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by Deb Shaw
Alice Tangerini
Alice Tangerini, botanical illustrator for the botany department at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, will be exhibiting her work and giving two presentations at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum in Riverside, California as part of their “Smithsonian Week in Riverside.”
The free public programming is related to the “John Muir and the Personal Experience of Nature” exhibit at the Museum. In addition to a display of Alice’s work, the program includes:
“Treasures of Yosemite” Presentation
David Wimpfheimer, Natural History Study Leader, Smithsonian Journeys
Wednesday, April 24
3 pm – 5 pm
Botanical Illustration Demonstration
Alice Tangerini, Botany Staff Scientific Illustrator, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Thursday, April 25
3 pm – 5 pm
“To Reach Perfection — the Challenge of Botanical Illustration” Presentation
Alice Tangerini, Botany Staff Scientific Illustrator, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Thursday, April 25
7 pm – 8:30 pm
If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Alice or taking a class from her, you’re in for a rare treat. Alice has illustrated more than 1500 species of plants for the Smithsonian and is also the curator of the 4800 plant drawings currently in the Smithsonian inventory. She is a board member of the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA), and is the person to whom we send our information and images to when we want to post them to the Member’s Gallery on the ASBA website. Alice received the American Society of Botanical Artists Award for Excellence in Scientific Illustration in 2008, teaches scientific illustration, and provides educational outreach. She is also a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI). You can view Alice’s scientific illustrations from the Catalog of Botanical Illustrations, Department of Botany, Smithsonian Institution online.
More information about the Smithsonian Week at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum is on their website. The museum is located at 3580 Mission Inn Avenue, near Orange Street, right off the 91 Freeway. The phone number is (951) 826-5273.
As long as you’re in Riverside, you might want to plan to arrive early and visit ArtPlantae. Just two blocks away you’ll find ArtPlantae at Aurea Vista Marketplace, at 3498 University Avenue on the corner of Lemon and University. Tania Marien will (of course!) be at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum to see Alice’s presentations, but her two areas in Aurea Vista will be open, and there are lots of other shops to see in Aurea Vista and in the mall in the historic downtown Riverside.
Hope to see you there, and welcome to California, Alice!
by Deb Shaw
Image of Google’s Doodle to Maria Sibylla Merian’s 366th Birthday.
Thank you to Jody Williams, who sent me an email alert that was waiting in my inbox with my morning coffee. Google is celebrating Maria Siblylla Merian’s 366th birthday today with her own Google Doodle (screen shot shown here). Clicking on the Doodle brings up related posts and information. Maria’s Google Doodle will only be there today: http://www.google.com. Happy Birthday Maria!
by Sue Kuuskmae and Rita Hopper, posted by Deb Shaw
Invitation postcard from The Pastel Society of Southern California
The Fourth Annual Pastel Exhibition at the Creative Arts Center, Manhattan Beach, will be held from April 6th – April 26th, 2013.
Everyone is invited to the opening reception on Saturday April 6, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. There will be music, art, food, wine, and voting for your favorite painting. Come join the fun.
There will be a free demonstration by Richard McKinley, a well known pastelist and teacher on the following Saturday, April 13th at 10:00 am – noon. The juried entries will be judged for awards by Master Pastelist Richard McKinley.
BAGSC members Suzanne Kuuskmae and Rita Hopper have works in the show.
The Manhattan Beach Creative Arts Center is located at 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. For more information about the gallery and hours, visit the web site, or call 310.802.5440.
For more information about the Pastel Society of Southern California, visit their website, or call 310.540.0724.
by Quench Trip Design, posted by Deb Shaw
Fisher’s Loft Inn.
Few people visit Newfoundland without being touched by the warmth of its people, the depth of its history and the haunting beauty of its rugged coastline. This seven day workshop, September 30 – October 6, 2013, under the expert guidance of renowned teacher and botanical artist, Margaret Best, promises an ideal opportunity to work uninterrupted in an inspiring coastal setting: Fisher’s Loft Inn in Port Rexton, on Trinity Bay. The large airy studio has breathtaking views. The hotel is the top-ranked rural inn in Newfoundland. The award-winning kitchen draws from the nearby ocean, freshwater ponds, seaside meadows and an abundant kitchen garden in season.
Street with colorful houses in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.
In early October, the meadows and woodlands will be turning to their autumn colours – blueberry bushes turning rich claret, wild rhododendron, sheep’s laurel, lichens in a subtle spectrum, partridge berries, cloud berries, tall sedges bleaching to every shade of blonde. This is a landscape of miniature set against vast vistas of sea and sky. Accessible trails make this a hikers’ paradise.
Make the short jump from the ASBA conference in Pittsburgh (ending September 28) to Newfoundland to extend your botanical painting for the Fall.
Highlights
- Personalized instruction by Margaret Best, tailored to your individual medium and needs.
- Both coloured pencil – exciting new techniques with the latest materials – as well as watercolour instruction focusing on earth tones best suited to fall colours – fallen leaves, seed pods, berries, rose hips and late harvest vegetables.
- Workshop participation limited to insure best possible learning experience.
- Exclusive use of beautiful studio space and opportunity to work in the garden or farther afield.
- Six nights in a dramatically beautiful setting, with charming top-ranked accommodations at Fisher’s Loft Inn, a collection of traditional buildings set on a hillside overlooking the ocean. Friendly gracious local staff will make you feel so at home you won’t want to leave.
- Chartered boat tour. Learn about the fascinating history of the Newfoundland fishery and outports.
- Walking tour of historic Trinity.
- Guided hike around Skerwink Trail.
- Six delicious full menu breakfasts, two three-course dinners at Fisher’s Loft restaurant, and two lunches.
NOTE: To participate in the this trip, you must be able to walk up and down the hill between the studio and the various other buildings on the site.
Included
- Transfer from a central location in St. John’s to your hotel in Port Rexton
- Transfer to St. John’s and the airport
- 6 nights accommodation at Fisher’s Loft Inn
- 6 full breakfasts
- 3 course Welcome dinner, with wine
- 3 course Farewell dinner, with wine
- 2 lunches
- Boat tour to visit outports
- Walking tour of historic Trinity
- Guided hike of Skerwink Trail
- Gratuities for wait staff for meals on the programme, drivers and Trinity guide.
Not included
- Flights in and out of St. John’s
- Meals not mentioned in the programme
- Tips for housekeeping staff
- Drinks, except where specified
Cost: $2,995 CAD
*Price per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement $420 per person.
*All bookings may be subject to HST and subject to availability.
Whale flute.
PLEASE NOTE: Bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis. We will do our best to accommodate single travelers who are willing to share twin rooms. If you are traveling with a non-artist partner, please ask us about a non-participant rate.
Get more information about this new adventure on Quench Trip Design’s destination page for Canada.
by Tania Norris, posted by Deb Shaw
Just a reminder for those that have not signed up, that there are still a few spots available in Jenny Phillips class at the Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG).
Jenny’s classes are always fun and rewarding and this time the three day class is drawing in preparation for the watercolor class the following week. So if possible, please take both segments as they are really one class. For those unable to take the drawing section, it will mean that you won’t be able (probably) to finish the painting in one week.
Jenny suggested roses as the subject but as most gardens have been pruned am not sure of availability so we may have a different subject and if so, one that can be included in the Florilegium. Or we may have a choice of subject.
For those that took Anne-Marie’s classes and painted wisteria and/or coral tree, we are hoping that while Jenny is here that they will be judged and the best two added to the Florilegium.
Please bring your finished paintings to VRG by April 8th. Please have them in a protective cover, unsigned if possible but clearly marked on the back of the painting with your name and phone number. Please remember that if your painting wins, you keep the copyright but you are giving the painting to Virginia Robinson Gardens and they will have the right to reproduce the painting for cards, prints, folio or anything else that flower paintings can used and that any monies from the sales of the reproductions belongs to VRG. The paintings will be aded to the permanent collection at the Gardens.
The following is the information for Jenny’s class:
April 10, 11 and 12, 2013
Drawing beautiful botanically correct roses in graphite
April 15 – 19, 2013
Focusing on a florileguim quality painting in watercolor of a rose
Jenny Phillips is one of the most renowned botanical artists in the world 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.
Classes will be held at Virginia Robinson Gardens from 9 – 3:30 on each of the days listed above.
A supplies list will be sent to all participants. Coffee, tea and water will be provided, but please bring your own lunch. Painting subject may change due to availability of garden roses in April.
Fees for the three day session are $375 for VRG and BAGSC members; $450 for non-members. The five day session is $595 for VRG and BAGSC members; $650 for non-members. A deposit of $100 per class to hold the space can be accepted, but is non-refundable.
To make reservations, 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. Questions? Contact Tania Norris.
by Jill Berry, posted by Deb Shaw
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens will be offering a weekly evening Botanical Art and Illustration class in addition to their Tuesday morning classes.
We are trying to set a day that will be convenient to most people, so if you are interested, let us know which day you would prefer, from Monday to Thursday. Class participation is limited to a minimum of five students and a maximum of 12.
Cristina Baltayian will be the instructor, and we will be exploring colored pencil, graphite, pen and ink, and watercolor on various papers, vellum and other surfaces. The emphasis will be on plant observation, drawing, composition, color theory and matching, and medium techniques.
This year we have started a very exciting project, in which, in conjunction with BAGSC, we will be studying and portraying the many Arboretum introductions collected over a period of almost 50 years, to build a collection of paintings that will celebrate and document the invaluable contribution of the Los Angeles Arboretum to the state of California. [Search the BAGSC Blog for related articles about the Arboretum introductions project, and BAGSC members’ special purchase package. If you’re at the LA Arboretum, be sure to stop off in the gift store to buy the first edition of the cards.]
For more information, please contact Jill Berry, Education Manager at the Los Angeles Arboretum.
We look forward to hear from you!
by Deb Shaw
The online, local newsletter, the “Newport Beach-Corona del Mar Patch” posted a great article about the “Day of Art” at Roger’s Gardens. Written by Rayna Jensen, “Art Blooms at Roger’s Gardens” has a quote from Tania Marien and photos of the drawing workshop taught by Tania and Deb Shaw.
Be sure to click on the accompanying photo to view all of the photos of the event that are included with the article, and their captions. Included in the photo album: Janice Sharp’s silverpoint demo drawing, photos of participants drawing in Tania and Deb’s workshop, and the brilliant colors of the fruit and vegetables on BAGSC’s interactive table.
by Deb Shaw
Janice Sharp (left) and Pat Mark (right) demonstrating and staffing the BAGSC Botanical Art Information Table. photo by Peter Conlon
On Saturday, February 2, 2013, BAGSC participated in Roger’s Garden’s first “Day of Art” in Newport Beach. Fifty artists, using different media participated in a full day of drawing and painting demonstrations and workshops. The “Day of Art” was free to the public and for all ages.
Pat Mark talking with visitors to the BAGSC Botanical Art Information Table. The Information Table also displayed books, originals and prints of contemporary and historical botanical art and scientific illustration. Photo by Peter Conlon.
Additionally, BAGSC had an interactive table where visitors could explore the botany (and some unusual) fruits and vegetables, and make stamp prints with them. BAGSC also had a botanical art information table, with a display of originals, prints and books of all kinds of botanical art, from scientific illustration to plant portraits, historical and current.
Tania Marien at the BAGSC Interactive Table, photo by Deb Shaw.
BAGSC artists participating included: Diane Daly, Clara Josephs, Arillyn Moran-Lawrence, Sue Kuuskmae, Alyse Ochniak, Tania Marien, Deborah Shaw, Pat Mark, and Janice Sharp.
Tania Marien and Deb Shaw gave a two-hour workshop in the afternoon in the outdoor amphitheater on drawing flowers and leaves in pencil, with drawing boards, drawing paper and pencils provided by Roger’s. A watercolor and pastel workshop was offered in the morning by plein aire artists David Damm and Gill Dillinger, and a gourmet food truck, “Bite Me Foods” provided lunch for those who were hungry.
Tania Marien and visitors to the BAGSC Interactive Table. Kids of all ages used fruits and vegetables to create stamp art.
The event had been postponed from the previous Saturday due to rain. The weather held out this Saturday, and the event was packed with enthusiastic participants, even with the change in schedule. People and their dogs strolled the grounds, bought plants and took in the art.
Attendees were eager to watch the demonstrations, and BAGSC members spent the day talking about botanical art, different media and techniques to interested customers. Many inquired about botanical art classes and were complimentary about the day’s events. Roger’s reported overwhelmingly positive comments from their guests.
Thank you to all who participated, and to Roger’s for hosting the event. We hope there will be more in the future!
Deb Shaw (left) and Tania Marien (right) teaching a workshop about how to draw flowers and leaves in pencil. Photo by Peter Conlon.
Deb Shaw expressively describing the morphology of a banana inflorescence to Theresa Marino from Roger’s Gardens. Photo by Peter Conlon.
Sue Kuuskmae chose to draw in the shade section of the nursery, near a fountain. Photo by Deb Shaw.
Clara Josephs (left) and Diane Daly (right) discuss botanical art and painting with visitors.
Alyse Ochniak demonstrating in the garden, photo by Deb Shaw.
Arillyn Moran-Lawrence demonstrating in the garden (in the luxurious outdoor furniture section). Photo by Deb Shaw.
by Deb Shaw
(left to right) Leslie Walker, Joan Keesey and Lesley Randall hang and straighten artwork, photo by John Keesey.
Botanical Visions, an exhibition of botanical art by the Botanical Artist Guild of Southern California opened on January 12th in the Ecke Building of the San Diego Botanic Garden.
The exhibit features paintings, drawings and prints in watercolor, pen and ink, graphite and colored pencil. BAGSC member Lesley Randall organized this wonderful exhibition of ten BAGSC artists: Estelle DeRidder, Linda Ericksen, Polly Jones, Joan Keesey, Lesley Randall, Gilly Shaeffer, Janice Sharp, Deborah Shaw, Mitsuko Schultz and Patricia Van Osterhoudt.
(left to right) Janice Sharp and Mitsuko Schultz hanging artwork, photo by John Keesey.
(left to right) Mitsuko Schultz and Patty Van Osterhoudt, photo by Deborah Shaw.
The artwork was hung the day of the opening artists’ reception in the Ecke Building. The light-filled, open-beamed room is used as a classroom, so the artwork will have lots of exposure for the duration of the show, from January 13 – March 23, 2013.
(left to right) Joan Keesey and Janice Sharp share a laugh before the Artists’ Reception, photo by Deborah Shaw.
Lesley Randall, Leslie Walker, Estelle DeRidder, Joan Keesey (and BAGSC helper John), Polly Jones (and husband), Patty Van Osterhoudt (and BAGSC helper Chris), Janice Sharp, Mitsuko Schultz and I were all on hand to hang the show. Linda Ericksen joined us for the reception.
(right to left) Polly Jones, Polly’s husband and Estelle DeRidder place artwork labels, photo by Deborah Shaw.
Formerly called “Quail Gardens”, the San Diego Botanic Gardens are absolutely beautiful, and this is a wonderful time of year to see them. Although the gardens are extensive, with different sections devoted to plants from different parts of the world, each section feels like an intimate treasure, with delightful surprises around each bend of the path.
A few attendees at the Artists’ Reception, photo by John Keesey.
A statue in the garden, San Diego Botanic Gardens, photo by John Keesey.
The exhibit will be open during regular garden hours January 13 – March 23, 2013.
Thank you Lesley!
by Deb Shaw
Sunflower, pen and ink by Tania Norris, © 2012, all rights reserved.
In October, 2012, when we posted the “Stipple, then Tipple” article about Anita Walsmit Sachs’ BAGSC class, we also posted a request for additional artwork as students completed their drawings. (See https://dbshaw.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1448&action=edit for the original article.)
Joan Keesey emailed Tania Norris’ pen and ink beautiful Sunflower from the class. Thank you Joan and Tania for sharing a wonderful drawing!
by Deb Shaw
The first “Day of Art” at Roger’s Gardens, originally planned for January 26 was postponed due to rain. It will be held, however, this Saturday, February 2, from 9 am – 4:30 pm.
Fifty artists will be painting and demonstrating in the gardens, including BAGSC members Bonnie Born Ash, Diane Daly, Clara Josephs, Suzanne Kuuskmae, Tania Marien, Pat Mark, Arillyn Moran-Lawrence, Alyse Ochniak, Janice Sharp and Deb Shaw.
BAGSC will have a table about botanical art, as well as an interactive table to explore plants, fruits and vegetables. Tania Marien and Deb Shaw will teach a workshop to the public on drawing flowers and leaves in pencil.
Plein aire painters will also be painting and demonstrating in the garden, as well as leading workshops. The event is free, open to the public, and can be enjoyed by all ages.
Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, 949.640.5800. “Bite Me Foods” food truck will be parked at the Victory Garden in the back parking lot from approximately 11 am to 2 pm.
And, of course, the beautiful selection of plants in the nursery will be open.
Bring friends and family and see you there!
by Clara Josephs, posted by Deb Shaw
Before: The BAGSC crew arrives and unpacks artwork. Thank you to all the BAGSC members (and supporters) who came to help!
The Chapman show, “Drought Tolerant Beauty”, is up and it is stunning! There are 59 pieces by 18 of our members. The art is arranged through the gallery areas by drought tolerant mechanisms. Dr. Jennifer Funk’s students have written wonderful commentaries to accompany the groupings.
Our Artist Reception is Thursday evening, February 7 from 7 – 9 pm.
In addition to the tasty hors d’oeuvres and adult libations, Dr. Funk will talk briefly about her involvement with restoration ecology and drought tolerant plants.
Sorting artwork into drought-tolerant categories.
Plan to attend with your family and friends. Even if you don’t have a piece in the show, you will enjoy seeing this collection of works by our members. You will see work that was inspired by Anita Walsmit Sachs’ workshop, works in a variety of media, and some very unique ways of composing challenging subjects.
Take time to notice the framing. Almost all the paintings were framed to ASBA show specifications, using a blonde L profile frame. Many of the frames are the Dick Blick renewable bamboo frame we recommended. Several frames are “look-alikes” that blend perfectly with the Dick Blick frame. Do you like the standardized framing look? Proponents say it helps focus attention on the art, and give the art a more professional, less “décor” appearance. Let us know what you think!
Pausing to admire the beautiful art.
If you would like to demonstrate during the reception, please call or email Diane Daly. If you weren’t able to paint for the show, demonstrating during the reception is another great way to participate!
Don’t forget to WEAR YOUR BAGSC NAME TAG! If you don’t have one, please let Deb Shaw know and she will bring one for you.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on the evening of February 7.
Dr. Jennifer Funk, ecologist with Chapman University, helps categorize the art.
Laurie Gates Cussalli, Chapman University, demonstrates the hanging wire system.
The “Succulent Leaves” Category is up on the wall, waiting for signage and labels.
The exhibition continues on the other side.
by Joan Keesey; photography by John Keesey, posted by Deb Shaw
Joan Keesey in Fern Canyon at Descanso Gardens with Coast Live Oaks
Yesterday John and I visited Descanso Gardens to check out the two art exhibitions currently on display there. In the Sturt Haaga Gallery the exhibit, “The WILD Flowers”, is a collection of works by seventeen contemporary California artists. Concurrently, contemporary botanical illustrations are being presented in the Boddy House; these paintings are provided by five members of the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California (BAGSC): Joan Keesey, Sue Kuuskmae, Gilly Shaeffer, Janice Sharp, and Deborah Shaw.
It was a beautiful clear and crisp day, and although it is still winter, Descanso Gardens was very lovely; the magnificent Coast Live Oaks (Quercus agrifolia) provide the perfect canopy for the garden’s remarkable collection of Camellias, many of which were blooming.
Penelope Gottlieb, “Flowers Gone WILD”
I hadn’t really expected to like the exhibit, “The WILD Flowers”. I couldn’t conceive of how an artist could invent flowers that were more wild and astonishing than real flowers, but the pictures were very imaginative, technically accomplished, and fun. Many of them, like Potentilia multijuja by Penelope Gottlieb, included recognizable flowers and plants. I was told that Ms. Gottlieb always includes a flower that is no longer in existence.
Gary Brewer, “Flowers Gone WILD”
Maura Bendett, “Flowers Gone WILD”
There was one video that had bubble-gum and aqua colored slime dripping from slowly opening lilies—not sure what that was all about.
Sue Kuuskmae in the Gunroom.
The botanical paintings by BAGSC members were very thoughtfully displayed and illuminated in the Hall and the Gunroom of the Boddy House. Without knowing that I was involved the docent was very enthusiastic about and complementary of our
More Action in the Gunroom — Gilly Shaeffer & Janice Sharp.
pictures. Several visitors took pictures of our pictures. I am impressed and proud that BAGSC has been able to provide quality paintings for the three concurrently running botanical exhibitions in Southern California: “Botanical Visions” at the San Diego Botanical Garden, “Drought Tolerant Beauty” at Chapman University, and “Contemporary Botanical Illustrations” at Descanso Gardens.
Sue Kuuskmae, Deborah Shaw & Joan Keesey in the Hallway.
by Tania Norris, posted by Deb Shaw
Virginia Robinson Gardens has announced two upcoming botanical art classes: Anne-Marie Evans and Jenny Phillips.
Anne-Marie Evans
Anne-Marie Evans (seated) assisting a student.
February marks the thirteenth annual botanical art class with the renowned Anne-Marie Evans. There will be two classes:
February 4 – 8, 2013 and
February 11 – 15, 2013
9:30 – 3:30 daily
The classes will be two separate weeks, but students may participate either week or in both weeks as the flower painted will be judged and the winnerʼs painting included in the Virginia Robinson Gardenʼs Florilegium.
Price per week is $595. for members and $675. for non-members. A deposit of $100.00
per week, which is non-refundable, may be made but as space is limited, the full amount must be received by February 1.
Jenny Phillips
Jenny Phillips lecturing and demonstrating to a class.
Jenny Phillips, one of the worldʼs foremost botanical artists and teachers, will return for two sessions:
April 10 – 13, 2013, and
April 15 – 19, 2013
9.30 – 3.30 daily
The price for the three day session is $375. for members and $425 for nonmembers. The five day session is $595. for members and $675. for non-members. A deposit of $100. per session, which is non-refundable, may be paid. The balance is due by April 5, 2013.
All painting subjects to be announced for both classes, and a supplies list will be sent to all participants.
Coffee, tea and water will be provided but please bring your own lunch.
To pay by credit card, contact Bianca at the Virginia Robinson Gardens at (310) 550-2068 or send a check made out to: Friends of Virginia Robinson Gardens, 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, Ca 90210.
Please contact Tania Norris if you have any questions.
by Deb Shaw
There’s been a change in the meeting date for February. It will now be on February 9th, instead of February 2. A group email blast will be sent out shortly with details and the agenda for the meeting.
So, the BAGSC quarterly meetings for 2013 plus the holiday party are now as follows:
- February 9
- April 20
- June 29
- September 14
- and the December 7 Holiday Party (no meeting included, just eating, drinking, and enjoying ourselves)
Let us know of any workshops or presentations you would like to see at one of the meetings.
Keep your eyes peeled for blog and email announcements of classes, workshops, activities and exhibitions. Next year will start off with a lot happening in January, and lots more to come. It promises to be an exciting year!
BAGSC News 