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Plaza de Espana, Seville, © Quench Travel.
by Michael Best, posted by Deb Shaw
There are only 2 spaces left in Margaret’s April/May 2016 workshop in Spain. Non-artist friends, partners or spouses are also welcome.
The workshop accommodation is a beautifully restored 16th century house located in an aromatic garden surrounded by 3000 acres of olive and orange groves. As for all of Margaret’s previous painting trips, this workshop/tour is capably managed on the ground by Kiloran McRae for the Quench Travel Group of Toronto.
The tiled garden view in Alcazar Palace Gardens, © Quench Travel.
Five glorious days of painting will be spent in a spectacular setting high in Sierra Moreno Mountains, just north of Seville in the heart of Andalucía with options to tour the historic sights of Seville and Barcelona. As always, Quench ‘s remarkable local connections will make for an unforgettable, cultural immersion. Tapas, flamenco dancing, sherry bodegas, historical gardens …
Many of the already registered participants have been on three or more of Margaret’s destination workshops. Their enthusiasm for these unique painting opportunities speaks to the quality of their previous experiences. BAGSC member Jan Clouse and her husband Charles of Santa Barbara have this to say about their previous trips with Margaret and Kiloran:
Trasierra interior, © Quench Travel
Margaret knows how much Jan appreciates her guidance and mentoring, but the sustained exposure to her teaching skills provided by these trips is inestimable. We both admire Kiloran’s skills as well. Where do we start? Guide? Translator? Chaperone? Student of Medieval history? Plant identifier? She does it all at breakneck speed — in two, sometimes three, languages. Can’t praise her too highly either.
The food was as always, rave-worthy … impressive botanical gardens, the welcoming horticulturalists, and historical sights as well… Altogether we had terrific experiences as botanical painter, guitarist, and tourists.
For details about this unique painting opportunity and a chance to explore some remarkable art and sites of historical significance in Spain, see Quench Travel’s website.
Previous Margaret Best/Quench workshop destinations have included:
- Tuscany, Italy
- Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Morocco
- Newfoundland, Canada
- Cotswold’s, England
- Puglia, Italy
by Lori Vreeke, Deb Shaw
A view of the gallery at the Santa Barbara Zoo where the “Zoo in Bloom” exhibition will hang.
While making plans for your Labor Day weekend, don’t forget that the submission deadline is September 5, 2015 for “Zoo in Bloom,” the juried BAGSC exhibition at the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens. Jurors are: Olga Eysymontt, Ann Swan, and Chris Briggs.
All current BAGSC members in good standing are eligible to enter up to two (2) original works of art of botanical flowering specimens grown at the zoo (no prints). Artwork must depict plants that grow at the Zoo. There is no size limitation, and works may have been shown in previous BAGSC, ASBA, Filoli or other exhibitions.
The exhibition will continue through the end of the 2015 and will be open every day to visitors of the zoo. Due to space constraints, this will be a juried show with approximately 30 pieces of art hung. All original artwork must be for sale, prints not allowed.
See previous BAGSC Blog posts with submission details. The submission packet will be sent out again in an email blast to members for convenience.
A view of the gallery at the Santa Barbara Zoo where the “Zoo in Bloom” exhibition will hang.
Questions? Contact Lori Vreeke.
by Veronica Raymond and Deb Shaw
Kathy Musial and feathered friend during a botanical trip.
The Southern California Horticultural Society (SCHS) is honoring Kathy Musial with a “Horticulturist of the Year” award at their 2015 Annual Award Banquet at the Los Angeles Arboretum.
BAGSC members may be most familiar with Kathy’s tireless work as part of The Huntington/BAGSC team for “Weird, Wild & Wonderful: The New York Botanical Garden Second Triennial Exhibition,” Weird, Wild & Wonderful Symposium, and the BAGSC adjunct exhibition.
The Southern California Horticultural Society is recognizing Kathy with the 2015 Horticulturist of the Year award for her work as Curator of Living Collections at the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens. During her work there during the last 30 years, Kathy has made significant contributions to horticultural and botanical knowledge, both locally and globally.
Kathy has authored numerous publications, ranging from professional papers to excerpts from her travel diary of her tours to Chile, to editing the massive tome, Conifers Around the World, with Zsolt Debreczy and István Rácz. She has led botanical tours to Australia, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa and Madagascar.
Everyone is invited to join SCHS in celebrating Kathy’s remarkable work and dedication in the field of horticulture and in advancing a greater understanding of the flora of our world on:
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
Peacock Cafe
6pm, social hour and silent auction. Dinner and presentation begin at 7pm.
Purchase banquet tickets on-line, $45 each, by Thursday, September 3, 2015.
Please call Steven Gerischer, (323) 257-3629 with any questions.
Kathy has been a great resource for many BAGSC members and plant lovers everywhere. Congratulations Kathy!
by Alyse Ochniak and Deb Shaw
Please join us for a brief BAGSC Quarterly meeting and a much deserved Celebration(!!), on Saturday, September 12, 2015 as “Weird, Wild & Wonderful: The New York Botanical Garden Second Triennial Exhibition” goes off across the country to the Frost Museum in Florida to coincide with the 2015 ASBA Annual Meeting and Conference.
The meeting will be at Diane’s home and will include workshop announcements and programs for next year! An email blast will be sent out to all BAGSC members with directions. Coffee and tea is at 9:30 am, and the meeting starts at 10:00 am sharp. Please email Diane to RSVP and let her know what you will bring for potluck.
Please bring any artwork you created (or started) at the Weird, Wild & Wonderful Symposium, along with other drawings and paintings you are working on to share as we celebrate a milestone event.
Calling all “Weird, Wild & Wonderful” Stories and Photos
We want to post stories, reviews of lectures and workshops, and photos (of course) from the Weird, Wild & Wonderful Symposium and the BAGSC adjunct exhibition on the BAGSC Blog. Send your stories and images to Deb Shaw, and a BAGSC Blog committee will edit and post them. Be sure to include caption information for your photos, who took the photo (for copyright) and names of the people or plants in the photo if you know them.
Want to learn how to be a BAGSC Blogger? Contact Deb and have your own byline.
You can see images from the WWW Symposium on ASBA’s site under “RECAP“.
Hope to see you at the BAGSC meeting!
by Tania Norris, posted by Deb Shaw
Hybrid Bearded Flag Iris, watercolor on vellum and in the artist’s private collection. © 2015 Jenny Phillips, all rights reserved.
Jenny Phillips, internationally renowned botanical artist and teacher, is returning to Southern California to teach watercolor. Sponsored by the Virginia Robinson Gardens, Jenny will be teaching two workshops in two locations: one at the Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills; the other at The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino. Participants may sign up for one or the other, or both.
Jenny runs the Jenny Phillips School for Botanical Art in Melbourne, Australia, and has taught in America, Europe and Africa. Jenny is known for her attention to detail and in her teaching, shares her expertise in helping everyone — from beginning to advanced students. She furthers understanding of the art of botanical painting by giving demonstrations of her methods, tips and the benefits of her experience. Her magic with a paintbrush, her techniques for correcting “mistakes” are well known and her enthusiasm is contagious. All who take her classes come away with a renewed energy and thrill of painting nature.
“Water color techniques and tips for all artists, with an emphasis on botanical art”
Session I: September 21 – 25, The Huntington, Frances The Frances Lasker Brody Botanical Center
1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108
Monday through Friday, 9:30am – 3:30pm
For more information, contact Tania Norris.
Session II: September 28 – October 2, Virginia Robinson Gardens
1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, Ca 90210
Monday through Friday, 9:30am – 3:30pm
For more information contact, Friends of Robinson Gardens
Jenny Phillips discussing techniques at Virginia Robinson Gardens.
Fee PER WEEK $595. for Virginia Robinson Garden and Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California members.
Non-members $625. per week. A $100 non-refundable deposit or payment in full will reserve a seat in the class. Remainder payable in full, one week before scheduled class.
A supplies list will be sent to all registered participants. Coffee, tea and water will be provided, but please bring your own lunch. Lunch at The Huntington may be purchased from the Café or coffee shop.
To make reservations for the class held at Virginia Robinson Gardens, visit the Virginia Robinson Gardens online; call 310.550.2068; or mail a check to: Friends of Robinson Gardens, 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
Jenny Phillips demonstrating techniques at the Virginia Robinson Gardens.
To make reservations for the class held at The Huntington, please mail a check made out to Tania Norris: 137 N. Larchmont Boulevard, Los Angeles, Ca 90004.
For more information about either session, please contact Tania Norris.
About the instructor:
Jenny Phillips, a Gold Medalist from The Australian National Print Awards 1998, The Royal Horticultural Society, London 1993, and recipient of the Celia Rosser Award, has focused her drawing, watercolour skills, and love of gardening on botanical art since 1971. She is a renowned botanical artist and one of the most popular and experienced teachers. She has her own Botanical Art School in Melbourne, Australia, and has her paintings in many notable collections, including that of H.R.H. Prince Charles. Jenny’s teaching always includes effective ways to achieve maximum effect with ease and her wit is always evident.
by Janice Sharp and Bonnie Born Ash, posted by Deb Shaw
People’s Choice first place award went to Estelle DeRidder’s, Fuller’s Teasel, Dipsacus fullonum, colored pencil on paper, © 2015 Estelle DeRidder, all rights reserved.
During the opening reception for the adjunct exhibition by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California (BAGSC), friends, family and the public were able to vote for their personal favorites. The votes are in and the ribbons have been hung for the last three days of the show, Friday, 7 August – Sunday, 9 August.
People’s Choice second place award went to Lori Vreeke’s, Field Pumpkin, Cucurbita pepo var. ovifera, colored pencil on paper, © 2015 Lori Vreeke, all rights reserved.
First prize went to Estelle DeRidder’s Fuller’s Teasel with 16 votes. Second prize went to Lori Vreeke’s Field Pumpkin with 12 votes and third prize to Asuka Hishika’s Black Daikon Radish with 11 votes.
There were a surprisingly large number of votes cast (191) and the votes were distributed throughout all the artworks in the show. It is clear that there are many different themes and media that appeal to different viewers, but everyone agrees that the chosen works are fabulous!
People’s Choice third place award went to Asuka Hishiki’s, Black Daikon Radish (Kuromaru Daikon), Raphanus sativus, watercolor on paper, © 2015 Asuka Hishiki, all rights reserved.
by Deb Shaw
Close on the heels of the “Weird, Wild & Wonderful” Symposium at The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California (BAGSC), opened their supplemental exhibition of botanical oddities, in the Brody Botanical Center’s Banta Hall at The Huntington.
The reception for the BAGSC adjunct exhibition was packed with family, friends, colleagues and the public. Weird, Wild & Wonderful Second New York Botanical Garden Triennial Exhibition was also open for viewing and enthusiastically received. Photo © Gayle Uyehara, 2015.
The opening reception on Saturday, 1 August was well-attended and great fun. BAGSC members have been rotating shifts, providing botanical art demonstrations and talking with the public all week, including:
- Bonnie Born Ash
- Cristina Baltayian, colored pencil
- Nancy Beckham, colored pencil
- Melanie Campbell-Carter, colored pencil and watercolor
- Jan Clouse
- Diane Daly, watercolor
- Estelle DeRidder
- Kate Gaman
- Cynthia Jackson
- Susan Jackson
- Clara Josephs, watercolor
- Suzanne Kuuskmae
- Tania Marien
- Patricia Mark
- Terri Munroe, graphite and watercolor
- Kathy Morgan, watercolor
- Marilyn Parrino
- Lesley Randall
- Gilly Shaeffer, watercolor
- Mitsuko Schultz, watercolor
- Janice Sharp, metal point and colored pencil
- Deborah Shaw, graphite on vellum
- Beth Stone
- Leslie Walker
- Jude Wiesenfeld
The BAGSC adjunct exhibition features 72 artworks by 37 members, including: Bonnie Born Ash, Cristina Baltayian, Nancy Beckham, Melanie Campbell-Carter, Jan Clouse, Diane Daly, Estelle DeRidder, Nancy Grubb, Asuka Hishiki, Cynthia Jackson, Susan Jackson, Clara Josephs, Joan Keesey, Suzanne Kuuskmae, Teri Kuwahara, Patricia Mark, Lee McCaffree, Arillyn Moran-Lawrence, Kathy Morgan, Terri Munroe, Alyse Ochniak, Marilyn Parrino, Dolores Pope, Kathlyn Powell, Lesley Randall, Veronica Raymond, Robyn Reilman, Norma Sarkin, Mitsuko Schultz, Gilly Shaeffer, Janice Sharp, Deborah Shaw, Beth Stone, Gayle Uyehara, Lori Vreeke, Leslie Walker, Jude Wiesenfeld.
An exhibition of Botanical Oddities, illustrations by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California will continue each day through Sunday, August 9, 2015, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm in The Frances Lasker Brody Botanical Center at The Huntington.
The Weird, Wild & Wonderful: The New York Botanical Garden Second Triennial Exhibition exhibition also will be open each day, Friday – Sunday, August 7 – 9, plus will continue to be open on weekends only until August 23.
Exhibition information and hours posted at huntington.org
Join us before the BAGSC paintings are whisked away!
by Janice Sharp, posted by Deb Shaw
Exploring stencil leaf rubbings in graphite and colored pencil at The Huntington. BAGSC artists are demonstrating for the public August 1 – 9 in conjunction with our group show of botanical oddities by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California. “Weird, Wild & Wonderful,” The New York Botanical Garden Second Triennial Exhibition, will be open each day through August 9, and then weekends only through August 23. Photo © Janice Sharp, 2015.
Today was a great family day at The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens. All afternoon groups of children were attracted to the stencils, pencils and paper we had set out to try their hand at preparing botanical themed rubbings.
Children had fun creating leaf and flower rubbings from stencil templates. They explored the different graphite pencil hardnesses and the effect that could be achieved with light and hard pressure on the pencils. Some ventured into color pencils choosing a favorite color to create shapes or writing their name to claim ownership of their creations. One adventurous artist started with graphite to define outlines then filled in with color.
While most of the budding artists were very young, there were also older “children” who wanted to create a work of art.
I had a fun afternoon giving basic instructions on how to do a rubbing, although most of my time seemed to be spent handing out fresh pieces of paper and sharpening pencils.
Exploring stencil leaf rubbings in graphite and colored pencil at The Huntington. Photo © Janice Sharp, 2015.
A number of parents had to use all their persuasive powers to convince their children that The Huntington offered activities other than rubbings and they should explore them before the close of day.
by Lori Vreeke, posted by Deb Shaw
Flower images photographed by Lori Vreeke at the Santa Barbara Zoo, © 2015, all rights reserved.
BAGSC will be holding a juried exhibition at the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens, entitled “Zoo in Bloom”.
All current BAGSC members in good standing are eligible to enter up to two (2) original works of art of botanical flowering specimens grown at the zoo (no prints). Artwork must depict plants that grow at the Zoo, but does not have to be drawn there. There is no size limitation, and works may have been shown in previous BAGSC, ASBA, Filoli or other exhibitions.
The exhibition will continue through the end of the 2015 and will be open every day to visitors of the zoo. Due to space constraints, this will be a juried show with approximately 30 pieces of art hung. Jurors will be a zoo representative, a local Southern California juror and a juror from the UK. All original artwork must be for sale, prints not allowed.
Submission Deadline is September 5, 2015. Questions? Contact Lori Vreeke.
Flower images photographed by Lori Vreeke at the Santa Barbara Zoo, © 2015, all rights reserved.
A plant list and the Call for Entries packet will be emailed to BAGSC members.
The opening reception for this wonderful opportunity will be in conjunction with the gala celebrating Santa Barbara Zoo Members Day, running from 9:00am – 5:00pm on Saturday, October 3, 2015. BAGSC artists will be demonstrating throughout the day in the gardens and an information table will be set up to answer any questions about our exhibit and BAGSC. Sign-up requests to follow.
The Santa Barbara zoo is home to over 600 animals on 30 acres of lush gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The property was originally home to a private residence and was gifted to the city as a park. In 1963, the zoo opened to the public featuring formal gardens and lawns, native plants and trees, cacti and succulents, ornamentals and exotic species throughout the park to recreate natural habitat.
Flower images photographed by Lori Vreeke at the Santa Barbara Zoo, © 2015, all rights reserved.
by Leslie Walker and Carol Woodin, posted by Deb Shaw
The 9th Annual California Islands Symposium is holding a juried show in conjunction with the National Park Service Centennial Celebration.
Exhibition dates:
October 3-7, 2016, Ventura Beach Marriott, Ventura, California
With special showing
October 9 – November 6, 2016, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, California
Accepting Submissions: April 1, 2016 – July 1, 2016
Details for submission can be found at http://www.californiaislands.net/island-art-exhibition/
Artists are invited to enter original artwork in any two-dimensional medium that reflects the beauty and uniqueness of the California islands. All entries must depict the flora, fauna, or landscapes of the California islands. The show will be hung for the duration of the conference. A special showing at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will follow. Cash prize awards.
The California Islands Symposium and National Park Service believe that including the arts in the international symposium is a critical component in cultivating a greater appreciation of the unique California islands.
Prizes
First Place $500
Second Place $300
Third Place $200
All winning entries and the Conference Choice entry will be published on the California Islands, Channel Islands National Park, and Santa Barbara Botanical Garden websites.
2016 Exhibition Calendar
- April 1, 2016: Accepting entry forms and digital images
- July 6: Deadline for receipt of images
- August 3: Selection results mailed
- September 26: Deadline for shipped artwork to be received
- September 28: Deadline for hand-carried artwork
- October 3: Exhibition opens to California Islands Symposium attendees and the public
- October 7: Exhibition closes at 1:00 pm
- October 9: Exhibition opens at Santa Barbara Botanical Garden
- November 6: Exhibition closes at 3:00 pm. Pick-up until 5:00 pm
- November 8: Artwork shipped back to artists
Eligibility
Open to all artists. Artists are invited to enter original artwork in any two-dimensional medium that reflects the beauty and uniqueness of the flora, fauna, and landscapes of the California Islands.
Digital Image Procedure
Entries may include up to three digital images. Artists will pay one entry fee for three images. All work must be .jpg file at least 300 dpi. It is crucial that all images be on the highest quality so our judges can fully appreciate and scrutinize your entry.
Entry Fees
$35 for each entry.
Jury Procedure
All artwork will be juried by digital image. Criteria for acceptance will include artistic presentation and technical use of medium, represented by a high-quality digital image. Artists whose work has been accepted will be notified by email by July 30, 2016. Winners will be selected by judges; final choices will be confirmed in person at the conference. The Conference Choice winner will be chosen by attendee votes at the conference.
Further Information
For further information, please check the California Islands Symposium website, http://www.californiaislands.net/symposium or contact Paula Power, (805)658-5784.
Judges:
Bruce Everett, Professor Emeritus, California State University Northridge, is a renowned landscape painter with over 50 years of experience teaching at the college level as Professor of Painting, Drawing and Design. His work is represented in museum and corporate collections, public commissions, and has been shown in numerous solo and group exhibitions. Everett’s work appears in many publications including L.A.Rising: SoCal Artists Before 1980.
Hank Pitcher, painter of California culture and the coastal landscape, is a Senior Lecturer SOE of the College of Creative Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he has been part of the core faculty since 1971. A cross-disciplinarian active in conservation, Pitcher is a member of the Advisory Committee of the University of California Natural Reserve System, the Oak Group, and supporter of numerous local and national conservation organizations. He is represented by Sullivan Goss, An American Gallery, Santa Barbara.
Karen Kitchel is intrigued by concepts of native vs. invasive, and landscapes that contain stories of human exploration, occupation, and change. The resulting paintings combine meticulous craftsmanship with a conceptual point of view and aggressive, minimalist presentation.
Kitchel’s oil paintings have been featured in exhibitions throughout the U.S., and are in numerous private and public collections worldwide, including the Denver Art Museum, the Palm Springs Art Museum, and the U.S. State Department, among others.
Karen Kitchel was born in Battle Creek, Michigan and graduated from Kalamazoo College and Claremont Graduate University. She has exhibited professionally for over thirty years, and is represented by Robischon Gallery of Denver, CO, and Gerald Peters Gallery of Santa Fe, NM and New York, NY.
alert sent by GNSI member Miste Caulder, posted by Deb Shaw
Orange County Creatives in Laguna Beach, CA has a call for entries out for their 2015 exhibition, “Flora and Fauna.” Entry deadline is August 15, 2015; the entry fee for one – five artworks is $35.00, with a media fee to place the image on the website (per sample over minimum) of $5.00.
The exhibition is juried, and celebrates all the plants and animals of all regions and times, from artists around the world. Information about the exhibition and the link to the exhibition application can be found on the website.
Orange County Creatives is located at:
761 S Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
978-473-9658
Hours: M-W 1 to 5 F 1 to 5, Sat and Sun 11 to 5
First Thursday of the month 6 to 9
by Clara Josephs, posted by Deb Shaw
Here is some helpful information regarding the cost of Olga’s Sunday class at the LA Arboretum. The base cost of the class (through Otis) for noncredit is $435 plus the required amount of $39 for insurance and registration fees. You may deduct up to two $50 ($100 total!) discounts as they apply to you.
Choose from any two of the following:
- Senior, 60 and over: subtract $50
- KCRW member with valid card in your name: subtract $50
- Early bird registration until August 23: subtract $50
- Alumni discount: subtract $50
Take two discounts and the cost of the class is $374 for 8 full days of instruction!
For convenience, here is the basic information posted in a previous BAGSC Blog post:
Graphite for Botanical Illustration. Classes will held for 8 Sundays, from September 13 through November 1, 9:30–4:30 and is appropriate for all skill levels. Register through Otis College 310 665 6950 class # XILU3556. This class is not yet up on the website, but will fill quickly. If you are interested, register soon by phone.
by Clara Josephs, posted by Deb Shaw
Passion Flower study, Olga Eysymontt, © 2008, all rights reserved.
Olga Eysymontt, one of the founding members of BAGSC and the first botanical art teacher to many of us, is returning to the Los Angeles Arboretum to teach her iconic class, Graphite for Botanical Illustration. If you have not had the opportunity to study with Olga, now is your chance. Classes will held for 8 Sundays, from September 13 through November 1, 9:30–4:30 and is appropriate for all skill levels. Register through Otis College 310 665 6950 class # XILU3556. This class is not yet up on the website, but will fill quickly. If you are interested, register soon by phone.
This hands-on drawing course enables teaches students to observe and draw plants with accuracy, develop perceptual acuity, analyze the role of light on form, and use tonal value skills that are essential in drawing any subject. Classes will be held at the LA Arboretum. This course is suitable not only for beginners but also for those students with extensive drawing experience. Course includes demonstration, class discussion, and critique.
First class materials: 14″ x 17” Strathmore Drawing Pad Series 400, Medium (no sketch or recycled paper; you can use another brand), 14” x 17” Medium Weight Tracing Paper (any brand), 3 Drafting Pencil Holders and 1 Sharpener, Leads: 2H, HB and 2B leads (at least 2 each), Eraser Stick, Erasing Shield, Drafting Brush, Mars Drafting Dots (masking tape), Portable Task Light (Ott-Lite). Vis a Vis wet erase fine point marker, Clip, 8″ x 10″ Plexi and 8″ x 10″ format supplied by teacher for $10.00.
BAGSC News 