After a healthy discussion at our quarterly meeting this past Saturday, we have come to a decision about framing for the show planned at Chapman University on drought tolerant plants.

Dick Blick Bamboo Gallery Frames

The frame we will be using for our Chapman exhibit is the Dick Blick Light Bamboo Gallery frame.  Most paintings done on quarter sheets will fit into the 16 x 20 size frame.

If you purchase a pre-cut 16″ x 20″ mat, your matted painting should fit into #18858-7916 bamboo frame. That frame comes with acrylic “glass” and costs $27.50.

The light bamboo frame comes in a range of sizes, from 6″ x 6″ to 30″ x 40″. You may want to decide the final size of your painting when you are planning the composition.

Use the standard wire and D ring hanging system with no saw-tooth or projecting hardware, and a white or off-white mat.

We do not have an exact date set as yet for the show. However, we believe the gallery area will be available to us sometime in early spring, and that we will have room for three to four paintings per member. So, keep working on those paintings! We are hoping to hold several workshops on issues pertinent to portraying drought tolerant plants.

There’s a wonderful plant sale going on at the Arboretum Garden & Gift Shop. All plants are 50 percent off, while supplies last. Take this opportunity to add some terrific plants to your garden. Excludes arrangements by Creative Plant Design. No member discounts apply. All sales are final. Varieties are subject to availability.

Take this opportunity to add some terrific plants to your garden. For BAGSC members looking for subjects for the drought-tolerant exhibition, this might be a great find for subjects to paint. The Arboretum Garden & Gift shop is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm.

New BAGSC member Lori Vreeke went to the “Grow! A Garden Festival at the LA Arboretum today, met Leslie Walker, Estelle De Ridder and Janice Sharp and took some great pictures. See them on her blog.

Welcome Lori!

More than 1,300 people attended the Friday night opening of “Grow! A Garden Festival” at the LA Arboretum.  Food, wine, music and wonderful evening.  Lots of plants, and outdoor decor, not to mention beautiful art at the BAGSC booth. Looks like it will be a great weekend. Get out and join us!

Goodnight for now, but see you there this weekend!

Cristina Baltayian, © 2011, all rights reserved

BAGSC member Cristina Baltayian will be teaching colored pencil classes at the LA Arboretum through December 2012 on both Tuesdays AND now on Saturdays as well!

USING COLORED PENCILS In Botanical Art
At the Arboretum, 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007, phone: 626.821.4623

These classes will focus on techniques, composition and color mixing. All levels of experience are welcome.

Cristina Baltayian, Instructor
10am-2pm (includes one hour lunch break) – 3 hours of class
$255 Arboretum members per month
$275 non-members per month

Pre-registration required; please call 626.821.4623

Cristina Baltayian has a background in drawing (graphite, charcoal, pen and ink), two-dimensional design, watercolor, and colored pencils.

Her work has been shown at Filoli, the Los Angeles County Arboretum, and Chapman University. She is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists, and The Botanical Guild of Southern California. A supply list will be provided upon registration. You may bring your lunch or purchase it at the Peacock Café.

Tuesdays, 2012:
May 1, 8, 15, 22
June 5, 12, 19, 26
July 10, 17, 24, 31

August (No Classes)

September 4, 11, 18, 25
October 2, 9, 16, 23

November (No Classes)

December 4, 11, 18 ((December classes go from 10am – 3:15pm)

Saturdays, 2012
Each individual class will explore flowers, fruits, vegetables and more, using colored pencil techniques to get beautiful, painterly results. You may register for one class at a time if you wish.

A supply list will be provided upon registration; you can also bring your lunch or purchase it at the Peacock Café.

10am – 4pm (includes one hour lunch break) – 5 hours of class
$ 95 Arboretum members per Saturday
$115 Non-members per Saturday

Pre-registration required; please call 626.821.4623

May 12
June 9
July 14
August 18
September 15
October 13

(No class in November)

December 15

Join us for the BAGSC General Quarterly Meeting,
Saturday, May 19, 2012
10:00 a.m., at Cristina’s home

Agenda

Coffee at 9:30

I.  President’s Report – Leslie Walker

II.  Secretary’s Report – Bonnie Born Ash

III.  Treasurer’s Report – Janice Sharp

IV.  Membership Report – Joan Keesey

V.  Old Business

• Field Trip to Lotusland, April 28
• L. A. Arboretum “GROW! A Garden Festival” May 4-6

VI.  New Business

• Classes for 2012
• Chapman University Exhibition  - Drought Tolerant Plants

VII. Program

• Estelle DeRidder – British Society of Botanical Artists Diploma Course
• Lori Vreeke – Ann Swan colored pencil class in Dedham, England
• Bring your work to show

Potluck Lunch

An email blast will be sent out with directions. Please RSVP to Cristina. See you there!!

Leslie Walker and Janice Sharp give directions during the show hanging.

BAGSC Members Janice Sharp, Norma Sarkin, Leslie Walker, Kathy Morgan, and Deb Shaw were on hand to set up the BAGSC show in Ayres Hall at the LA Arboretum today. BAGSC has a corner area in a prime location next to the entrance to Ayres Hall, with member Tania Marien, ArtPlantae in the booth right next door. Perfect!

We have a nice showing with 35 works by 14 BAGSC artists. The display encompasses originals in graphite, ink, watercolor, silverpoint, colored pencil and mixed media, as well as prints, cards, etc. for sale.

Festivities start tonight, Friday evening, May 4 – with tequila cocktails by Nobleza Tequila and wine flights offered by Phantom Rivers Winery, accompanied by appetizers from Claud & Company Catering and the Peacock Café. Not to mention a “Beer for Books” booth, where all proceeds will go toward new books for the Arboretum Library.

Leslie Walker and Norma Sarkin working, while Janice Sharp and Deb Shaw offer helpful advice.

Also on hand will be live music by the Big Band Theory, a garden sculpture exhibit, “Earth Dreams: Beyond the Sculptural Landscape,” where visitors have an opportunity to meet the eight featured artists.

The show continues on Saturday and Sunday, May 5-6, with plenty of kids’ activities, live entertainment throughout the day, food trucks, guided tours the gardens, and much more!

There is a fantastic lineup of educational Q&A sessions from top garden experts. These forums feature topics on everything from bee-keeping and backyard chickens, maximizing your edible garden production to drought-friendly ornamental landscaping.

And, of course, there are shopping opportunities! The Marketplace has more than 50 vendors with a full array of garden accessories, and over 25 Plant Vendors & Societies offering unique plants and great information. The Arboretum Gift Shop will be offering special discounts on all merchandise as well. I already have a list of things I “must have” from various vendors, and that was just from looking at a few vendors as they were unpacking to set up.

GROW! will also be the first opportunity to see the newly designed Garden for All Seasons – a demonstration garden of cutting-edge water harvesting techniques and urban homesteading principles.

BAGSC members will be exhibiting in a non-juried show at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden for “GROW! A Garden Festival” on May 4, 5 and 6, 2012. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to show and/or sell your work, whether you’re a new member or a founding member!

Call for Entry packets were emailed out to all members in February; a reminder email packet will be emailed along with the posting of this blog reminder. Entry forms and a check for $35.00 per person must be sent to Janice Sharp by April 18th. Artwork must be delivered to a designated BAGSC show committee member before May 4th, or directly to the Arboretum on May 4th. Details will be sent out to participants.

Janice Sharp and Norma Sarkin are co-chairs of the L. A. Arboretum Show, and Pat Mark has agreed to assist. As always, we’ll need lots of volunteers. Watch for more information and finish up your paintings!

GROW! A Garden Festival will be at the Los Angeles Arboretum from May 4-6, 2012 in a celebration of gardening. The Festival will feature favorites
from past LA Garden Shows plus much more!

• Unique and Unusual Plants for Sale: Fruit trees, herbs, vegetables, succulents, California natives and ornamental favorites from over 25 leading growers and specialty plant societies
• Marketplace Vendors and Arboretum Garden & Gift Shop
• 40 vendors showcasing garden tools, books, home gardening accessories, container plants & other botanical inspired items
• Earth Dreams: Beyond the Sculptural Landscape: an Exhibition of sculptures and art installations curated by Juliet Rosati Bello of Cream Gallery – featuring works by James Hill, Susan Elizalde, Fred Rose, Patrick E., Diana Markessinis, Patrick Crabb, Bill Fillmore and Pamela Burgess
• Garden Chats: Lectures, Demonstrations and Meet the Experts: Saturday & Sunday only, including featured speakers: Leigh Adams, Marco Barrantes, JoAnn Carey, Rosalind Creasy, Scott Daigre (Tomatomania), Steve Gerischer, Dan Hinkley, John Lyons, Jill Morganelli, Lili Singer, Nicholas Staddon and more!
• Resources & plant information services provided by environmental and gardening associations
• Let’s Move! Gardening & Healthy Activities for Kids and Families: Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 3:00pm – featuring Sparky the Dragon Pizza Oven
• Debut of the Newly Designed Garden for All Seasons
• A demonstration site for small-scale, water-efficient, sustainable gardening and cultivation of fruits and vegetables
• Educational Landscape Designs from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers California Chapter, Greater Los Angeles District; UCLA Student Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects
• Food Trucks & Snacks
• Peacock Café BBQ, The Coffee Gallery, Jamba Juice (South Pasadena ), Kealey’s Poppin’, Mother Moo Creamery, and food trucks – Grilled Cheese, Kabob ‘n Roll, Pie & Burger and Slammin’ Sliders
• Beer for Books: Friday 5:00 – 8:00pm; Saturday & Sunday 11:00am – 4:30pm, Beer, wine & used book sales to benefit the Arboretum library
• Live Entertainment, Walking Tours & Artists Painting in the Gardens
• AND (most importantly) the Botanical Art Exhibition by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California!!

Ad for "Grow! A Garden Festival" at the LA Arboretum

Friday Evening, May 4, 5:00 – 8:00pm – Let the Festivities Begin!
Arboretum Members – Adults: $5 – Children ages 5-12: $1 – under 5 free
Non-Members – Adults: $10 – Children ages 5-12: $2 – under 5 free
Parking: Free parking in Arboretum parking lots
Enjoy the Arboretum during evening hours with live music by Big Band Theory, and first choice of plants and merchandise. Meet the artists. Sample wine flights (additional fee) by Phantom Rivers Winery, accompanied by appetizers from Chef Claud Beltran of Claud & Company Catering, Executive chef of Noir Food & Wine, and signature tequila cocktails (additional fee) created by Nobleza Tequila

Saturday & Sunday May 5 & 6, *9:00am – 4:30pm (*8:00am entry for Arboretum members)
Arboretum Members – Free
Non-Members – Adults: $8 – Seniors & Students: $6 – Children ages 5-12: $3 – under 5 free
Parking: Arboretum lots $10; Santa Anita Race Track (Gate 8) $4 with complimentary shuttle service
Be sure to bring your own cart or wagon to carry all of your purchases

Joan Keesey with two of her paintings at the Theodore Payne Foundation.

It’s closer than you think!

Continue about 15 minutes beyond the Huntington exit on the 210 and you are at the Theodore Payne Foundation in Sun Valley.  BAGSC member Joan Kessey’s Artist Reception was held there this past Sunday and it was so worth the drive!

For 30 years Joan has been painting the wildflowers near her summer cabin at Mineral King (Sequoia National Park).  Her paintings are lyrical records of the delicate and charming plants that populate the area. The paintings were hung around the room in order of increasing altitude, and a map that Joan and her husband created showed the location of each specimen she painted.

The reception room was packed with art and plant lovers who were drawn to the enchanting colors and compositions of Joan’s informative paintings. If you are questioning whether wildflowers and drought tolerant plants can be beautiful, then head up the 210 and be prepared to be delighted. Joan’s show runs through June 30. Theodore Payne is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Three of Joan Keesey's paintings.

Filoli grounds, image © 2012, Clara Josephs

The Artist Reception at Woodside’s Filoli Estates 14th Annual Botanical Art Exhibition was held the evening of March 29.  The 56 pieces by 36 artists filled the Visitor and Education Center. BAGSC was well represented this year by the works of five members: Akiko Enokido, Clara Josephs, Deb Shaw, Mitsuko Schultz, and Patty Van Osterhoudt.

Artists and their guests were treated to a dusk stroll through the magnificent gardens prior to the reception. Tulips, camellias, and magnolias were at the height of their blooming display. The reception was a wonderful time for the artists to meet each other and share the excitement. The show was juried by Jean Emmons, botanical artist, and Dr. Peggy Fiedler, botanist and Director of the University of California Natural Reserve System.

This year’s Juror’s award went to Catherine Watters for  distinction in botanical art presentation. The Bourn Award for distinction with an emphasis on horticultural presentation went to Pria Graves for her life sized portrait of Kentucky Wonder pole beans and Regina Gardner Milan received the Roth Award for distinction with an emphasis on Traditional botanical art presentation. The show will be on display until June 24. Don’t miss it!

Patty Van Osterhoudt with her painting, image © 2012

Mitsuko Schultz (L) and Clara Josephs (R) at the Filoli Artist Reception, image © 2012, Jerry Josephs

We are privileged to have two of the foremost artists and teachers in the world of Botanical Art scheduled to give classes at the Virginia Robinson Gardens shortly.

Jenny Phillips

JENNY PHILLIPS, from Australia, has her own botanical art school in Melbourne. She has not taught in America for five years so it is wonderful to have her back.
Class dates: April 11, 12 and 13, 2012
Time: 9:30 am – 4 pm each day.
Subject: Tonal work to emphasize form and planning a composition which will fill a page with movement and meaning.
Cost: $375.00

Jenny has also asked that each student bring a painting so that she can help with any problem areas that we need special help with.

Elaine Searle

ELAINE SEARLE, from England, will be returning for another of her popular classes. Elaineʼs quiet way of explaining “how to” has given us many “a ha” moments. Elaine is always ready to look at our paintings and help with problems.
Class dates: June 4 – 8, 2012.
Time: 9:30 am – 3pm
Subject still to be decided. Please let me know your thoughts.
Cost: $595.00

To register for the classes, please contact the Friends of Robinson Gardens by telephone if paying by credit card, (310) 550-2068 or if paying by check, please make payable to the  Friends of Robinson Gardens and mail to:
1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

If you have any questions, please email me or call.

Look forward to seeing you at two wonderful classes,
Tania Norris

BAGSC Member Sally Jacobs had a review of her upcoming show, “Nourishing Art” in the LA Times. See the article online at the “Daily Dish, The Inside Scoop on Food in Los Angeles“. Show and opening information is posted here on the BAGSC Blog.

Congrats Sally!

Calochortus amoenus (Rosy Fairy Lantern), watercolor by Joan Keesey, © 2012, all rights reserved.

Joan Keesey, BAGSC member and membership chair, will be having an exhibition of botanical watercolors, “Wild Flowers of Mineral King” at the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants (TPF), Friday, March 30 – Saturday, June 30, 2012.

An opening reception for the artist will be held Saturday, March 31, 2012, from 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm.

The opening reception coincides with “Poppy Day” at the TPF, their annual spring plant sale event, which takes place from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on March 31. Hundreds of different native California species and cultivars will be available to choose from — a great opportunity for those BAGSC members who would like to paint California natives for the Chapman University exhibition on drought-tolerant plants. TPF members will receive 15 percent off all plants in 4-inch containers, one gallon containers and up. Non-members will receive 10 percent off those same plants, and memberships will be sold at the door.

California Buckeye, watercolor by Joan Keesey, © 2012, all rights reserved.

The TPF is located at 10459 Tuxford Street, in Sun Valley, California 91352. The phone number is 818.768.5215 and the wildflower hotline number is 818.768.3533.

Davidson's Fritillary, watercolor by Joan Keesey, © 2012, all rights reserved.

Sally Jacobs, Invitation to "Nourishing Art" at the TAG Gallery, © 2012, Sally Jacobs

BAGSC member Sally Jacobs will be having a show entitled “Nourishing Art” from March 27 – April 21, 2012 at the TAG gallery.

The artist’s reception is on Saturday, March 31, from 5 – 8 pm; an artist panel will be held on Saturday, April 14 at 2 pm.

In this watercolor exhibition, Sally shows that she takes her healthy eating, and painting, seriously. With their vibrant colors and remarkable shapes, each of these nutritious vegetables from outdoor farmers’ markets in the Los Angeles area cry out, “eat me!”, and you should.

TAG gallery is in Bergamot Station, D3, at 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, California, 90404. The phone number is 310.829.9556; hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm.

Vegetables painted by Sally Jacobs, watercolor, © 2012, all rights reserved.