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by Deb Shaw
Acer saccharum, Sugar Maple, by Margaret Best, watercolor on paper, © 2012, all rights reserved.
BAGSC members Margaret Best and Akiko Enokido were selected to exhibit in the 15th Annual International exhibition for the American Society of Botanical Artists at The Horticultural Society of New York. The show is comprised of forty-three artworks by thirty-nine different artists from the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan and the UK.
Jurors Patricia Jonas, Kathie Miranda and Derek Norman had the difficult task of selecting from 192 entries. The artwork in the show can be viewed in the exhibition section on the new ASBA website. Be sure to read interviews with Margaret and Akiko about their work in the show on the website as well.
Camellia japonica ‘Chandleri Elegans’, Variegated Camellia, by Akiko Enokido, watercolor on vellum, © 2012, all rights reserved.
Want a catalog of the exhibition? Order from ArtPlantae for $20.
The exhibition will be on display from September 14 – November 21, 2012 at The Horticultural Society of New York, 148 W. 37th Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York, 10018. Gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 10 am to 6 pm.
Congratulations to all!
by Tania Norris, posted by Deb Shaw
Anne-Marie Evans reviewing students’ work.
Anne-Marie Evans is one of the most prominent botanical art teachers in the world. She is returning this autumn to the Robinson Gardens to teach DEVELOPING OBSERVATIONAL AND DRAWING SKILLS. Anne-Marie welcomes novice to experienced artists into her classroom. Her unique way of teaching with a gentle prodding for higher standards leaves each student at the end of the session with a sense of accomplishment.
Course Description: The class will focus on the process of drawing rather than the final finished drawing. As well as seeking to develop observational skills, it offers a methodical and analytical method of approach to a complex subject – the pineapple… Relevant exercises will be included throughout the course.
Dates: October 22 – 26, 2012 (10 am through 3 pm)
Monday 10/22/12 Robinson Gardens Florilegium volunteer day. Tuesday through Friday botanical art class.
Location: Robinson Gardens Pool Pavilion
Cost: $595 for Friends of Robinson Gardens, Robinson Gardens Society and BAGSC members and $675 for non-members.
Non-members may purchase a Robinson Gardens Society membership for $55, save $25 on this workshop’s tuition, and benefit from the many attractions at the Gardens for a whole year.
Deposit: A non-refundable $75 deposit is requested ASAP in order to secure a student’s reservation, due to limited space for this class.
Class Material:
A pineapple
Scissors
Eraser
Pencils HB,*B,2H
Tracing paper
Paper glue
HP watercolor paper
Good quality velum
An empty bottle
A fork
For more information please contact the Friends of Robinson Gardens office at info@robinsongardens.org. There are only a few spaces left.
By Janice Sharp and Deborah 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.
Starting in 1957 and continuing to the present, The Arboretum has been responsible for the introduction of plants to Southern California from around the world (click here to download a list of the plants: LaArboretumPlantIntros). Many of these plants are now indispensible elements in our Southern California Gardens.
Recently, BAGSC members donated cards to make boxed collections for Richard Schulhof (Arboretum CEO) to take as gifts for officials he met on a trip to South Korea. Most of the images used on these cards were of Arboretum Introductions. At the end of the trip a few remaining boxes were placed in the Arboretum Gift Shop for sale. The Gift Shop, Arboretum staff and Foundation Board members, as well as the general public, are very interested in having “Arboretum Plant” note cards stocked in the Gift Shop.
The Arboretum is a good friend of BAGSC, providing class space at very reasonable rates and access to a huge selection of plants. As a result, our members have already painted many plants on the Introduction list or will paint them in the future.
BAGSC is asking its Members to “donate” the use of images they may have, or will create, to be included in an “Arboretum Introduction” card collection. Deborah Shaw is setting up a project area for BAGSC members to upload their high-resolution images, or they can be mailed to her on disc. Each finished card will include:
- the Name of the Artist with the appropriate copyright notice;
- the plant name and the year it was introduced;
- a description of the Arboretum;
- and a description of BAGSC.
Images “donated” will be used ONLY for the purpose of this “Arboretum Introduction” card collection. BAGSC will produce and box the cards. They will be sold to the Arboretum Gift Shop at a modest markup over our costs of production. The profit will go to BAGSC’s general funds.
In addition, the Arboretum Library is to undergo an extensive facelift in the near future. When the work is completed we hope to have an art show featuring the Arboretum Introduction artwork.
If you are interested in participating in this project contact Janice Sharp or Deborah Shaw. Deb will email instructions for uploading images to the web project area.
by Jill Berry, posted by Deb Shaw
Magnolia, by Cristina Baltayian, colored pencil, © 2011, all rights reserved
Cristina Baltayian’s popular Colored Pencil classes are now also being held on Saturday, and she is now offering a Colored Pencil class for children, so plan on coming to the Arboretum and enjoying a beautiful day!!! Jill
USING COLORED PENCILS in Botanical Art (Adults)
Cristina Baltayian, Instructor
At the Arboretum, 301 North Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007
Held in the Conference Room in the main administration building
Saturdays, 2012 from 10am – 4pm (includes lunch break)
August 18
September 15
October 13
(No class in Nov.)
December 15
This class will explore flowers, fruits, vegetables and more, using colored pencils techniques to get beautiful, painterly results.
$ 95 Arboretum members per Saturday
$115 Non-members per Saturday
Pre-registration required; please call 626.821.4623 or email Jill.
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 Artists Guild of Southern California.
- A supply list will be provided upon registration.
- You may bring your lunch or purchase it at the Peacock Café.
DRAWING WITH COLORED PENCIL for Children
Cristina Baltayian, Instructor
This class for children ages 9-13 will use pencils to develop observation and fine motor skills, focusing on color mixing and drawing techniques while using objects from nature and everyday life.
4 Thursdays:
September 6, 13, 20, 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
3:30pm – 5:30pm
Minimum 5 children, Maximum 10
10% discount for siblings
$145 Arboretum members per month
$160 Non-members per month
Please call the Class Registration number at 626.821.4623 to register.
In addition to the art background described above, Cristina has taught art classes in private schools to elementary and high school students.
posted by Deb Shaw
BAGSC member Margaret Best will be teaching classes in various parts of the globe for the remainder of 2012, and into 2013. See below for descriptions and links to more information:
Mixing Natural Green and Painting Leaves (SOLD OUT!)
September 26-28, 2012. Filoli, San Francisco.
Three-Day Weekend Workshops (and more) – October 12-14, 2012, and November 23-25, 2012
These intensive 3-day workshops involve assigned subjects or specific technical aspects aimed at assisting participants in the creation of traditional botanical art studies. The selected subjects range from introductory level to advanced study.
The locations of the 3-day Weekend Workshops will be in and around Calgary and will be indicated in the description of each individual workshop as it is confirmed. Please bring your own lunch and refreshments other than coffee and tea, which will be provided. More information, costs and payment by credit card or PayPal can be made on the Traditional Botanicals website. Various evening botanical workshops and Saturday workshops are available in Calgary as well. See the Traditional Botanicals website for details.
Fabulous Foliage – Watercolor
November 2-5, 2012
Bermuda Society of Arts, Hamilton, Bermuda
A 4-day intensive workshop using the incredible variety of shapes and colors of tropical and subtropical leaves of Bermuda, capturing natural green colors, and achieving realistic surface texture, venation, leaf curl, and foreshortening. If you have always wanted to master the art of painting leaves, this is a class not to be missed. For more information, costs and payment, contact the Bermuda Society of the Arts.
Painting in Morocco (including lectures by Ethnobotanist Gary Martin) – April 22-30, 2013.
BAGSC member Jan Clouse at Margaret Best’s Quench Trip Design Tuscany Workshop, 2012.
This incredible botanical art opportunity has been arranged in conjunction with Quench Trip Design. Gary Martin, renowned ethnobotanist and the author of Ethnobotany: A Methods Manual will give lectures. Enjoy five nights in luxury accommodations, three nights in a mountain retreat, meals prepared by gourmet chefs and highly personalized instruction from Margaret Best. More information, costs, and itinerary can be found at the Traditional Botanicals website (click on the “Blog” link for information) and at Quench Trip Design.
by Elaine Searle, posted by Deb Shaw
BAGSC member Elaine Searle is a botanical artist and experienced instructor from the UK who has taught extensively in the USA. By popular demand she has extended her 2013 Italian painting holiday to 10 days. A day excursion to medieval Fabriano to learn how to make paper is included. Previous visits have attracted students of all levels from UK, USA, Europe, the Caribbean and Japan.
Non-painters are also most welcome as the national park setting is perfect for nature walks, independent sightseeing with a hire car or simply lazing by the pool with a good book.
10 Day Botanical Painting Holiday in Umbria, Italy
May 29-June 8, 2013
1,380 Euros per painter sharing, 980 Euros per non painter sharing, 150 Euros single room supplement.
Includes 10 nights in a family owned ‘agriturismo’ hotel, all meals, wine with evening meal, daily tuition, 24-hr access to the studio and a full day excursion to Fabriano. Paint local flora (even native orchids) or vibrant veggies with guidance. Or for those who would like more specific drawing and watercolor technique instruction choose one of Elaine’s mini-projects with full color handouts (ideal for less experienced). Elaine is on hand to demonstrate and assist.
The hotel is situated in breathtaking countryside and is noted for its hospitality and good food. You can paint as much or as little as you wish.
Download the ESearle_2013Umbria brochure to see details about the 10 Day Botanical Painting Holiday in Umbria, Italy.
More information and booking, go to http://www.ilcollaccio.com
by Suzanne Kuuskmae, posted by Deb Shaw
Sala Tree Flower, by Suzanne Kuuskmae,
- Iris, by Suzanne Kuuskmae, © 2012 all rights reserved
© 2012 all rights reserved
Two botanical paintings by Suzanne Kuuskmae, Iris, and Sala Tree Flower, were selected for the upcoming Exhibition at the Palos Verdes Art Center at the Peninsula Center, Silver Spur Drive, Palos Verdes. The Gallery is open every day from 9:30 to 4:00 p.m. Selections were made for the Small Treasures Show at the same address and I was thrilled to see that yet another botanical of Hibiscus showing various parts of the flower was selected along with a pastel landscape of Lake Bled, Slovenia. If you get a chance, come on up to see this show that has drawn from a very varied array of art pieces. The reception was held Friday, August 31, from 6 – 8.
by Jan Clouse
Jesselyn Cyr, Norma Sarkin and Leslie Walker in Margaret’s class at the Huntington.
Sometimes a perfect composition presents itself like a gift from heaven, but more often than not it is like Jacob wrestling with the angel—a struggle for a blessing. In her three-day workshop at the Huntington Garden, Margaret Best repeatedly returned to fundamental principles of composition, guiding the class through basic do’s and don’t’s. Each morning began with a slide show, lecture, and discussion that both guided and inspired us to create a pleasing and dramatic painting.
As always, Margaret dispels the notion right away that we will walk out the door with a “finished painting.” Rather her aim is that each student will have a thoughtfully composed finished drawing ready for color. Many of us had done our homework: we had selected appropriate specimens; most had done preliminary sketches, and some had transferred the sketches to paper. Yet under her tutelage we all drew or rearranged our sketches to improve the placement of the focal point. First consideration was the “rule of thirds” or Margaret’s magic grid.
We also looked at examples from traditional to contemporary painters who in various ways illustrated the basics of planning, focal points, cropping, color placement, contrast, and the use of positive and negative space. Yet Margaret always sent us back to consider our own works.
Speaking for myself, the process of looking at a variety of paintings and discussing them with nine other keen-eyed artists who all offered perceptive comments sharpened my eyes to assess the potential strengths and pitfalls in my own composition. I appreciated the fact that Margaret drew on the skills and talents of her students: individuals offered plant information to others, and Christina Baltayian even did a spontaneous colored pencil demonstration. Margaret is an exceptional artist, but she is also a masterful teacher notable for her ability to create an atmosphere where knowledge is readily shared.
I will admit that painting at the Huntington was an inspiration in itself, and indeed I gathered a couple of fallen bits from an oak just outside the Botanical Building, which turned out to be compositional gifts from heaven.
by Deb Shaw
BAGSC Member Estelle DeRidder participated in the illustration of “Denver’s Canopy – The Nature of Deciduous Trees.” Released by the Denver Botanic Gardens, the publication is a tribute to Dr. Moras Shubert, in celebration of his 100th birthday and his service to the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver community. The deciduous trees of the Denver area have been a life-long passion of Dr. Shubert, who had the vision for this lavishly visual, limited edition book (225 copies).
The call for entries went out during the first week of February 2012 with a submission deadline of February 29, 2012. Artists had less than 4 weeks to create their illustrations!
Honey Locust, by Estelle DeRidder, colored pencil, © 2012, all rights reserved
Estelle submitted two illustrations: a Liquid Amber, and a Honey Locust.
The senior author of “Denver’s Canopy” is Sonia John; contributing authors are Panayoti Kelaidis and Martin F. Quigley. The 86 pages feature photographs and more than 30 botanical illustrations by Estelle DeRidder, Jan Boyd Haring, Marjorie Leggitt, Katherine McCrery, Randy Raak, Heidi Snyder and Amy Weinstein. Illustrations were done in a wide variety of media, including graphite, colored pencil, watercolor and pen and ink.
Congratulations to the Denver Botanic Gardens and illustrators for a wonderful project! And a very Happy Birthday to Dr. Shubert!
Liquid Amber, by Estelle DeRidder, colored pencil, © 2012, all rights reserved
By Leslie Walker, posted by Deb Shaw
Preparing for an exhibition submission can be an exciting project yet sometimes, also a little daunting. What subject should I pick? Where do I find it? How do I create that particular texture? What type of composition will show the specimen off to its best advantage both in terms of its unique characteristics as well as offer an aesthetically appealing result? You will be able to get help with all of these elements by signing up for Margaret Best’s 3-day workshop at the Huntington Gardens on July 26, 27, 28.
Margaret will be steering participants towards meaningful compositional choices to kick-start a direction for creating potential entries into the BAGSC Drought Tolerant Plant Exhibition at Chapman University Library next year. Not only has Margaret developed a new format for her workshops, already proven in Bermuda, Canada and recently in Italy, she is also experienced in teaching graphite, watercolor and colored pencil and will be therefore welcoming all mediums in this workshop. This open medium instruction will be a first for BAGSC. Margaret suggests you bring your usual supplies, that include your own preferred paper and paints/colored pencils, but she is happy to provide her own color palette choices for both mediums upon request. She can be reached via her website with any questions in regards to supplies.
What you are required to bring with you is your own specimen. For those of you who love to depict colorful flowers, there are many options in this category too, but you should also be aware that the purpose of the exhibition is to bring a focus on the unique structures of drought tolerant and drought resistant plants as well. And the choice is not restricted to purely Californian natives. Once you have made your selection, it is suggested that you familiarize yourself with the plant by completing preliminary sketches and doing some research into the ways that the plant structures you will be depicting, assist in its toughness to survive in regions that are often subjected to periods of time without water. This pre-workshop preparation time is not a pre-requisite to attend (nor is there a pressure to exhibit if you do not wish to do so) but it will help you progress more efficiently with a compositional direction and give you more time for color application and technical assistance.
So the time to both register and start looking for a subject is right away. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of this wonderful exhibition but also to be able to prepare for it with Margaret Best.
The cost for this class will be $300. Hold your space with a $50. non-refundable deposit, check made out to BAGSC and sent to Leslie Walker. Final $250. payment due July 1, 2012. Fabriano 5 paper (only available in Europe) will be available for purchase from the BAGSC inventory at class, three half-sheets for $7.00.
Participants should be selecting plants (for help call Deborah Shaw or Leslie Walker) now, and starting sketches, color matching, & composition ideas. The more preparation you do ahead of the class the more you will get out of the class.
See you there!
by Jill Berry, posted by Deb Shaw
Cristina Baltayian’s popular Colored Pencil classes are now also being held on Saturday, so do plan on coming to the Arboretum and enjoying a beautiful day!
USING COLORED PENCILS In Botanical Art
Cristina Baltayian, Instructor
At the Arboretum, 301 North Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007
Saturdays, 2012 from 10am – 4pm (includes lunch break)
June 9
July 14
August 18
September 15
October 13
(No class in Nov.)
December 15
This class will explore flowers, fruits, vegetables and more, using colored pencils techniques to get beautiful, painterly results.
$ 95 Arboretum members per Saturday
$115 Non-members per Saturday
Pre-registration required; please call 626.821.4623 or email Jill Berry. A supply list will be provided upon registration. Class participants may bring lunch or purchase it at the Peacock Café.
Magnolia, © Cristina Baltayian, all rights reserved.
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 Artists Guild of Southern California.
by Lori Vreeke/Deb Shaw
New BAGSC member Lori Vreeke went to the “Grow! A Garden Festival at the LA Arboretum today, met Leslie Walker, Estelle De Ridder and Janice Sharp and took some great pictures. See them on her blog.
Welcome Lori!
by Janice Sharp (from her iPhone), posted by Deb Shaw
More than 1,300 people attended the Friday night opening of “Grow! A Garden Festival” at the LA Arboretum. Food, wine, music and wonderful evening. Lots of plants, and outdoor decor, not to mention beautiful art at the BAGSC booth. Looks like it will be a great weekend. Get out and join us!
Goodnight for now, but see you there this weekend!
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.
BAGSC News 