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by Clara Josephs, posted by Deb Shaw
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.
by Jill Berry and Cristina Baltayian, posted by Deb Shaw
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
by Deb Shaw
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.
by Leslie Walker, posted by Deb Shaw
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
by Clara Josephs, posted by Deb Shaw
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.
by Clara Joseph, posted by Deb Shaw
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
by Deb Shaw
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.
by Deb Shaw
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.
by Deb Shaw
The Arboretum at the University of California, Irvine is presenting its annual Winter Bulb Festival:
Saturday, March 3, 2012: 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday, March 4, 2012: 11 am to 3 pm
The South African bulb garden is in peak bloom, and the Arboretum Nursery will be having a plant sale featuring perennials, succulents and blooming bulbs.
For those BAGSC members interested in drought-tolerant subject matter for the upcoming Chapman University exhibition, this might be a perfect opportunity to acquire some interesting specimens. All those interested in going over after the quarterly BAGSC meeting at Deb’s house can go over as a group.
Admission is $2.00 and parking is free. For more information, call 949.824.5833.
by Deb Shaw
Abutilon, Flowering Maple (Rosy Dewdrops) by Mitsuko Schultz, watercolor, © 2012, all rights reserved.
The following BAGSC members have been accepted into the 14th Annual Botanical Art Exhibition at Filoli, in Woodside, California.
Akiko Enokido, Passion bloom – hybrid “incense”, Passiflora – incarnata x cincinnata, Watercolor on Vellum
Clara Josephs, Slipper Orchid “Raisin Pie”, Paphiopedilum, Watercolor
Mitsuko Schultz, Flowering Maple (Rosy Dewdrops), Abutilon, Watercolor
Deborah B. Shaw, Southern California black walnut (nuts and husk), Juglans californica S. Watson, Watercolor and graphite on Kelmscott vellum
Patty Van Osterhoudt, Our Lord’s Candle (yucca), Hesperoyucca whipplei, Watercolor on paper
There were 138 entries submitted this year and the jurors selected 56 works. The exhibit reception is scheduled for Thursday, March 29 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and the show runs through May 13, 2012. Although the reception is free, reservations are required, however, and can be made by online at the Filoli Exhibits page, or by phone to Member Services at 650-364-8300, extension 508.
Congratulations to all who entered, and to all who were accepted to the show!
by Deb Shaw
BAGSC members have been invited once again to participate in the 4th Annual WaterMiser Workshop, sponsored by the City of Newport Beach. The workshop will be held at the City of Newport Beach Central Library, on
March 8, 2012
6 – 8 pm
Dinner will be provided by Baja Fresh!
Poster for the City of Newport Beach 4th Annual Water Miser Workshop
This year, the keynote speakers are:
Pam Berstler with G3 Green Gardens Group and
Paul Herzog with Surfrider – Ocean Friendly Gardens
As in the past, vendor tables will be set up in the courtyard area, where BAGSC will be demonstrating botanical illustration. Prints and paintings by BAGSC members can be displayed on the easels provided in the lecture area, or on the BAGSC tables in the vendor area. Deb Shaw will be demonstrating and coordinating BAGSC’s participation. Any other BAGSC members that wish to participate are welcome. BAGSC members can demonstrate in the media of their choice, and sell originals, prints and cards, or simply provide artwork to show during the evening. Tania Marien, ArtPlantae will be participating as well.
If any members wish to donate prints, cards, etc. for the raffle it would be most appreciated by the workshop organizers. If you cannot attend the workshop, but wish to either display your artwork, or donate items for the raffle, your work can be brought to Deb’s house at the March 3rd quarterly meeting.
Please RSVP to Deb: 1) if you want to participate the night of the workshop; 2) if you would like to display artwork or prints; 3) if you would like to provide a raffle item.
If friends and family would like to attend the workshop, the public can RSVP at 949.644.3214, or by email to: conservationinfo@newportbeachca.gov.
by BAGSC Board Members, posted by Deb Shaw
From L to R: Norma Sarkin, Diane Daly and Cynthia Jackson in the BAGSC booth at the LA Arboretum 2010 show. It looks like this year's BAGSC show will be in Ayres Hall.
The LA Arboretum Garden Show is back! This year, “GROW! A Garden Festival” will be held at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden on May 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2012. In the past few years we’ve been on the green under the canopies, it looks like this year we might be in Ayres Hall.
In addition to our artwork show and sales, “GROW! A Garden Festival” will offer all the wonderful attractions as in year’s past, plus:
- An introduction to the new “Garden for All Seasons”
- Exhibits by local sculptors and installation artists
- Sales of interesting, unique and exotic plants
- Sales of garden tools and accessories we can’t live without
- Garden Chats, demonstrations, and meet the experts
- Let’s Move! hands-on activities for kids and families
- Entertainment
- Food trucks and specialty vendors
“GROW! A Garden Festival” will be open to the public on:
Friday, May 4, 2012, Special Evening Hours, 5pm – 8pm (event fee)
Saturday, May 5, 2012, 9am – 4:30 pm, free with admission; members free
Sunday, May 6, 2012, 9am – 4:30 pm, free with admission; members free
Janice Sharp and Norma Sarkin will co-chair the L. A. Arboretum Show, and Pat Mark has agreed to assist. As always, we’ll need lots of volunteers. Watch for more information coming soon and Happy Painting!
by Clara Josephs, posted by Deb Shaw
At our March 3, 2012 BAGSC quarterly meeting at Deb’s house, we will be presenting information about the possibility of another show at Chapman University. This exhibit will have a theme of Drought Tolerant plants. We are working to set a date, but at the moment it looks like the earliest time would be December 2012 or spring of 2013.
Chapman University Dean Charlene Baldwin was so delighted with our previous exhibition, she encouraged us to plan another show and coordinate with the Chapman University Environmental Sciences department.
When we held our show last year, Chapman University Assistant Professor, Dr. Jennifer Funk, an ecologist, was on sabbatical in Woodside, California conducting research at the Jasper Ridge Experimental Station. Her interest is in restoration ecology. Diane Daly, Clara Josephs, and Deb Shaw recently met with Dr. Funk. She explained that restoration is more than putting back the plants that had originally grown in an area, but includes using climate change predictions to identify plants that will thrive in future conditions. Additionally, some California natives might not be hardy in their original locations due to weather shifts.
She is enthusiastic about our plans and will assist with a list of suggested plant specimens, sorted by drought tolerant mechanisms (i.e., waxy leaves, tap root, drought deciduous, etc.), which you will receive at the meeting. The show is not limited to California natives: the exhibition will be open to all drought-tolerant plants from around the world, including the Mediterranean, South Africa, Australia, Mexico, and the deserts.
Plan to come to our March 3 quarterly meeting at Deb’s house for additional information about the show, education about what makes a plant drought tolerant, and help with where you may find or purchase plants. Many of these plants are starting to flower now, so this is the time to plan your paintings!
California native, Penstemon centranthifolius, common name "Scarlet Bugler". Photo © 2012 by Deb Shaw
Bring your thoughts and ideas to share about where to see these plants or purchase them. Post special plant sales, nursery locations and gardens in the comments section of this blog article so all BAGSC members can see them. California natives are sold at the Tree of Life Nursery, the Theodore Payne Foundation, and Las Pilitas Nursery. Of course, our favorite gardens, including the Huntington and the LA Arboretum among others, have drought tolerant areas of plants from around the world. There are also nurseries that specialize in Australian and other drought tolerant plants; most nurseries these days have a section labeled “California Friendly” or “Drought Tolerant”. Lots more information will be supplied at the meeting and sent out.
by Bonnie Born Ash, posted by Deb Shaw
Join us on Saturday, April 28,2012 for a tour of Lotusland!
BAGSC members and significant others are invited to a docent-led tour of Lotusland, the 37-acre historic garden estate of opera singer Madame Ganna Walska in Montecito. The grounds are the home of many large and rare plants, some no longer found in the wild. Leslie has visited many times in the past 30 years and looks forward to enjoying one of Southern California’s jewels again.
The tour begins at 10:00 am and will be approximately two hours. Bring your camera and wear comfortable shoes! Cost of the tour is $35.00 per person. Visit the website to explore the gardens and learn about its colorful history. Advance reservations are required, so you must reserve your place by February 29 to Leslie Walker. Payment is due March 28.
Carpools will be organized to relieve everyone from driving. If there are enough people interested we might look into getting a bus.
by Deb Shaw
A dedication in honor of Jeff Karsner will be held in the Children’s Garden at the Huntington Botanical Gardens on Saturday, February 11, at 10 am. Friends and colleagues are welcome. For those BAGSC members who also use facebook, updates and comments are being posted to Jeff’s facebook page.
BAGSC News 