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by Bonnie Born Ash (posted by Deb Shaw)
As announced at our September meeting, BAGSC was offered the opportunity to exhibit a group show for three months beginning in July 2012 at Elements, a fine dining restaurant adjacent to the Pasadena Playhouse. The exhibition, entitled “Garden Variety,” will be curated by Karen Sikie and Gwen Samuels, who recently informed us that the restaurant gallery program is on hold until January. We will give you a status update on the show and send out a “Call for Entries” in January.
In the meantime, please keep painting fruits, vegetables, and flowers from the garden in preparation for when the “Call for Entries” goes out, after the first of the year.
by Deb Shaw
Jodie Williams, Public Relations Committee Chair for the ASBA, has launched a blog for the 14th Annual International Juried Botanical Art Exhibition 2011. Click the link to read about various pieces in the show, and see an image of Bobbi Angell’s hand-colored etching of an apple tree branch with a single ripening fruit. Jody will update the blog through the opening and the length of the show, so check back frequently.
by Jody Williams, ASBA Public Relations Chair, via Leslie Walker
What began in 2006 with a preliminary call for entries to the membership of the American Society of Botanical Artists is culminating in the final showing of Losing Paradise? Endangered Plants Here and Around the World, a botanical art exhibition in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, UK. The exhibition opens Saturday, June 25 as part of a broader exhibition Plants in Peril which will be on view at the gallery until Sunday, October 16.
The exhibition opened at the Missouri Botanical Garden October 5, 2009 with an address by world renowned botanist and then President of the Garden, Dr. Peter Raven. It traveled to the Chicago Botanic Garden in January, The New York Botanical Garden in May, and concluded its originally planned tour of the United States at the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. Then thanks in part to the efforts of Dr. Sherwood, a strong supporter of Losing Paradise? over the years, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, UK was added to the schedule, the first International venue for an ASBA exhibition.
A catalog of the exhibition including images of the artwork and stories of each plant and the artists that depicted them as well as essays by leading plant scientists and conservationists is available for sale from the ASBA. A blog site showing artwork from the exhibition with excerpts from the catalog and hundreds of links to resources about the plants, conservation efforts, the artists, and other organizations is accessible online. A video interview with professional illustrator Alice Tangerini, images of herbarium specimens of the plants, and downloadable lesson plans based on the exhibition are available online from the Smithsonian Institute. See the links below:
Information about the exhibition at Kew
Information about the American Society of Botanical Artists
By Jesselyn Cyr
When I saw the announcement for Margaret Best’s “Color and Composition” workshop in Bermuda at the end of May I thought, “This is what I really need.” I checked my calendar and made the arrangements right away. I learned happily that Leslie Walker was scheduled to attend as well. This four day workshop took place in the Bermuda Society of the Arts (BSOA) gallery in the City Hall in Bermuda—an excellent central location with good light. The class was just the right size so we could work comfortably. The group’s skills were wide but most of us had good experience. It was a great chance to meet new painting friends.
Introduction and Goals from Margaret Best
Beautiful specimens available for students to paint.
While we reviewed the goals, the class was inspired by the plant specimens presented from an array of Bermuda plants that had been collected for the workshop. Bermuda is very beautiful and the local plant specimens ranged from plumeria, dates, ginger, passion flowers, agapanthus and more. After we each selected our specimens and while we started drawing, Margaret taught her ambitious subjects “Colour and Composition.” We started by discussing the palette of botanical watercolors that had been selected for the class—primarily transparent colors and most (but not all) of them from M. Graham.
Chroma and Value
The subject of how to test our watercolors for chroma was discussed and we reviewed the difference in chroma with various pigments such as yellows vs. blues. We started the process of color matching and value. Many of us had brought our color tests from previous classes so that we would have a starting place for color matching of our specimens. Then we tested our paper. Most of us used Arches 140# HP. Bermuda’s high humidity meant that our colors dried slower when we applied our watercolors to paper. Leslie and I were used to a faster drying process so we enjoyed time to move our paint.
Composition and Painting
Classroom in Bermuda.
We spent quite a bit of time drawing which was very helpful to understanding the specimens. Then the time came for Composition. Margaret offered a good fast course in various Composition styles while we traced our specimens. Since our class was in the Bermuda gallery we had the advantage of using many of the paintings in the gallery to look at composition techniques. One technique I used was to trace my drawings so that I could organize the right composition for my project.
Bermuda and Goodbye
Soon it was time for the class to end and look at our work. We all worked hard but no one’s goal was to finish, only developing new skills. We had all made excellent progress. Bermuda and this class had offered me a unique relaxed setting and workshop in which to learn. In the beginning I had said, “This is what I really need.” It was true. Then I headed home to LA with a new level of confidence.
By Cristina Baltayian
Eight of us BAGSC ladies got together with Margaret Best in Sally Jacobs light-filled, beautiful studio in Los Angeles. Our goal was to learn all about the color blue:
- How many varieties of blue (green shade, red shade. Indigo anyone? Or maybe cobalt? Is cerulean the bad-guy blue in the botanical palette, or does it have any redeeming qualities?);
- What’s the difference between Winson-Newton Ultramarine and M. Graham Ultramarine?;
- And what’s the scoop on reds? Which pairings make the best purples? The best greens?
Working hard in Margaret's class.
Along the way, Margaret, being Margaret, taught us a lot more than how to use blues in botanicals. We learned about matching colors for the automotive industry, and how we can apply some of the same principles in our own color matching. How the light in Bermuda can give a plumbago a different shade of blue than a plumbago in L.A; we had a contest, and won a prize. I could go on and on.
The mood was positive, we were excited about learning so much about a color that can be so daunting to a botanical artist, and we had a wonderful time.
From left to right: Carmen, Cristina, Norma, Jesslyn, Margaret and Bonnie.
I only wish I could have taken Margaret’s other classes on colors. But maybe I’ll have to wait for her book…
by Deb Shaw
Watercolor painting by Akiko Enokido, Pomegranate, Punica granatum, © 2010, all rights reserved.
An article in the April 2011 issue of American Art Collector features the upcoming exhibition, Green Currency: Plants in the Economy to be held at the New York Botanical Garden April 30 – July 31, with images of Akiko’s Pomegranate, Punica granatum; along with milly acharya’s Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea/D. lutea, and Karen Kluglein’s Corn, Zea mays.
The exhibit is organized and hosted by The New York Botanical Garden and curated by the American Society of Botanical Artists, and features 43 artworks of plants used for medicine, food, clothing, fuel, and shelter. Participating artists are from the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, Japan, and the UK.
Art Collector 66001 Click the link to download the PDF and read the article and see the images.
Congratulations Akiko and all of the participating artists.
by Akiko Enokido, Deb Shaw, and Leslie Walker
Our friends in the Japanese botanical artist’s group will be having a meeting in Tokyo on May 8th, and BAGSC members are writing letters of sympathy and support on botanical art cards that Mieko Ishikawa will present at their meeting. Please bring your cards to any of the BAGSC gatherings in April (see below — Elaine Searle’s “Meet and Greet”; Margaret’s Blue Class; or Susan Frei Nathan’s Workshop), or send them to Akiko for inclusion in our package to them.
If you have cards of your own work, or would like to bring additional cards for others to sign, that would be wonderful.
Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts go out to everyone there, and all those who have friends and families in Japan.
Thank you.
Keep your eye on the calendar for April! An email blast was sent out to members with information on the following April dates:
Come Meet and Greet Elaine Searle (and potluck)
Saturday April 2, 2011
at Tania’s.
Margaret Best class: “A Brush with Blue”
April 15, 16 & 17, 2011, 10 am – 4 pm
at Sally’s new studio — there are still a few openings left. See the blog posting below and contact Leslie.
Susan Frei Nathan at the Huntington Library
April 28-29, 2011
See the blog posting below and contact Deb.
Next meeting
The next meeting will be May 21 instead of May 28, 2011 at Norma’s house.
by Deb Shaw
Susan Frei Nathan will be presenting a workshop at the The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens on
April 28-29, 2011
Susan Frei Nathan is an ASBA Board Member, and a gallery owner specializing in botanical art representing Jean Emmons, Martha Kemp, Karen Kluglein, Kate Nessler, Lizzie Sanders, Catherine Watters and Carol Woodin, among others.
She has a talent for helping artists bring their work to the next level. Susan will give a lecture on the morning of April 28 (cost $10 for members; $15 for non-members), followed by individual meetings with artists in a half-hour, one-on-one portfolio review/critique session ($50) that afternoon and on Friday, April 29. Susan will discuss each artist’s work as well as marketing and personal artistic goals.
The lecture/discussion will cover:
- the current market valuation for botanical art
- how botanical art has been valued over time
- choosing subject matters with the intention of selling your work
- quality of work and how this is determined
- how to find the right gallery to represent your work
- what collectors look for
- building collections
- dissecting specific collections Susan has built and exploring the collector’s mind
The individual critiques will cover:
- evaluation of the artist’s potential to sell artwork within the fine art market
- discussion of technique, composition, color, choice of subject matter
- individual professional goals
Take advantage of this valuable opportunity. To reserve your space for the lecture AND for an individual critique, send your $10 deposit to Deb Shaw. To schedule an individual session with Susan Frei Nathan contact Deb. Every attempt will be made to schedule BAGSC members who come from far away for the Thursday afternoon sessions after the lecture/discussion. The $50 payment for the individual session can be paid in advance, or the morning of the lecture.
by Deborah Shaw
Laying out tables of beautiful artwork to arrange for hanging.
A Brush with Nature, an exhibit of botanical art by The Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California (BAGSC) and presented by Chapman University Leatherby Libraries has been hung and is now open for viewing. Twenty-three BAGSC artists are exhibiting 75 works of art in watercolor, colored pencil, ink and graphite. (See list at the end of this article for participating artists.)
Exhibit dates are: Saturday, January 8 through Thursday, February 17, 2011
Doy and Dee Henley Reading Room and Clarke Gallery Wall
Leatherby Libraries, 2nd Floor
Chapman University
One University Drive, Orange, California 92866
For exhibit hours please visit the Chapman Leatherby Libraries website.
Leslie and Akiko working on the display case.
Visitor parking near the Leatherby Libraries is available for $2.00 – $3.00 and may be purchased from the permit dispenser.
For more detailed parking information, fees, maps and directions to Chapman University please visit the map on their website.
Information about the opening reception will be sent to all BAGSC members via email blast.
Participating artists:
Bonnie Born Ash • Cristina Baltayian • Margaret Best • Diane Daly • Akiko Enokido • Olga Eysymontt • Denise Genova • Irene Horiuchi • Barbara Jaynes • Clara Josephs • Morgan Kari • Joan Keesey • Suzanne Kuuskmae • Patricia Mark • Arillyn Moran-Lawrence • Norma Sarkin • Janice Sharp • Deborah Shaw • Mitsuko Schultz • Gilly Shaeffer • Gloria Whea-Fun Teng • Leslie Walker
The Leatherby Libraries staff were wonderful and professional on every level, greeting us with freshly painted walls, carts, levels and tape measures, hanging wires and labels. What a great team!
Stand with sign and price list.
One wall of the show.
by Deborah Shaw/Clara Josephs
The Chapman Leatherby Libraries Exhibition Committee (L to R: Deborah Shaw, Mitsuko Schulz, Leslie Walker, Akiko Enokido, Diane Daly, and Irene Horiuchi (crouching)) meet at Diane's house and review submissions.
The BAGSC committee organizing the Chapman Leatherby Libraries exhibition met on Friday, 3 December to finalize details for the show. It’s looking like a wonderful exhibition; 22 BAGSC artists with 77 artworks. Keep an eye open for announcements about the opening reception, artwork delivery, etc. If you have any questions, please contact committee chairs Clara Josephs or Diane Daly.
by Deborah Shaw
Kathy Dunham at Watercolor West with her painting of day lilies, "A Love In Bloom"
Leslie Walker, Clara Josephs (and husband Jerry Josephs) were among the many attending the Opening Reception for Watercolor West, where Kathy Dunham exhibited her watercolor, “A Love in Bloom”. Congratulations, Kathy!
Kathy Dunham and Clara Josephs at the Opening Reception.
by Leslie Walker and Deb Shaw
The Opening Reception for the BAGSC “Fast Track” Show at the Fine Arts Building in Los Angeles will take place during the LA Artwalk on:
October 14, 2010
5 pm – 8 pm
Fine Arts Building
811 West 7th Street (7th east of Figueroa), Los Angeles
The Fine Arts Building is hosting a reception for BAGSC. The LA Artwalk is anticipating more than 20,000 people over the course of the entire walk during the evening. This is a grand event, and an opportunity to see LA in an entirely different light.
Sage advice is to try to get to the downtown area early if possible. The rush of crowds usually starts about 6 pm. As always, parking in downtown LA is a challenge and expensive. Street parking is difficult to come by and fills quickly. There are parking garages in the area, with prices averaging between $8 – $10.00.
There are fantastic restaurants in the areal as well, and the gourmet food trucks come in and participate in the walk too!
Interior art display area in the Fine Arts Building. Photo courtesy of http://www.ratkovich.net/development/office/fineartsbuilding
BAGSC has the following members exhibiting work:
Margaret Best
Bonnie Born
Kathy Dunham
Cynthia Jackson
Clara Josephs
Morgan Kari
Joan Keesey
Suzanne Kuuskmae
Arillyn Moran-Lawrence
Veronica Raymond
Janice Sharp
Deborah Shaw
Gloria Whea-Fun Teng
Please promote the show (which will be up until mid-November) to colleagues, friends and family. Please have your guests join us for the exciting opening reception and the LA Artwalk on the 14th.
by Janice Sharp
Deborah Ravin demonstrating technique during her class.
Deborah Ravin taught a BAGSC-sponsored class, August 19 – 21, 2010 at the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens.
Beatrix Potter display.
Beatrix Potter is well known for her “Peter Rabbit” children’s books featuring her pen and ink/watercolors illustrations, however, Beatrix was also an accomplished botanical artist. Her detailed renderings of fungi and lichens were scientific trendsetters in the era before microscopic photography was an option.
Beatrix Potter’s interests lay with botanical art, particularly in the study of mycology. Her investigation and discovery led her to develop theories expressed in her paper “On the Germination of the Spores of Agaricineae.” (Poculum). Her paper was submitted to the Linnean Society on March 18, 1897. However, her theories, like those of any other woman, were not taken seriously. The paper was withdrawn with the understanding that it needed “more work”. One hundred years later, the Linnean Society wrote an official apology for the sins of historic sexism.
Today, 450 of Beatrix Potter’s scientific, archaeological, and botanical art comprise the Armitt Collection in Cumbria. Tania Norris treated us to a close-up of a Beatrix Potter original that is in her personal art collection.
Deborah led us through a series of a variety of methods for applying ink and watercolor to illustrate our botanical drawings.
Afternoon tea during class.
The class featured a treat of afternoon tea with Almond-Cardamom Scones (baked by Jill Carlson to whom we are all very grateful-the recipe is on the BAGSC Blog under the “Recipes” section or can be viewed by clicking the link).
Deborah also shared a recipe for “Black Walnut Ink” which is also on the BAGSC Blog (or can be viewed by clicking the link).
Our artwork, accomplished during class.
As you may have read in the BAGSC blog, through the efforts of member Diane Daly we have been invited by Charlene Baldwin, Dean of Leatherby Libraries at Chapman University, to hold an exhibit of members’ paintings. The exhibit will be on the second floor of the Chapman University Leatherby Libraries building in the city of Orange and will run from the first week of January through February 21st.
For the upcoming Chapman University Botanical Exhibition, we envision a display of botanical illustrations that show a wide variety of botanical subjects and illustration techniques from our guild members. We would like the exhibit, along with lectures and demonstrations, to educate the community about botanical illustration, its history and role in science, and its evolution as an art form.
The members of the exhibition committee are Diane Daly, Akiko Enokido, Irene Horiuchi, Clara Josephs, Deborah Shaw, and Leslie Walker.
IMPORTANT DATES
NOVEMBER 12: Digital submission ends.
YES! ALL PAINTINGS that will be in the January-February show must be FINISHED early in November! That date is driven by holiday closures on campus that effect the Risk Management Department, and printing schedules. November 12th is the LAST day to send in digital photographs or scans of the art you are submitting. That means you must FINISH your paintings in time for you to have the scan or photograph received by mail OR emailed by November 12th!
No submissions received after that date will be accepted for the show.
You may submit paintings that have been in other shows or were not recently completed, so look through your portfolio for your strongest efforts!
At this time, we believe we will have room for four paintings per member; so aim for that. As we know more about the exhibition area, we may need to adjust that number.
NOVEMBER 19: Acceptance Notification
You might want to hold off on framing your entries until the committee notifies you by email on November 19th you that your submissions will be in the show.
THIS IS NOT A JURIED SHOW. However, if there are space constraints, then the committee’s objective will be to display the greatest variety of subjects. So, we will look for those plants that are less frequently painted.
FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY: Installation of exhibit during campus recess.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7: Reception
The reception will be held sometime this week (after the show opening). Chapman University has a wonderful caterer who will provide refreshments. This should be a lovely event to which you will want to invite friends and family.
Week of FEBRUARY 21: Show closes and paintings removed.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Deborah has again agreed to arrange for the printing of postcards. She plans to have them to you after Thanksgiving, so you can include them with your holiday mailings.
To unify the appearance of the show, we are requiring that all submissions be framed according to ASBA guidelines, using simple L frames with Plexiglas and in the lightest colored wood. Leslie will have more information about frame sources and will bring a sample frame to the next BAGSC meeting on October 2.
The University allows for the sale of original works, and does not ask for participation in the sale. Artists who wish to sell will be asked to provide their email or other form of contact so the buyer can contact the artist. The artist and the purchaser will arrange for the transfer of sold artwork after the close of the show.
Again: all paintings in this show MUST be digitally submitted via email no later than NOVEMBER 12th! SO plan and paint NOW for this wonderful opportunity!
Have a great holiday weekend!
