Everglades Light Show, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

 

 

Taking my own studio/gallery at the Esplanade is scary!  It's like taking a step in the dark when you can't see what's there.  Usually it works out OK, but sometimes you step on the dog and it gets crazy for a while.  Still, you gotta take the step....and....

 

The new studio is terrific!  The space is just the right size, there's enough storage, and narrow wall shelves make it easy to display paintings, and to move them around when one sells.  Since I'm there four days a week, it's an extension of my home studio, so I've tried to make it comfortable and inviting. 

 

The Grand Opening is Thursday, October 25, 5:30-7pm.   I hope that you are able to come and celebrate with me.  And would you please pass this invitation on to anyone who has one of my paintings and might not read this blog?  Thanks!

 

I'll have chilled Champagne and some delicious handmade chocolates from Nichols Candy for you.  They've been making chocolates since 1932, and were a special and rare treat in my childhood.  I breathed a sigh of relieve when they arrived to our hot climate unmelted. Another sigh of relief when the little gifts for the opening were found after being lost in the mail for a week.  Phew! 

 

Getting out into the quiet wilderness of the Glades has kept me sane these last couple of weeks.  It's my inspiration, and the Everglades never disappoint.  Today's painting is about a line of palms in the late day light.  I'd like to explore this subject and location further, and will do a bit larger painting.  If that goes well, maybe even larger! 

Obligations to others, and Don't Look Back, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Don't look Back, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5x7

 

 



As I strike out in a studio/gallery alone, I'm thinking about my obligations to others as an artist and a person?  What do I owe others? Writing down these thoughts helps me to focus, and gives me something to measure by.  Here's what I've come up with so far. 

For myself
     Make original work
     Make it as well as I can
     Strive to grow in skill and knowledge
     Give good value for the price of my work

For my collectors
     Make quality artwork that will last
     Make work that is unique and special
     Stand behind my  work
     Show them I appreciate their support

For my students
     Give the very best I can in each class
     Encourage all honest efforts and never give harsh critique
     Support growth through generous sharing of knowledge

Towards my fellow artists
     Make only original work--don't copy or steal
     Support always, encouraging their success,
     Attend shows and events
     Speak well of anther's work

 Can you think of otoher obligations or duties of the art world that should be on my list?  

Invitation to Grand Opening

On Their Way to a Dance, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 224x30

 

Grand Opening

and you're invited!

 

Jo-Ann Sanborn, Everglades painter

Studio Gallery at the Esplanade

Thursday, October 25, 2012

5:30-7 pm

Ribbon Cutting, Champagne and Chocolates!

At the Esplanade, 760 North Collier Blvd. #102, Marco Island, FL

Studio Move and Light Bridge daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Light Bridge, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5"x7"

 

I feel almost like I was on a "Light Bridge" this past week.  Time and space?  Unusual. 

 

 

On Sunday Afternoon everything came into the new studio gallery.

 

 

Stuff was carried and projects were completed to the sounds of much joy. 

I am very, very grateful to the friends who helped! 

 

 By Saturday, I was adding my studio scent--Ghost Orchid! 

 

 

And with the help of a younger brother turned remarkable, (well, he would tell you he was always

exceptional)

 

 the studio looks like this!

 

Best of all, I can get back to doing what I love best.

Painting! 

 

 

Special thanks to the lovely couple who were my first guests, and PURCHASED! 

 

You're welcome to stop in!  

 

There will be a Grand Opening, October 25th, 5:30-7, so save the date.  You're invited. 

Moving, some thanks and a Snowman!

Snowman #5, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

Acrylic on board, 7x5

 

 

Save the date!  You know you want one of this years special snowmen, and the only way to get the one you want is to be first in line at the 2nd Annual Snowman Extravaganza, November 23 2012. Mark your calendar. 

 

Thanks to several of you who purchased paintings last week.  Your support, both new and established collectors, made me feel much more secure about the jump to the new studio.  I hope your paintings will bring you much joy.   

 

Dear and magnificent friends, and a brother who by happy fortune had planned his vacation at just the right time, helped me move into the new studio over the weekend. Asking, (something HARD for me) and some pizza, was all it took for many hands to make the work, well, not really light, but so much easier,  Hugs and eternal appreciation to you if you were one of them! You made a hard job fun!   

 

The new studio will be up and running in a few days, but there's a lot of work to do before I can let you in!  I'll keep you posted. 

Fishing Pond, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

This little pond is full of fish in Kent, Ct.  My grand kids think going fishing is one of the most fun things to do.  I sit under a tree and sketch while they catch fish and throw them back. We both think we've had a great time. 

 

Sunday is moving day, from my current studio shared with four other artists (sob, I'll miss them), into a single space just next door (yay, new adventure!).  Mixed emotions.  I'll keep you posted. 

ArtWalk and a Gull

Gull, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 7"x5"

 

Artist Colony's Last Last Wendesday ArtWalk to night

5-8 pm.

Bittersweet, it's creating quite a buzz. 

Will you be there?

 

 

The gull makes me think of the birds.  I don't think gulls migrate, but Marco Island, Florida, is on the path of two migration flyways.  Flyways are paths that birds follow seasonally as they move from one location to another.    

 

If you are aware of nature around you, you'll see more birds in the sky as flocks pass through on their way to winter homes.  There will be more birds in our area because some of them will stay for the season.  

 

Because the birds must travel very long distances, they need places to rest along the way.  That's why we discourage people or kids from chasing birds on our beaches.  Marco Island's northern shore is one of very few such places on the southern Florida coast just right for the birds.  The birds need every bit of food and rest they can get here for a successful migration. 

 

You can learn more about our bird migration here. 

My little post jumped before it's time yesterday. Blank. I hate it when that happens. Sorry!  

 

Moving Sale at Sunsine Studios

Sunshine Studios is moving two doors to the 

south on October 1. 

Moving Sale

Four older, very special paintings.  Paintings I love..

You know it's VERY rare for me to discount. 

Hard decisions. 

Half Price this week on these four painting ONLY.

Prices include frames.  Really good buys.

Any one of them could 

enhance your home and enrich your life. 

Think about it. Try one out.

Now is the time! 

Like Nowhere Else, 24X30" acrylic on canvas

was $1200, this week $600

Monday's Muse, 20x24, acrylic on canvas

was $900, this week $450

Hideaway Shore, 48x60, acrylic on canvas

$6000, this week $3000

View of the Gulf, 20x24, Acrylic on canvas

was $900, now $450

I have a few 5x7's from 2010 or earlier. 

They will be $50 each.

All the artists will be having specials. 

See you at the last, Last Wednesday Artwalk

September 26th, 5-8 p.m.

Everglades Maples change color

People say that the Everglades have no seasons, but if you are watching, you will notice the changes. We have the wet and the dry.  If you are a snowbird, you may not experience the wet.  In addition, the plants here respond to the changes in light making subtle differences between winter, spring, summer and fall. 

The maples (Acer rubum), have turned and are red against the green backdrop of much of the Everglades landscape.  The change in color must be triggered by the light rather than cold, because it's still quite warm here.  It may be nothing like the glamorous glory of a sparkling day in New England, but it's still rather nice. 

 

 

Memory of a Beach Walk, painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Memory of a Beach Walk, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

Acrylic on canvas, 48"x60"

 

Summertime here on the island is a great time to do some larger pieces.  Memory of a Beach walk is one of the largest paintings I've done in a while.  I wanted you to feel as though it was you walking on the beach, and to think of other beach walks that might have meaning for you.

 

Maybe you were with someone you love, now departed.  Perhaps you told your daughter about the birds and the bees.  Perhaps the shells themselves revealed something to you in a special way, as in Anne Linberg's Gift from the Sea.

 

Walking on the beach is good for us.  The sand makes it just a little harder so that we use a little more energy than on the flat, and the sound of the waves sooths us.  Can you feel it?

Dear Artist Colony Artists, and Quiet Shore daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Quiet Shore, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

Dear Artist Colony Artists

Some of you greeted me with skepticism years ago when I came to the Alyson Stanfield Art Marketing salon meeting with the idea of sharing vacant retail space. Once the structure and facts were in place you jumped in, so did other artists and the rest is history! We had three wonderful years as an Artist Colony at the Esplanade on Marco Island.
 

When the new owners took over last spring, change was in the air. They aren't local, didn't have the same attitude of support for the arts, didn't understand our structure, and didn't seem to care. It was clear our days at the Esplanade were numbered.  At each of our meetings we discussed "being ready" and "having a plan" even though we had no idea when the ax would fall. Having potential tenants tour the spaces reinforced those feelings.

I considered what my personal plan might be. Moving with the other artists, back to street shows, try to find a gallery, sell more on line, work the Farmers market? None were as attractive to me as staying at the Esplanade, even my dear Bob and I spoke about it. Could I work out the finances? I decided to investigate the possibility by talking with the rental agent. I only needed a small space, but the rental agent was discouraging, not sure the owners wanted an artist tenant.

Last Monday, an email arrived offering me a place at the Esplanade, and urging me to act quickly with an October 1 deadline.  Since I wasn't about to displace the other artists, a quick call with questions about the Artist Colony made it clear that yes, we were all to be out, and by Oct 1.  New tenants will be moving in.  The sky had fallen, and without warning!

I will make a break with the Colony and independently stay at the Esplanade, providing the lease, which I haven't seen yet, is acceptable.  I'm excited to be staying at that location, but the move will be bittersweet with the other artists searching for new space. 

As we all move on, each with our own plan and to our own arts future, let's not lose sight of the fact that the Artist Colony at the Esplanade was a unique and a special moment in time and place. Working together wasn't always easy, but learning to work out our differences made us better people. And it worked!

Each one of you brought something special to the table. You helped to define Marco Island as a place friendly to the arts.  You gave citizens and visitors alike a wide variety of art to enjoy and to purchase.  You brought your creativity to a wide range of Marco Island activities, and you supported a myriad of causes and organizations.  You enriched lives of the people who came in contact with the Colony and the very fabric of the island. 

Laughing, working, growing, helping, sharing, we were at our best.  I will miss the close contact with your energy and your support.  You are each very dear to me.  It was a good and wonderful adventure, and wherever your artistic journey takes you next, I thank you for your part in the Artist Colony at the Esplanade, and wish you the very best.  

Breaking Up is Hard to do, and Separation, daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Separation, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on archival board, 5"x7"

 

Very sorry for the glare on today's Everglades painting.  I forgot to photograph before finishing with a gloss varnish, and now it won't photograph properly. 

 

Breaking up is hard to do.  Most relationships in your life will at sometime point come to an end. Sometimes this happens naturally as you move on either in person or in spirit.  Sometimes it is caused by the finality of death, other times it may be a conscious choice.  It most always hurts.

 

I initiated the Artist Colony at the Esplanade three years ago.  We had a great run.  We were fortunate to have had fabulous space in a great location provided to us at very reasonable costs.  By sharing and supporting each other we were able to make it work for all of us.  

 

The artist Colony has always been under a possible threat to vacate.  But new owners have a different view of the space.  It's not charity, and they are far from Marco Island.  They intend to have the space fully rented to paying customers.  It's a tough economy, but they are moving aggressively ahead.  They've rented the spaces, and have asked us to leave by October 1.

 

Under this threat, each Colony member has determined a price they feel they can afford to pay for studio space.  Staying at the Esplanade is not an option for most, not even with sharing.  After weighing, costs, benefits and options,  I've come to a different conclusion.  I like the traffic there, and I'm ready to take a big step, even though the cost of it will be a challenge.

 

So, taking a big breath, reaching deep and taking a giant leap of faith, I've made a difficult but exciting decision to rent space in the Esplanade for myself, for Sunshine Studios of Marco Island,  Jo-Ann Sanborn, Fine Arts Everglades painter.

 

I'll take over the space just to the right of where I am now on October 1 and be opened for business by the middle of the month.  Some artists will find space elsewhere.  Some may band together if they can find donated or affordable space.  Some may decide that making art for sale isn't worth the effort. 

 

Will it be the end of the Artist Colony? Too soon to tell, but I hope not.  I wish my fellow artists the best in finding what's right for them.  Together we were able to add another voice to Marco Island's artistic palette.  It was fun.  Thank you.

Fifty Shades of Grey, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic collage, 12x12

 

 

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I live to do something different every now and then to stretch out the brain a little.  Today's painting, Fifty Shades of Grey, was done for the Art Center's upcoming show, Black and White.

 

I did one painting as a landscape.  Then I looked for another way to use my materials and do something I hadn't done for a while - collage.  I always enjoy fitting the parts together in an interesting composition.  By using dark and light, and all the variations of grey I was able to compose the painting.  A few little white dots and a couple of odd shapes to help lead the eye finished it up

 

The reception will be tomorrow, Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at the Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Street.  I'll be there.  Will you?  

Young art Collectors, Swamp Light daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Swamp Light, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

Yes, young people are buying original art.  Only a small portion have the guts and money to go into a nuts and bolts gallery.  Besides, they really don't like anyone telling them what they should like, and many don't have the money for large, prestigious purchases.

 

They're finding their art in new ways, and often on the Internet.  In this no-man's land a new collector can browse at ease.  They can look at a piece again and again.  They can read a blog, learn about an artist, check out what's new and find something to love at a price they can see and know they can afford to spend.  All in relative anonymity.  

 

The savvy ones can leave a comment and see if the artist will answer in a way that speaks their language.  They might email back and forth about a piece to help them take the measure of an artist.  If they don't like the interaction, they can drop out before they have to commit.  

 

If a young person finds art to suit them, it's a win-win.  They've been exposed to a lot of different work in the hunt for their special piece.  Connections are being made in new ways, and as an artist, you've got to be out there, if only because that's where they are. 

The 99%, and Seven Palms and some Orange, daily painting by Everglades painter Jo-Ann Sanborn

Seven Palms and some orange, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

If you're here reading, there's a good chance you fall into the 1% bracket.  

 

I'm not talking about the "we are the 99%" slogan that addresses growing income inequity and wealth distribution in America between the wealthiest 1% and the rest of the US population.  I'm talking about the very special 1% of Americans who purchase original art to adorn and enhance their homes and enrich their lives. 

 

A while ago a gallery owner told me that only 1% of the American public purchase original art, and that the percent is much higher in Europe.  I've been unable to validate this statistic, but experience tells me that that if 100 people see my art in person that at least one will purchase.

 

I love this 1%.  Perhaps we share a love of handmade things. Perhaps we find connection to the value of the threatened Everglades landscape.  Perhaps we share the restorative quality of a walk on the beach, or are both in awe of the natural color show at sunset.  It maybe something you're not ready to put into words, but in some small way, arts speaks to you.  
 

You are the 1%.  The other 99 percent?  They're just not my customers.

Happy Birthday, Clyde!

Beach Dreams, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on archival board, 7"x5"

Happy Birthday, Clyde!

Clyde Butcher turns 70 this weekend. Clyde is well known for his gorgeous large format black and white photos of the Everglade.  You can see him work his magic here. 

My husband, photographer and sculptor, took a class with Clyde when he first began teaching.  Before I met Clyde, he juried two paintings of mine into a show of Everglades art at the Von Liebig Art Center.  He didn't know much about art, he told me when we met at the reception, but "I know what I liked and that's what I picked."  He was just being modest, but that's the kind of guy he is.

A birthday gift was in order.  Clyde and his wife Nikki have been very good to the arts community in Southwest Florida.  But what Clyde is really about is a deep and abiding concern for the very real threats to the Everglades environment. He works hard for this cause and has become a much respected voice for the Glades.

Every Labor Day, the Butchers open their gallery and property to the public, to help introduce people to the wonderful Everglades environment.  A walk around his beautiful property refreshes the soul, and you can go into the swamp with a ranger if you haven't done it.

It's not too late to stop by the Big Cypress Gallery and wish Clyde a Happy Birthday, and to "Muck About" a bit, too. 

Starfish on the fence, and Dawning, painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Dawning, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 12x16

How would you describe the image above.  A channel?  A passage? A time of day or a time of life?  A state of nature, or a state of imagination?

Does it come from the confrontational nature of the Everglades saw grass, higher than my head in places and full of hidden mystery, or from a place deep in my soul,

Probably both.  I'm not sure, but the image has repeated in several manifestations and colors and sizes and variations.  Every time I think I've painted the last of it, another one bubbles up and I keep painting.

A series? Only time will tell. They name themselves, too.  Creepy! 

And a true ArtWalk story.....

The starfish postcard went home with a lovely couple.  Another couple, also lovely, wanted the starfish.  Really wanted the starfish.  The two couples got in touch and discussed it.  Cocktails might have been involved.  Discussions. Considerations.  Offers. 

Two couples on opposite sides of the political fence.  Couple one was happy to give up the starfish, under one condition, and one condition only. 

The starfish would be turned over for the promise of the change of a vote.  Deal?  No, no deal!  The starfish is still firmly in the hands of the first!  

FEMA and Me, Before a Storm, daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Before a Storm, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

Truth be known, they had me at the word "hurricane."  For over 20 years I was a FEMA disaster reservist, part of a well-trained cadre that was called up to fill out the ranks of a small national staff when a natural disaster struck our nation.  Paid, too! 

I learned to be able to pick up the word "hurricane,"  "flood", or "tornado"  out of any newscast, even if I wasn't particularly listening.  Upon hearing the words, my priorities would change and I would go into "maybe leaving soon" mode.  I would cancel any appointments, get some cash, do the wash, and find my suitcase.  I would clean my palette, and not start anything new.

Sometimes I had to leave home and hearth in a matter of hours.  I might be deployed to a Governor's office, or a State Emergency Operations Center, or straight into the field to lead a damage assessment team.  Conditions were sometimes challenging, and the job always was.

Being a FEMA reservist is not for everyone. Flexible is the name of the game. You might get a flight to go to Boston, and then find you had been switched to Charlotte. OK, roll with it. Over the years I held jobs in Human Resources, Public Information, and Hazards Mitigation. I loved it.

Times have changed, and FEMA is now part of Homeland Security.  Programs have evolved and policies are different then when I served.  Still, weather words throw me into a tizzy of anticipation that can only be quenched back at my easel, with of course. an ear to the weather!

Hope to see you at ArtWalk tonight.  The shell postcards are 4"x6" and will be on sale for $10 each, on a first come first served basis.  If you need to do it long distance, email me before 5 p.m. and describe the ones you want.  Thanks!   

Shells, lots of them, and ArtWalk

Shells, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

watercolor on post card block, 4"x6" $10 each

 

We sell sea shells!  

Artist Colony at the Esplanade

ArtWalk, Wednesday, August 29th,  to 8 pm. 

 

Sea Shell postcards

 

 

Sea Shell note cards

 

 

And your treat?  Sea Shell candy.  Yep, Chocolate. 

 

 

Sounds like a party, right?  

Issac, Sloughs, and Studio Assistants! Slough in the Glades daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Slough in the Glades, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

 acrylic on linen board, 8"x10"

 

Sloughs are filling up as the summer rains drench the Everglades landscape.  If we get storm Issac next week, the winds will help blow out debris and clean the land, in additon to adding much needed water to the environment.   Huricanes are a little less helpful to people, so pay attention and be prepared!  You'll find good information on the NOAA site, here. 

 

My  get-a-kid plan is working well.  My new studio assistant has been a great help already.  She's a busy teenager, but having her available even a couple of hours a week has already proved a good decision.  

 

Her first job was to take a huge shopping bag of clippings and make sense of it.  I've been stuffing stuff into that pile for years, thinking "someday....."  She returned the mess to me in two three-ring binders.  Every show, postcard, newspaper article, award, and note, all sleeved, and separated by year and date.  Even more impressive that she just DID it, without even a single phone call or question.  Wow! 

 

When you have everything ready, it's easy to start to paint.  Yesterday she unwrapped five boxes of new canvases, and broke up the cardboard that I'm not saving for shipping. In the next few weeks she'll to tone them in the warm dark I use for priming. These two simple chores will save me hours of work and I'll have exactly what I want all ready to go. 

 

If all is still going well, we'll move on to cataloguing the paintings.  This job has been on the top of my to-do list for at least three years.  I put it off over and over.  She loves a challenge.  Together maybe we can get it done.