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by Deb Shaw

Estelle DeRidder, Helianthus annuus (annual sunflower) with Spinus tristis (American goldfinch), © 2015, all rights reserved.
BAGSC member Estelle DeRidder currently has an exhibition at the Theodore Payne Gallery in Sun Valley, California. Entitled “California Native Plants and their Pollinators,” the exhibition runs from May 7 through August 20, 2016.
Estelle works with a combination of media, including watercolor, colored pencil and acrylics. Her Theodore Payne Foundation exhibition depicts various California native plants, along with their appropriate pollinators including hummingbirds, gray hairstreak butterflies and bees.
Estelle also is offering drawing demonstrations the second Saturday of each month the exhibition is open: June 11, July 9, and August 13, from 10 am – noon. The demonstrations are free; no reservations are required. Participants can meet in the Theodore Payne Gallery with hat and water bottle. By popular demand, Estelle has been illustrating and sketching on the grounds of the Theodore Payne Foundation.
The Theodore Payne Foundation is located at: 10459 Tuxford Street, Sun Valley, California 91352, 818-768-1802 and is open to the public during business hours, Tuesday – Saturday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds, nursery and gallery are closed Sunday – Monday . The Gallery on-site offers three exhibitions each year, featuring contemporary, modern and historic artists whose work is influenced by our state flora, landscape and natural history.
by Deb Shaw

Leucospermum cordifolium, Pincushion protea, colored pencil by Estelle DeRidder, © 2015, all rights reserved.
“The Beauty of Botanicals” exhibition has opened at OA Gallery in Kirkwood, Missouri (St. Louis area). Open exclusively to ASBA members for submissions, the juried show runs from June 3 through June 30, 2016. The Gallery is donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of artwork in the exhibition to ASBA.
BAGSC members Estelle DeRidder, Joan Keesey and Deborah Shaw had work accepted into the exhibition, and Estelle received an “Award of Merit” (see below).
Photos of the exhibition space can be found on ASBA’s website.
ASBA President Jody Williams gave a lecture at the Gallery about botanical art on Sunday, June 5: “More Beautiful Botanicals from Art, Nature, History and the Economy: a look at contemporary botanical art from recent exhibitions of the American Society of Botanical Artists.”
Congratulations to the award winners selected by Lisa Ober and Shawn Cornell, OA Gallery partners:
“Best in Show” went to Robert McNeill for his “Protea magnifica”.
“Awards of Excellence” went to Jeannetta vanRaalte for “Sunflower Awakening” and Dorothy Depaulo for “Aspen in Winter”.
“Awards of Merit” went to BAGSC member Estelle DeRidder for “Pincushion protea”, Karen Kluglein for “Two Narcissus Bulbs”, Lizzie Sanders for “Rhododendron ‘Waxen Bell'”, and Denise Walser-Kolar for “Hyacinth”.
Carrie Di Costanzo’s “Pussy Willows” received the “President’s Award,” selected by Dr. Peter Wyse Jackson, President of the Missouri Botanical Garden who was one of the jurors for the exhibition.

Solanium melongena, Ophelia and Calliope Miniature Eggplants, watercolor on vellum by Deborah Shaw. © 2016, all rights reserved; protected by Digimarc.
Congratulations to all of the artists whose work was accepted: milly acharya, Beverly Allen, Bobbi Angell, Victor Blakey, Monika De Vries Gohlke, Jeanne Debons, Dorothy Depaulo, Estelle DeRidder, Carrie Di Constanzo, Margaret Ellen Duarte, Margaret Farr, Ingrid Finnan, Pauline Goldsmith, Carol Hamilton, Ann Hoffenberg, Rose Marie James, Joan Keesey, Ku-mie Kim, Karen Kluglein, Patricia Luppino, Joan McGann, Robert McNeill, Carrie Megan, Deborah Montgomerie, Keiko Nibu Tarver, Hillary Parker, Sally Petru, Kelly Radding, Dick Rauh, Lizzie Sanders, Susan Sapanera, Deborah Shaw, Faye Van Wert, Jeanneatta van Raalte, Denise Walser-Kolar and Kerri Weller.
OA Gallery is located at: 101A W Argonne, Kirkwood, Missouri, 63122, 314-821-6241. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon – 5 pm, or by appointment.
by Janice Sharp, posted by Deb Shaw

Akiko Enokido painted this watercolor of Chorisia speciosa, Floss Silk Tree, at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. The LA Arboretum has introduced four varieties of Chorisia speciosa. © Akiko Enokido, 2009, all rights reserved.
The Arboretum Library is a wonderful space for exhibiting art. [See the BAGSC News blog posting about the Arboretum Library here.] BAGSC members have been invited to participate in an art show in this newly renovated space. Entitled “Capturing the Arboretum: The Art of Botanical Illustration”, the subject matter is plants growing in the Arboretum. This is a juried show and art will be juried on its botanical accuracy and “art appeal”.
This exhibition will open July 16, 2016 and run until December 29, 2016. A reception will be held in the library on Saturday, July 16, 2016 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Questions? Contact: Janice Sharp.
Complete submission of up to three (3) artworks, forms, digital images and $35 entry fee are due by June 15, 2016. The official “Call for Entries” packet has been emailed to BAGSC members. Please contact Janice if you did not receive the Call for Entries packet.
Happy painting!
by Lesley Randall, posted by Deb Shaw

“Fragaria x ananassa ‘Fragoo Pink’,” Strawberry, watercolor by Mitsuko Schultz, © 2013, all rights reserved.
BAGSC Call for entries for Edible Plants: Eat, Drink and Spice it up!
This BAGSC Exhibition at the San Diego Botanic Gardens will focus on all plants consumable. All life depends on plants, so let’s celebrate the diversity of plant life that is used in food, beverages and to enhance flavor. Draw or paint the weird fruit or vegetable found in the grocery store, the prize tomato from your backyard garden, an exotic spice or the essential ingredient of a beverage (such as hops!). If you can, include a recipe using your plant subject, or some information about how the plant is used.
All BAGSC members in good standing (dues paid) are eligible to submit up to three pieces of two-dimensional art work. High quality prints are acceptable, but no photos or digital enhancements please. Email images and entry forms to Lesley Randall. CDs of artwork can be mailed to Lesley’s home address along with the paperwork and entry fee. A full “Call for Entries” packet will be emailed soon to all BAGSC members.
Venue: San Diego Botanic Garden, Ecke Building
Dates: Sept 23rd through November 18th 2016
Submission Deadline: August 12th 2016
Entry fee: $35.00. Payable to BAGSC.
Framing and Matting: ASBA standard – light to medium, simple wood frame. White to off-white matt with no colored liner.
Notification of acceptance: August 19 2016. Though not a juried show, if space becomes an issue, selections will be made to show a diversity of subjects and to include as many artists as possible.
Happy painting, eating and drinking!
by Melanie Campbell-Carter, posted by Deb Shaw
The Botanical Art Exhibit and Sale at the LA County Arboretum this past weekend was a great success!
Titled “the First Annual ARTboretum!”, twelve botanical artists (ten of whom are BAGSC members) exhibited 62 botanical works for three days at the Oak Room. The twelve artists self-funded the show, with the Arboretum providing space in the Oak Room and on the Patio.
Over the three days, nearly 500 visitors enjoyed botanical art demonstrations, a viewer’s choice ballot, and a delightful reception on Saturday. Awards were presented to Juanita O’Marah BAGSC, First Place, Citrullus lanatus dulcinea ‘Sugar Baby Watermelon’; Shae Gazzaniga, Second Place, Pelargonium cordifolium; and Robyn Reilman BAGSC, Third Place, Cynara cardunculus ‘Globe Artichoke’.
A full-color exhibit catalog was produced by the artists to help defray costs of the event, and a few copies are still available for $20 plus shipping through this link.
The artists wish to express their appreciation for the support of the BAGSC members who were able to visit the event. Congrats to all!
Click to see the slide show of artists with their paintings:
by Deb Shaw

Invitation postcard for “Looking for Flora,” Roger’s Gardens. Watercolor on vellum by Akiko Enokido, Camellia japonica ‘Kingyoba tsubaki’, © 2016, all rights reserved.
Roger’s Gardens Fine Art Gallery will be hosting a juried exhibition of BAGSC artists, entitled “Looking for Flora: An Exhibition of Botanical Art” from May 21 – June 5, 2016.
Several exhibiting artists will paint in the gardens on May 21, from 12 pm – 4 pm, followed by a reception with the artists in the Art Gallery from 4 pm – 6 pm.
Exhibiting artists include: Diane Nelson Daly • Estelle DeRidder • Akiko Enokido • Cynthia Jackson • Arillyn Moran-Lawrence • Joan Keesey • Suzanne Kuuskmae • Lesley Randall • Gilly Shaeffer • Janice Sharp • Deborah Shaw • Grace Swanson • Ellie Yun-Hui Tu
Download the complete postcard here: Looking for Flora-Postcard-2
Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, CA 92625, 949.640.5800. Hours are 9 am – 6 pm. Roger’s is dog-friendly.
Congratulations to all of the artists, and looking forward to seeing you at the Opening, May 21!
by Beth Stone
In the 1930’s Descanso’s Boddy House was built for E. Manchester Boddy, founder of Descanso Gardens, as a home for his family. It is situated majestically on a hillside with grand views of the San Gabriel Mountains. This elegant Hollywood Regency style mansion now serves as a museum preserving Descanso Garden history and continues as a location for entertaining in style.
In the Spring of 2015, BAGSC’s “A Passion for Camellias” exhibit was hung along an interior hallway of the Boddy House, leading to and spilling into the kitchen. The space is ideally suited to botanical art as it invites close observation and is sheltered from sunlight, protecting sensitive media. The botanical art style is very compatible with the feel of the mansion.
Artists Diane Daly, Estelle DeRidder, Clara Josephs, Joan Keesey, Patricia Mark, Mitsuko Schultz, Gilly Shaeffer, Janice Sharp, and Beth Stone contributed the artwork for BAGSC’s “A Passion for Camellias” exhibit which graced the walls of Descanso’s Boddy House for a full year.
On Monday May 9th the BAGSC Camellia artworks were taken down and a new exhibit celebrating roses was hung in their place.
BAGSC artists contributing to the new exhibit “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” are Bonnie Born Ash, Cynthia Jackson, Suzanne Kuushmae, Lee McCaffree, Marilyn Parrino, Gilly Shaeffer, Janice Sharp, Beth Stone and Ellie Tu. Thanks to the variety and quality of the artworks and the professional hanging the exhibit is lovely! “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” made its debute May 10th , timed to be on display for Descanso’s Rose Festival on the weekend of May 14th & 15th. BAGSC volunteers will demonstrate our art form during the Rose Festival.
The Boddy House is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays and is included with admission to Descanso Gardens.
Many thanks to Descanso Gardens, especially David Brown, Susan Armstrong and Cris Martinez for welcoming BAGSC artworks to the Boddy House. Thanks also to Paul Gellman for his thoughtful, professional hanging of the new exhibit.
by Deb Shaw
BAGSC News previously posted Gilly Shaeffer’s acceptance into “Celebrating Flora of the National Parks“, the new exhibition by the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) and the National Park Service (NPS) showcasing plants and ecological communities found throughout the more than 400 national parks.

Dudleya greenei, watercolor by Ellie Tu, © 2016, all rights reserved. This plant grows in the Channel Islands National Park.
BAGSC member Ellie Tu also was accepted into “Celebrating Flora”. Ellie’s cousin visited the exhibition at the US Botanic Garden at the end of March, and sent these photos of his visit.
The exhibition, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the NPS and the diversity of our national park’s flora, will run from February 18 – October 2, 2016 in the USBG Conservatory in Washington, D.C. Artworks in a wide variety of media by 78 artists from across the country are on display, along with living specimens from the USBG and graphics representing each of the National Parks represented. Programs will include botanical illustration and photography workshops, meet-the-artist sessions, and lectures by national parks rangers and other experts.
The U.S. Botanic Garden is the oldest public garden in the United States, and is open to the public, free of charge, every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Conservatory is located at 100 Maryland Ave. SW, on the southwest side of the U.S. Capitol. More information about the exhibit, programs, and visiting the USBG is available on the website.

Gallery wall showing Dudleya greenei by Ellie Tu; and California Poppy and Toyon Berries by Gilly Shaeffer. © 2016 by the artists, all rights reserved. Photo by Keith Fisher, © 2016.
Congratulations to Ellie and Gilly, and Happy 100th birthday to the US Botanic Garden!
by Melanie Campbell-Carter and Gilly Shaeffer, posted by Deb Shaw
The opening day of the 18th Annual Botanical Art Exhibition at Filoli was a most extraordinary day from start to finish! New BAGSC member and Filoli student Ellie Tu had graciously delivered all the BAGSC paintings to Woodside the week before. At dawn on Thursday, April 7, Gilly Shaeffer, Mitsuko Schultz, Cristina Baltayian and Melanie Campbell-Carter arose and departed for a fabulous day at Filoli Gardens. Our first stop was to view the 65 lovely botanical paintings from the US and the Netherlands. Gilly said, “The quality of the paintings this year was truly inspiring!”
It was a magical day in the gardens. With picture-perfect sunny skies and warm breezes, we could not resist enjoying the gorgeous grounds in full spring bloom. The Filoli volunteers made our visit very special by sharing all their knowledge about the history of the estate, even giving a quick personal tour of the home. The Mark Catesby and select pieces of the Filoli and Highgrove Florilegiums prints were exhibited in the ballroom, and well worth a visit.
When the crowd gathered at the reception for the presentation of awards, we were thrilled to hear that Melanie Campbell-Carter was presented the Roth Award, “for distinction with an emphasis on traditional botanical art presentation” for her Duabanga grandiflora. Lee McCaffree was presented with the Bourn award, “for distinction with an emphasis on horticulture” for Narcissus ‘Delibes’, the Alcatraz Daffodil. The third award, the Jurors’ award, “for distinction with an emphasis on botanical art presentation”, went to Milly Acharya for her Lathyrus odoratus, Sweet Pea.
Everything about the day was perfectly delightful, and we feel that we have blazed a trail for future BAGSC jet-setting adventures! We heartily encourage everyone to see the exhibit before it closes on June 12, and to enjoy the beautiful spring gardens at Filoli.
BAGSC members accepted into the 18th Annual Botanical Art Exhibition at Filoli include:
- Cristina Baltayian
- Melanie Campbell-Carter
- Joan Keesey
- Lee McCaffree
- Mitsuko Schultz
- Gilly Shaeffer
- Ellie Tu
The 18th Annual Botanical Art Exhibition at Filoli goes through June 12th. Filoli is located at 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, CA 94062.
Kudos to all the award winners, and congratulations to all the accepted artists!
Click on an image of the exhibition opening and the Filoli gardens to enlarge:
by Teri Kuwahara, posted by Deb Shaw
The students in the Botanical Art and Illustration Class at the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanical Garden will present ARTboretum!, botanical art show and sale. The beauty of capturing nature in a realistic style using watercolor and color pencil will be on display at the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanical Garden on
Friday, Saturday and Sunday,
April 29, 30 and May 1, 2016,
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
“I have been honored to teach the botanical illustration class for the last four years,” said instructor Cristina Baltayian. “The best way to highlight the value of the Arboretum and its botanical art educational program is to allow you to see the inspiration, talents, and visions of the students.”
Twelve artists will display original art and fine art giclees in the Oak Room for this weekend event. In addition, prints and greeting cards will also be available for sale. Artists will demonstrate techniques and will be available to answer questions. The public is invited to attend the Artists’ Reception and Catalog Signing on Saturday, April 30 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Catalogs for the show will be available for sale while supplies last.
Admission to the art show and sale is free with admission to the Arboretum.
BAGSC Members participating in the show are: Cristina Baltayian, Nancy Beckham, Melanie Cambell-Carter, Nancy Grubb, Teri Kuwahara, Kathy Morgan, Juanita O’Marah, Marilyn Parrino, Robyn Reilman, Jude Wiesenfeld.
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located at 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA.
by Ellie Tu and Deb Shaw
BAGSC member Ellie Tu will have two displays of her botanical art, and will present two talks this coming weekend:
Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 1 pm
Ojai Library, Ojai, California
Ellie will present a talk entitled “Channel Islands National Park Guide Book Illustrations and a Glance at Traditional Botanical Art.” This talk will include a brief history of traditional botanical art and explain the equipment and materials used for painting and drawing.
Ellie will also speak on the process of creating the Channel Islands National Park guide book illustrations and give a drawing demonstration. She will bring some plant samples for guests to experience from a botanical illustrator’s point of view.
Ellie’s artwork will be on display in the library until the end of June, 2016.
This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the library at (805) 646-1639. The E.P Foster Library is located at: 111 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai, California 93023.
Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 2 pm
Oak Park Library, Oak Park, California
On Sunday, March 20, Ellie will present a talk entitled “Botanical Wonders: An introduction to Traditional Botanical Art.” Ellie will give a brief history of botanical art, show the step-by-step process of botanical painting, and give a watercolor demonstration. Those who attend get to create (and take home) their own botanical art! Ellie’s artwork will be on display in the library until April 3, 2016.
This event is free and open to the public. The address for the Oak Park Library is: 897 North Kanan Road, Oak Park, CA 91377.
Additionally, Ellie will be giving a talk at Channel Islands National Park auditorium on April 9th. Stay tuned — details will be posted to our BAGSC News blog.
by Melanie Campbell-Carter, posted by Deb Shaw
February 27, 2016 was a picture-perfect day for botanical art at Roger’s Gardens in Corona Del Mar! Featured prominently for the fourth Annual Day of Art at Roger’s Gardens, the BAGSC outreach table was well received by the public, with hardly a moment for breaks. Deborah Shaw, Diane Daly, and Clara Josephs presented a Nature Journaling workshop, delighting visitors with a chance to draw freesias, pansies, and other lovelies from the nursery.
Additional BAGSC members came as well, and there were a lot of visitors who had seen BAGSC at the Bowers Museum demonstrations and joined us at Rogers.
Theresa Marino, the Fine Art Gallery director, was thrilled with the art provided by our BAGSC artists. She can’t wait for the upcoming BAGSC exhibit, “Looking for Flora,” slated for May 21-June 5, 2016. (BAGSC members should have received the Roger’s Gardens “Call for Entries” for “Looking for Flora” in your email. If you haven’t received it, please contact Deb Shaw. Submission deadline is April 23, 2016.)
The framed art gallery on the shaded outdoor furniture pavilion was thronged with visitors most of the day, enjoying over 50 submissions in all media. Member Terri Munroe sold her lovely painting, and members Deborah Shaw and Melanie Campbell-Carter took home “Award of Excellence” blue ribbons for their submitted artworks. Thanks to all the participating members, as well as the visiting members, who helped make this another successful BAGSC outreach event.
Participating BAGSC artists included: Melanie Campbell-Carter, Clara Josephs, Suzanne Kuuskmae, Patricia Mark, Arillyn Moran-Lawrence, Terri Munroe, Diane Nelson Daly, Mitsuko Schultz, Deborah Shaw, and Ellie Yun-Hui Tu.
Click on the photo bubbles below to see the full image and caption.
by Deb Shaw

Diane Daly demonstrating at last year’s “Day of Art” at Roger’s Gardens. Photo by Deborah Shaw, © 2015, all rights reserved.
Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California (BAGSC) artists will be participating again in Roger’s Gardens 4th Annual Day of Art this coming Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 10 am – 4 pm. The event is free, and open to the public. In case of rain (a lovely thought, but, unfortunately for our water shortage, unlikely!) the event will be rescheduled.
BAGSC artists have participated each year since its inception; 50 botanical and plein air artists paint and draw in the Gardens for the day. Each of the participating artists will have an original painting on display (available for purchase). Judges will present awards and recognition for paintings in the exhibition.
Participating BAGSC artists include: Melanie Campbell-Carter, Clara Josephs, Suzanne Kuuskmae, Patricia Mark, Arillyn Moran-Lawrence, Terri Munroe, Diane Nelson Daly, Alyse Ochniak, Mitsuko Schultz, Deborah Shaw, and Ellie Yun-Hui Tu. BAGSC also will have a table available with information about BAGSC, American Society of Botanical Art (ASBA), and botanical art.
Schedule
Free workshops are open to the public and BAGSC members:
Printmaking Workshop: Printing Posies and Plants, 10 am – 1 pm, in the Amphitheater
Local artists Sheryl Seltzer and Carol Kreider will teach participants how to draw and transfer to a small relief plate, and “pull” their own monoprint. All skill levels and ages welcome.
Awards Ceremony, 12 pm, in the Outdoor Living area
Ten awards of excellence will be presented to artists participating in the exhibition. This year’s Judge is Gil Dellinger, a retired professor of art of the University of the Pacific, Signature Member of The Pastel Society of America, California Art Club, and PAPA, Plein Air Painters of America. [Last year BAGSC members Diane Daly and Deborah Shaw received awards of excellence.]
Drawing Workshop: Journal your Garden through Art / Drawing Leaves and Flowers in the Garden, 2 pm – 3:30 pm, in the Amphitheater
Learn to draw leaves and flowers and create a garden journal from BAGSC members Deborah Shaw, Clara Josephs, and Diane Daly. This is a great workshop for the whole family, as no art experience is required.
Hope to see you there!
by Gilly Shaeffer, posted by Deb Shaw
BAGSC members are invited to this Art Show and Sale at Gilly Shaeffer’s home, studio and garden this Sunday, November 22nd.
It will go from 9:30 to 5:00 p.m. Gilly’s show is part of the Arroyo Arts Collective Tour which takes place around northeast Los Angeles area every year. Gilly will have many years of her botanical painting work on display. Robert Layport-landscape oil painter, Cecile Decigaran-jewelry designer, Carol Yin and Kylie Ruan- potters will also be showing their work at Gilly’s during this event.
If you would like to buy a ticket to attend other art sites on this tour, you can do so online at http://arroyoartscollective.org. You do not need a ticket to come to Gilly’s—all BAGSC members are welcome!
The show is located at Gilly’s: 825 Elyria Dr., Los Angeles, California 90065
by Deb Shaw

Pincushion Protea, watercolor and colored pencil on paper, © 2015 Estelle DeRidder, all rights reserved.
The American Society of Botanical Artists and The Horticultural Society of New York announce the opening of the 18th Annual International at a new venue: the New York Design Center at a new venue. The ASBA’s longest-running collaboration, this prestigious exhibition will be held for the first time in mid-town Manhattan.
The opening reception will be on Wednesday, November 4, 2105 from 6 pm – 8 pm. Awards will be announced at 7 pm.
The evening’s events will begin with a book talk by author Amy Goldman at 5 pm. Limited seating is available. To attend Amy Goldman’s talk, an RSVP is required: scourtade@thehort.org. No RSVP is required to attend the opening reception.
As always, the catalog of the exhibition is available through ArtPlantae, starting November 4th.
BAGSC artists accepted into the exhibition include: Margaret Best, Melanie Campbell-Carter, Estelle DeRidder, Akiko Enokido, Asuka Hishiki, Joan Keesey, and Lesley Randall. Jurors for the exhibition were: Susan Fraser, Director, Mertz Library, The New York Botanical Garden; David Horak, Curator of Orchids and Aquatic House, Brooklyn Botanic Garden; Catherine Watters; Botanical Artist and ASBA Board Member.
The New York Design Center is located at: 200 Lexington Ave. New York 10016, (212) 679-9500.



















































