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by Deb Shaw
BAGSC member Margaret Best, in conjunction with Quench Trip Design, will be teaching a botanical art workshop in Tuscany, in Spring 2012 (April/May). Participants will stay in a restored medieval village, drawing or painting some of the seasonal displays of flowers such as red poppies, Azaleas, wisteria or the native blue iris. Or, artists may choose to depict the local fruit and vegetable offerings such as the asparagus, strawberries, fennel or peas to be found in the market place. This workshop has been designed for artists at every level.
Margaret will teach in a stunning historical indoor/outdoor studio setting. The trip also features an expert Italian-speaking cultural guide on a memorable eight-night visit to Italy.
Outside the studio, participants will visit an organic kitchen garden and join the owner for a sumptuous gourmet meal. They also will be able to experience the authentic Chianti region by mingling with the local residents and visiting boutique wine estates to sip their vintages, and savour the culture of Rome and Siena.
Please read the PDF, MargaretBestItaly, for more details, e-mail Quench Trip Design, or call them at 416 366 2777 to hear more information on how to book. Those booking before October 7th will receive Euro 150 per person off the program cost.
by Leslie Walker (posted by Deb Shaw)
At the last BAGSC meeting at Alison’s, we passed around a “get well” card for Marilyn. Here’s the thank you she posted on my facebook page:
Hi Leslie, I would like to thank the group for the thoughtful card and caring comments. All of you are so special and each get-well wish was greatly appreciated. I am improving and looking forward to only good things in the future. Hope to see you soon and have a wonderful trip to Boston. Fondly, Marilyn Parrino
Get well from all of us, and hope to see you soon!
by Clara Josephs (posted by Deb Shaw)
All BAGSC members attending the ASBA Conference and Workshops in Boston in October should have received notification that power cords are not available for workshops and classes, and attendees need to bring battery operated lights if instructor’s have specified a lamp on the materials list.
Since outlets can be hard to come by in many classrooms, and traveling with lamps add to luggage woes, we decided to post a quick review of some battery-powered options.
The ASBA recommended the following:
- Best Color Rendering: OttLite 290G59 LED Task Light, sold online by many retailers including Amazon.com, J & R Electronics, Sears and Ottlite. It’s also available in Michael’s Craft stores.
- Lightest and Most Flexible: JOBY Gorilla Torch Flare, sold online by many retailers including Amazon.com, J & R Electronics, and REI.com
I read the specs and reviews of the Ottlite battery-operated light and decided that was definitely not for me: It weights 5 pounds (I was thinking of getting two lamps for the illumination I typically need), cost $99 each, and the battery lasts about three hours before it needs recharging. So, where would I recharge it in the middle of a class, and how long does that take?? I need light for four full days of classes. I looked at the Daylite version of the Ottlite battery light at Art Supply warehouse. It is HEAVY and bulky. So, I ordered the JOBY Gorilla Torch Flare.
After I received the first from Amazon, I purchased a second one. It’s lightweight, small, with a strong light that’s easy to position, and has DISPOSABLE batteries. (I definitely don’t want to run to my room at lunch to try to recharge my light for the afternoon.) So far, I am pleased with the JOBY torch light. It isn’t perfect, but the light is crisp and shows details. I am not as sensitive to color correction issues as I should be, but I would guess the color is not as true as on Ott. I will carry a ton of AA batteries (the ASBA should make sure there is someone in the lobby selling batteries at all times!!!!). Joanne’s Fabrics had a 50 percent off sale on all Ott lamps, but I don’t know if they carry the battery light. I also tried ordering a flip light from Lamps Plus and it was useless – a glorified book light. I was going to go check REI for a larger dimension spot light, but I haven’t had time. I think I will just go with these two JOBY’s.
Morgan painting in her studio
The seventh annual San Fernando Valley Artist Studio Tour will be held Saturday and Sunday October 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. BAGSC member Morgan Kari will be among the 30 artists participating in the studio tour, presenting her beautiful new studio and teaching school.
Morgan’s art studio, formerly a farm building for processing walnuts grown on the property, consists of five rooms, including an art library of more than 2000 art and photography books, a trundle bed for naps or for guests, a computer and business room, a framing and mat cutting facility, and a lecture and refreshment room. There is also a teaching school for four students that was once the farm’s tool room, and ceilings that are 18 feet high, with skylights that open. North lighting filters through shuttered windows and each room is filled with music from a central sound system.
Morgan’s 900 square foot studio is located in the back garden, surrounded by flowers and numerous fruiting trees, arbors, dogs, birdbaths and flagstone patios for painting outside.
The studio interior is decorated in art deco and Chinese style with a black floor. Special thought was given to the art furniture, storage, lighting, and presentations.
Morgan’s paintings are realistically rendered still life, portraits, and botanicals in watercolor, oil, pastel, silverpoint, and colored pencil.
For more information, contact:
Valley Artists Studio Tour
818-469-3380
or Morgan.
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