Back to the Glades, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Back to the Glades, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 8"x10"

 

 

Although some of us are getting just a little sick of all the summer rain we've been having, the Everglades are full of water right now, just as they should be.  The Everglades has two seasons, the wet and the dry, and summer is wet, wet, wet! 

 

As the water rises, animals that had congregated together during the winter dry season to share moisture spread out to mate, bear litters, and gain weight from the abundant fish and frogs, and other food sources. 

 

It's all part of the natural balance.  It's just not always perfect for people, who plan a visit to South Florida expecting every day to be a beach day, and this year seems wetter than ever.  Sorry, folks!

Treats for tea, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Treats for Tea, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

Tea on Friday was great fun, with a nice group showing up and enjoying the French paintings.  Both Joanne and I were happy they were so well received, and that several sold.  I was so pleased that artist friends from Naples also made the trip to Marco for tea. 

There were two winners for the French Artists matching contest.  Joan won a sketching set and Dolores a post card, and Judy was delighted to win the framed post card drawing. 

I'm getting more comfortable with painting in oils, and really enjoying a new medium.  Not ready to give up the acrylics, but sliding the paint around a little easier than my first few.  Treats for Tea was fun to paint, and I made special effort not to overwork it.  Not easy, but I put down the brush when I started getting fussy with it! 

Up the Hill, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Up the Hill, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 8"10"

 

Time to move on and get back to the Everglades, so this will be the last post of the paintings done in France for a while.  I took hundreds of photos, so will probably use them as reference for paintings from time to time.  

 

I thought you might also like to see some of the postcards as well, so I've posted a few below.   Most of them are gone, to thank-you's, grandkids, and others, but they are fun to do, so I'll keep up the practice, and there will be a few in the studio for you to frame if you'd like. 

 



 

 

Lily Pond, Le Vieux Couvent, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Garden Pond, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 8"x10"

 

At Le Vieux Couvent, in Frayssinet, France, this little lily pond is just off the studio patio.  There are several large bull frogs in the pond, and if you were very quiet they would begin to sing.  Well, croak.  Loudly and with character. 

 

As soon as you moved closer they would dive for the bottom.  It took me several days to actually see one, but once I knew what I was looking for--mostly two bulbous eyes and a pulsating throat--and learned to move quietly enough, I could pick them out of the green that camouflaged them. 

 

You can see this little painting and the others from my trip if you get your "oui, oui" on and come to tea, Friday, June 12th, 4 p.m in the studio.  Joanne Lawand will join me in showing you our best French paintings, show photos of the trip, have a small little contest, and draw a name for winning one of the French scene post cards.  Hope you can come!  

Old Variety Rose, daily paiinting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Old Variety Rose, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 5"x7"

 

I've always loved roses, and had several climbing varieties when I lived in New England.  I've got one here in Florida, too, and every now and then it will surprise me with a lovely bloom.   Making rose hip jelly was something I did in the fall when the fat rose hips from the Rosa Ragosa along the sure tempted me. 

 

Roses are not particularly difficult to grow if you choose the ones that like the environment where you plant them.  In France, rose growing is a national sport, and almost every home has at least a few roses in the yard.  I did a watercolor postcard of the rose garden, below.

 



 

You may have received my newsletter yesterday.  If not, and you're interested in hearing more about France, you can click here to read it. 

Light Wind, painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Light Winds,  2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 12"x12"

 

 

Marco Island Center for the Arts director Lynn Holley visited me about a month ago and ask if I would be willing to chair the Gallery Committee at the Arts Center for the coming year.  Since I believe in giving back, and it's been a while since I had been active in the broader arts community, I agreed to give it a try. 

 

Some of the programs for the coming year are already in place or in the works.  For example, we will have an exhibition for the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Women artists in January, and one on Trains, Planes, and Automobiles, in Feb of 2014. And there's a core committee of wonderful members in place too. 

 

If you have an idea for an exhibition, want to sponsor an exhibition, or have an interest in joining this active and fun committee, just let me know.  Our first meeting will be August 5, at the Art Center.  Hope you'll join me in producing some new and exciting art exhibitions for Marco. 

 

 

Today's painting, Light Wind is painted in acrylic on canvas.  I like the square format very much, and will do a couple more companion pieces to this one as time allows in the weeks ahead. 

Frolicking in France, Blue Monday daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Blue Monday, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

The frolic in France is over.  Au revoir, mes amies!  We had a great time, but agreed that what happens in France, stays in France, so I won't say too much more.  My lips are sealed about how much chocolate was eaten,

wine consumed, and. . . oh dear. . .and who ATE THE CHEESE!

You may recognize friend and artist Dreama Tolle Perry as the lead troublemaker!  Just sayin'

I've got photos in three places, (ipod, ipad and camera and it will take a while to organize them all, but there's a good number that will make lovely small paintings, so you'll have to excuse me if you see a little French rose or a watercolor postcard of them from time to time.

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I had been tempted to slide a few tubes of acrylic paint in my case, just in case I couldn't make the switch to oils, but didn't do it and now am glad.  Am I a convert to oil painting?  Too early to tell.  I learned a lot about transparent oil painting, and like the way the paint moves.  For the first time I really felt some control, rather than making mud as I have in the past.  And, delightfully, one of the other artist purchased my very first painting.  What an honor! I was happy to get one of her very lovely watercolor postcards as part of the deal. 

While I really enjoyed the Lavender fields, it was wonderful to see how beautiful the Everglades looked on the ride home from Miami.  The light was lovely, and the golds and purples will be inspiration once again in the days to come. 

It's good to be back!  I'll be in the studio during regular hours starting today, and may open for a while on the 4th if its rainy.  Have a wonderful Fourth of July holiday, and remember how much we Americans have to be thankful for.

Three in the Sun, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Three in the Sun, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

Les Fleurs of Frayssinet

Les Fleurs de Frayssinet, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn
Oil on board, 5"x7"

In the tiny village of Frayssinet in Southern France, there are flowers blooming in almost every garden. Pots of colorful blooms march up the stairs or sit on the low walls surrounding the homes. Church bells ring, up the hill is a beautiful flock of sheep, cats play in the yard, and in the morning I can hear a rooster crow his "good morning" to the village.

Food here is consistently good, fresh farmhouse food with lettuce just picked from the garden and breads rich beyond description. Pants getting snugger by the day, but I'm not passing up any of the delicious and beautifully presented bounty we are being served.

Le Vieux Convant, each of the 16 artists gathered here to paint agree, is a little piece of heaven. The gardens are extensive and gorgeous: the medieval garden near the oldest ruins, the rose garden, the vegetables, the perennial gardens, to the poppy fields on the hill. Roses ramble from stone courtyard to terrace walls and up and over the stone houses.
I've been introduced to transparent oil painting and may well become a convert, and had a great time meeting the other artists and seeing their work. It's been a very special moment in time for me, full of meaning and growth. I'll share my oils, watercolor post cards, photos and stories as able. If you are on Marco Island, you are invited to tea at me studio at the on Friday, July 12 at 4 to see paintings and photos from the trip. Joining me in exhibition will be fellow traveler, artist Joanne Lawand, who has paintings to share as well. Thanks, Dreama!

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Door in Frayssinet by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Le

Door at Le Vieux Covant, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

8x10, oil on board

Yes, you are on the correct blog but this is not the Everglades! There are so many picturesque scenes here at Le Vieux Covant in Frayssinet, France, that it is hard to decide what to paint first.

As many of you know, I am not an oil painter. I've tried them on and off over the years and decided that they were not for me, yet I am using them on this trip trying to keep an open mind about it! And, there's a possibility I'll become a convert, or at least a user!

I'm traveling with a wonderful group of artists, led by artist Dreama Tolle Perry. We are living in a group of beautiful old buildings that have been converted into a place for artist retreats. The food is magnificent, the beds comfortable, and the abundant painting scenes on the grounds are covered with fragrantly scented roses. Charm everywhere you look.

There are nearby ruins, lily ponds with magnificent bull frogs, stone steps and church bells, sheep and cows. All told, it is a painters dream, and I feel so fortunate to be here. More to come!

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Sailing Days, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Sailing Days, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 6"x6"

Painting sail boats always brings back fond memories of sailing in New England when I was younger.   The North Atlantic coast provides many safe and interesting harbors to explore.  

France, and Glades Waterway, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Glades Waterway, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

I am hoping to be  traveling more and love taking you along with me, so will have to learn the secrets  of posting from afar on mobile devices. Posting on my last trip was both frustrating and expensive, so  it's time to looks at the alternatives.

 My current trip will be with my artist friend Dreama Tolle Perry, and a group of 16 accomplished artists.  We will travel to Frayssinet, France, where we will be staying at Le Vieux Couvent, a convent converted for use as an artist retreat.  The countryside looks delightful and should provide plenty of inspiration.  

Abby will be holding down the fort at the studio while I'm in France. She's knowledgable and creative, and will be happy to help you acquire a Sanborn painting for your home.  Please stop in and say hello.

My trip will be ten days of color and joy, friends and laughter, and I can't wait.  I'll share with you what I can, and have arranged for some Everglade paintings to appear on schedule for you when I can't get out a traveling post. 

Golden Morning, daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Golden Morning, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

Warm golden mornings infuse the air with a lovely yellow glow.  Love starting the day like that!  

Over 80 Exhibition and Palm in the Sun, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Palm in the Sun, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn,

acrylic on canvas, 7"x5"

The Art Center of Marco Island held  a lovely reception last Tuesday evening for the Over 80 Exhibition.  Long-time member artists over the age of 80 were invited to show their work, and fourteen artists responded with quality work of  paintings, pottery, and sculpture.  Many of the 80's  group attended the reception, as did much of the Marco Island arts community.  Great turn-out and enthusiasm for a summer show.  

 The  work represented  a wide range of styles,  mediums and subjects.  Many of the artists had been classically trained, and some of the pieces are just breathtaking.  Among other delights,  Shirley Piercy's (84) glowing watercolors in jewel tones lit up the room, and the wide variety of mediums used by Rena Tippett (92) showed her broad talent.  Marilyn Wirth's (83) fanciful impressionist pieces were pure joy.  Gerry Brunjulson (93), Bill Mosley (84,) Marie Senechal, (84) and Edythe Newbourne (82) are long time favorites of mine.

These people are a generation of artists on Marco Island, our forefathers in the arts. I learned something from each of them along the way, as no doubtnother artists did over the last 20 years. I value their sharing.  The show is a not-to-miss island event.  It will hang till the end of the month, with the gallery open from 10-4 daily.  Don't miss it.

Mussel daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Mussel, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

 

A Mussel

A Bivalve

A Shellfish

A Sea Snail in eel grass

Seafood

 

Rhymes with tussle, bustle, rustle, hustle if you're inclined to poetry.

 

Fix them for dinner  here

 

Mangos! Daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Tea on Friday was a very nice event, with a number of friends and collectors stoping in for a cup. I'm embarrassed that I forgot again, despite my good intentions, to take photos. At the next tea I will assign this duty to someone more responsible! In any case, strong tea drinking countries like Britain and Australia were well represented.
We were very fortunate to have some delicious homemade goodies among the tea sweets. My Aussie friend brought some delicious scones, perfect with blackberry jam and cream.
Another friend contributed some fabulous mango bread. Mangos are plentiful this time of year on Marco Island. Those who don't have a tree of their own almost certainly know someone who does have one. A basket of take-away mangos was much appreciated and empty by closing time!

I've done a couple of small paintings of the mangos on my friend's tree. The colors are delightful, and the fruit itself is luscious and healthy.

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Tea Time Today!

 

Tea Time Today!

 

Friday, June 7

at the Studio on the Esplanade, Marco Island, FL

 

Hope you can come! 

Knee-deep, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 36"x24"

 

I've been painting the Everglades landscape for a number of years now.  Landscape painting is a direct connection to nature, and the time that I spend in the wild nurtures my soul.  My soul is getting a little testy with all this rain!

 

It rains here this time of year.  I know this.  We have two seasons in Southwest Florida, the wet and the dry.  June 1 begins the rainy season.  Animals and plants have evolved to take advantage of this environment.  It works well for them.

 

But people?  I'm already moaning about the number of dark clouds, grey days, sprinkles and downpours.  But you can be sure there will be more to come. 

 

Forget the showers and come to tea on Friday.  We'll have a nice cuppa, chat, check out my new plein air equipment, you will be given a copy of Eric Blair's essay on how to make a perfect cup of tea, and maybe even win a watercolor postcard.  

 

4 p.m., at the studio.  See you there with sunny smiles on! 



 



Slow down, and Orchids, painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Orchids, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 20x24

Slow down and smell the roses. Well, orchids in this case.  Slow down, you move too fast!  No, not the Simon and Garfunkel 59th Street Bridge Song, Feelin Groovy, but me, talking to myself!   

I was rushing around last week, moving too fast getting some groceries, and fell in the parking lot as I tried to outrun the rain.  Squished a mango and bumped my head pretty hard.  I'm fine, just fine, but ended up with two very ugly black eyes.  No photos! 

It reminded me of the Aesop's fable the Tortoise and the Hare.  I wasn't racing against anyone but myself, but lost this race!  Not many rabbits here that I've seen on the island, but Marco has some wonderful gopher tortoises.  Thanks to a friend, here's a little Marco Island tortoise for you to enjoy. 

Don't forget to slow down and smell the flowers,  Watch your step, and take time out for tea on Friday at 4 at the Studio.  YOU are welcome! 





Coulter Easel, and Sable, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Sable, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

I've had my plein aire Julian easel for almost 20 years.  I've loved having everything inside ready to go at a moment's notice, and just needed paper towels and some water to complete my outdoor painting equipment for my frequent trips to the Everglades.   

 

Old "Julie" has held up well under years of hard use but the time has come for replacement.  I've been looking with envy at some newer styled equipment for quite some time and talked with other artists about what they liked and didn't like about their equipment.  I wanted something quick to set up and light weight, but would do the job under sometimes difficult conditions. 

 

Finally, after looking closely at several options, I decided on a Coulter Plein Air System.

 If I can stick to a limited palette and not keep adding just one more tube of color the whole set-up will be a weight I can manage easily.  I especially love the lightweight tripod with the quick release panel holder.  Plexiglass panels fit inside should work well for a mixing surface.

 

Since I love to travel and plan to take advantage of travel opportunities when possible, I chose the compact model since it will fit into a medium sized suitcase.  I also ordered  some RayMar panels, a favorite of mine.  They are light-weight, and a nice medium canvas.  Wish I could get the linen primed for acrylic!  

 

What's your plein-air setup?  Do you have a favorite piece of plein-aire equipment?