one of the coveted Arts Afire Flame awards, you can do it here.  Deadline is Feb 15.

Fakahatchee Safari, Almost Spring painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Almost Springtime, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 16"x20"

While the frozen northlands are suffering with a wild and snowy winter, you can take a walk on the wild side of sunny Southwest Florida!  The Friends of the Fakahatchee are holding a Fakahatchee Safari fundraiser to support Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve on Saturday, February 26th.  

During the Safari you can explore the natural environment with guided swamp walks, birding walks, photo workshops, scenic tram ridges and swamp buggy rides.  Learn about the ecology of the area with live exotic animal demonstrations, interactive presentations, and view local art work and photography.  I'll be particpating with some of my Everglades paintings. 

You'll also enjoy the camp ambiance of the area with a BBQ cookout, a wine reception, bonfire, live music, story-telling and a market place.  It should be a really fun time and a very special event.  Last year it was a sell out, so make your reservations today!  See you at the Safari! 

Reception Invitation, Last Stand painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Last Stand, Jo-Ann Sanborn

Acrylic on Canvas, 9 12x12 pieces

You're Invited!

Corner of the Glades

New Work, Jo-Ann Sanborn

Reception February 10th, 6-9 pm.m

Aura Fine Art Gallery

837 Fifth Avenue South

Naples, FL  34145

upstairs over Chops!

I’ve been asked to hold a solo show at Aura Fine Art Gallery in Naples, and I've been working on new paintings since early summer when the show was first offered.  The gallery is showing three pieces of my work in anticipation of the show, and I'll deliver another 22 paintings next week. 

Most of the scenes are from the Fakahatchee.  It's been difficult for me to get further afield this year, and some great new access has come available close to Marco Island. Some of the new paintings have been previewed on this blog, and other pieces haven’t been shown anywhere yet.

The painting above, Last Stand, is a new, colorful, nine-piece painting that will be sold as one piece.  I painted something quite similar but different quite a few years ago that's hanging in a dentist office, and wanted to explore the idea further.  It can be hung as shown, or the pieces can be configure to fit your space needs or your aesthetic.  There's been quite a bit of interest as I've worked on the piece in the studio, and you can see it in person at the reception. 

You are invited to the reception, Thursday, February 10th, from 6-9. If you haven’t received a post card about the show from me, it’s because you are not on my mailing list, you have moved and didn’t tell me, or I don’t have your complete address as in the case of some condos. 

In addition, he Post Office is returning the cards to me with a “not deliverable as addressed” label. Yet when I check the address, it is exactly as it appears on my list, delivered previously, or if I check the phone book or online, the address is correct. Almost 10% of the cards have been returned for unknown reasons.  It’s an infuriating waste of money to put stamps on mail that is not delivered even though the address seems correct.

If you have not received a card from me you are still invited! You're welcome to bring friends, too.  Put it on your calendar right now, come along and join the fun. We’ll have a good time, you’ll see my latest work, and if things go well some paintings will be going to new homes.

If you are not able to attend the reception, the paintings will be on display at Aura Gallery from Feb. 10 to Feb. 24. Thanks, Barb and Tim for this opportunity! 

Oh, if you’d like to be added to my snail mail list (at your own peril) you can email me here.

Ground Hog Day, Autumn Silhouette, painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Happy Ground Hog Day!  Wishing you in the frozen northlands an early spring!  No shadow, Spring is near.

Autumn Silhouette

Acrylic on Canvas, 20"x24"

I’ve been working on Autumn Silhouette since I posted about improving it here. As I feared, once you change something in a painting all the relationships change.  There was much more work to do than just changing the direction of the clouds, but when you compare the pieces you see that the extra work was most necessary. Luckily, this is fairly easy to do in acrylic paint. 

The clouds have been lightened and are now floating through the sky in a much lighter manner. The direction is better, too.  The values in the whole piece were strengthened and sometimes corrected. The weeds at the base of the palm are much more interesting and believable, and the color of the distant brush line has been softened.

Sometimes we don’t notice when a painting isn’t quite right. Sometimes the painting doesn’t sell, and we recognize the problem when taking a second look. No matter how we discover something isn’t quite right, once we notice it, it’s always worth the extra work to correct it.