by Bonnie Born Ash, posted by Deb Shaw

A group of BAGSC members who live in the Los Angeles/Pasadena area gather on the second Monday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to draw, paint, and to explore botanical illustration. Known as the Second Monday Artists, we recently agreed to meet more frequently in anticipation of the BAGSC exhibition August 1-9, “Weird, Wild & Wonderful: Botanical Illustrations of Remarkable Plants.”  Our next gatherings will be on the following Mondays:
·      May 11 Norma Sarkin’s home
·      May 25 Janice Sharp’s home

BAGSC members are invited to join us. Car-pooling is encouraged. Bring a current project or begin a new work, pack a portable light if needed, and  remember to bring your own lunch.

Please see your BAGSC roster for addresses, and RSVP to Bonnie Born Ash to let her know you’re coming and to ask any questions. We hope to see you then!

* Deb apologizes for not getting this post up in time for the April 27 gathering! Hope you had a great painting day.

By Beth Stone, posted by Deb Shaw

Caltech is offering a lecture entitled “Watching Paint Dry and Colors Fade: The Intersection of Art and Science,” by Katherine T. Faber, the Simon Ramo Professor of Materials Science at Caltech. A part of the Earnest C. Watson Lecture Series, the lecture will explore the links between science, engineering and art about pigments, color, fading masterpieces and more.

Wednesday, May 20, 2105
8 pm
Beckman Auditorium
Caltech
Presented by Caltech Committee on Institute Programs

Description and more online on the Caltech Public Events Calendar.

by Deb Shaw

Promotional for Roger's Gardens "Day of Art," Sunday, March 1 features a painting in progress that BAGSC member Clara Josephs was working on during the last year's "Day of Art" at Roger's.

Promotional for Roger’s Gardens “Day of Art,” Sunday, March 1 features a painting in progress that BAGSC member Clara Josephs was working on during the last year’s “Day of Art” at Roger’s.

Due to the much-needed rain, Roger’s Garden’s “Day of Art” has been postponed until Sunday, April 26th. Sorry for any inconvenience.

The same free workshop and demonstrations schedule will be held; everything should be the same except the weather. The end of April should promise a beautiful Spring day, with little chance of rain.

In the meantime, we welcome the water!!

by Deb Shaw

Promotional for Roger's Gardens "Day of Art," Sunday, March 1 features a painting in progress that BAGSC member Clara Josephs was working on during the last year's "Day of Art" at Roger's.

Promotional for Roger’s Gardens “Day of Art,” Sunday, March 1 features a painting in progress that BAGSC member Clara Josephs was working on during the last year’s “Day of Art” at Roger’s.

Roger’s Garden is proud to present their 3rd Annual “Day of Art,” Sunday, March 1 from 10  AM – 4 PM. (In case of rain, this event will be cancelled until further notice.) For the event schedule, visit the Roger’s Gardens’ Art Gallery page.

This Springtime event attracts 50 invited plein air and botanical artists painting and drawing in the Gardens for the day. A painting by each of the participating artists will be on display and available to the public for purchase. This year Roger’s will be judging the 50 original artworks with awards and recognitions.

Open to the public at no charge, all visitors will have the opportunity to participate in scheduled workshops and demonstrations.

BAGSC members Diane Daly, Clara Josephs, Patricia Mark and Deborah Shaw will be participating in the event, and BAGSC will have an information table about botanical art, our group, and our upcoming events and plans. Deborah, Clara, and Diane will be teaching a free “Drawing in your garden” introductory botanical art workshop from 2 pm to 3 pm on that afternoon. The workshop is free and open to the public, no art experience required. Roger’s Gardens will supply basic drawing materials, or participants can bring additional supplies.

Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, 949.640.5800.

 

by Deb Shaw

Erythrina caffra, Coral Tree, original watercolor by Joan Keesey, © 2015, all rights reserved.

Erythrina caffra, Coral Tree, original watercolor by Joan Keesey, © 2015, all rights reserved.

The Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California (BAGSC), in conjunction with Dr. Jennifer Funk and students from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Chapman University, will be opening an exhibition of botanical art entitled “An Illuminating Look at Legumes.”

Held in conjunction with the 10th Anniversary of the Chapman University Leatherby Libraries, the exhibition explores the large, economically important plant family Fabaceae or Leguminosae, commonly known as legumes, peas, or beans.

Exhibit dates:
Thursday, February 19 – Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Artists’ Reception and Demonstrations:
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
5:30 p.m.

Doy and Dee Henley Reading Room
Leatherby Libraries, 2nd Floor, Chapman University
One University Drive, Orange, California 92866

Legumes are the third largest flowering plant family on earth, after orchids (Orchidaceae) and daisies (Asteraceae). They are incredibly diverse, ranging from huge trees, twining, vigorous vines to small delicate annuals and even a few aquatic plants. They grow all over the world, except in Antarctica and the high Arctic.

Many legumes have a unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through their root nodules, and, in doing so can replenish our soils and colonize barren areas.

Accompanied by interesting descriptions of the plants by Dr. Funk, her students and BAGSC members, the artists have depicted members of this family that are important agriculturally; thrive in desert and semi-arid environments; are weedy and invasive; and grow as trees.

Artists include: Cristina Baltayian, Melanie Campbell-Carter, Diane Daly, Estelle DeRidder, Cynthia F. Jackson, Clara Josephs, Joan Keesey, Suzanne Kuuskmae, Patricia A. Mark, Arillyn Moran-Lawrence, Terri Munroe, Alyse Ochniak, Robyn Reilman, Mitsuko Schultz, Janice Sharp, Deborah B. Shaw, and Jude Wiesenfeld.

This exhibition has been sponsored by BAGSC, Chapman University Leatherby Libraries, and Chapman University Schmid College of Science and Technology.

For exhibit hours please visit: www.chapman.edu/library/info/hours.html

Visitor parking near the Leatherby Libraries is available for $2.00 – $3.00 and may be purchased from the permit dispenser. For more detailed parking information, fees, maps and directions to Chapman University, please visit: www.chapman.edu/map

by Cristina Baltayian, posted by Deb Shaw

Cristina Baltyian will be showing work in "Works on Paper," at SAGA Fine Art.

Cristina Baltayian will be exhibiting her artwork in “Works on Paper,” at SAGA Fine Art.

Cristina Baltayian will be showing 15 paintings at SAGA Fine Art in an exhibition entitled Works on Paper. Showcasing artwork in watercolor, pastel and pencil, the exhibition runs from February 17 – March 27, 2015. An opening reception will be held Saturday, February 28, 2015 from 5 – 7 pm.

SAGA Fine Art specializes in representational Plein Air, Landscape, Figurative and Still Life paintings by contemporary artists. It is located at 110 West Lime Avenue, Monrovia, California 91016, 626.358.5563. Gallery hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1 – 6 pm.

Congratulations, Cristina!

by Michael Best, posted by Deb Shaw

Fiji flower.

Fiji flower.

This botanical art retreat ticks all the right boxes . . . tropical location, abundance of exotic flowers and fruit, acclaimed teacher, great accommodation, all meals, great facilities dedicated to the arts, lots to see and do — and all at a great price!

Getting there couldn’t be easier with Fiji Airways flying directly from LAX.

Imagine seven days in this tropical paradise where the biggest challenge is going to be selecting a specimen from among the exotic native orchids, colorful ginger plants and fascinating tropical fruit. Work in water color or colored pencil for three hours each morning and then relax or sight-see in the afternoon. Or, if you prefer, paint all day — your choice.

Take a non-painting partner if you wish. There is more than enough for them to see and do while you paint.

One of many beautiful beaches on Fiji.

One of many beautiful beaches on Fiji.

This 19th to 26th September, 2015 retreat is being organized by Paradise Courses of Sydney. All the details, including the schedule and reservation information, can be found on their website.

Find out more about Margaret’s art and teaching at www.bestbotanical.com and the retreat at www.dakuresort.com. A PDF brochure about the resort can be downloaded here: Daku Resort Savusavu eBrochure.

Imagine . . .

One view from the Daku Resort in Fiji.

One view from the Daku Resort in Fiji.

by Deb Shaw

It’s going to be a busy year for BAGSC! Keep your eyes on this BAGSC News Blog and your emails for calendars and updates, as they start coming in at a fast pace.

Here is the BAGSC General Quarterly Meeting schedule for the year:

  • Saturday, February 21: Deb’s place, 9:30 am for coffee, tea and greetings, with the meeting starting promptly at 10 am. This meeting will combine a BAGSC General Meeting with the next BAGSC Volunteer Meeting as the program following the General Meeting. The General Meeting will include important information about upcoming classes, workshops, exhibitions and the Symposium. Please RSVP to Deb with your potluck choice, and bring your ongoing work to share with the group.The Weird, Wild & Wonderful Volunteer Meeting will include committee packets, information, deadlines, forms and letters so we can roll up our sleeves and dig in. It also will include a quick Basecamp presentation to learn how we’ll manage the information for the Symposium, so if you would like to bring your laptop or iPad, feel free (but not required!). If you cannot make this meeting, but still want to volunteer, please let Tania Marien know so we can add you to our lists.
  • Sunday, April 26
  • Saturday, September 12
  • Saturday, December 5, BAGSC Holiday Party (and very short meeting)

An email blast will be sent out before each meeting with locations, directions and more information.

The schedule for BAGSC Weird, Wild & Wonderful Volunteer Meetings will be:

  • Sunday, March 22
  • Saturday, April 18
  • Sunday, May 31
  • Saturday, June 20: the final pre-Symposium meeting
  • Saturday, July 18: send out last-minute announcements via email before Symposium week begins!!
  • Week of July 27: Work with BAGSC Exhibition committee

by Tania Norris, posted by Deb Shaw

Anne-Marie Evans.

Anne-Marie Evans.

Anne-Marie Evans will be returning to the Virginia Robinson Gardens in March, 2015 to teach Drawing, Aerial Perspective, and Composition to artists in all mediums. Drawing, aerial perspective and composition will be covered in depth and every student of botanical art will benefit from Anne-Marieʼs expertise and will be given the knowledge to advance their future botanical works.

 

Monday, March 23 – Friday, 27, 2015
The basics of drawing botanically correct specimens

Saturday, March 28, 2015
A one-day session with Anne-Marie to help students with their unfinished paintings

Monday, March 30 – Friday, April 3, 2015
Aerial perspective and composition for botanical art

Virginia Robinson Gardens and BAGSC Members: $595.00 per week. Non-members: $625.00 per week.
Saturday, March 28th: Virginia Robinson Gardens and BAGSC Members: Members $100.00. Non-members $125.00.
A $100.00 deposit is non-refundable.

Classes will be held daily from 9 am – 3:30 pm in the Pool Pavilion, Virginia Robinson Gardens, 1108 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, California, 90210.

Payment may be made by check, payable to Friends of the Robinson Gardens; by phone, 310-550-2068; or online. A materials list will be sent to all participants. Coffee, tea and water will be provided, but please bring your own lunch.

Anne-Marie Evans is known throughout the world as a master teacher of botanical art. Her classes are filled with the most thoroughly researched methods of giving information so that students can benefit to the fullest from their attendance.

By Beth Stone and Janice Sharp

The BAGSC information and sales table, with some of the Camellia botanical artwork.

The BAGSC information and sales table, with some of the Camellia botanical artwork.

The Camellia Societies of Southern California (Kern County, Pacific, Southern California and San Diego Camellia Societies) held their first Camellia show of the 2015 season at Descanso Gardens on January 17 and 18, 2015. As part of the show, members of BAGSC were invited to hang “Camellia” art works. Ten artists, Diane Daly, Estelle DeRidder, Clara Josephs, Joan Keesey, Suzanne Kuuskmae, Patricia Mark, Mitsuko Schultz, Gilly Shaeffer, Janice Sharp, and Beth Stone submitted a combined total of 20 artworks.

The craftsman style elegance of Descanso’s Van de Kamp Hall filled with beautiful Camellia blooms was a beautiful setting for botanical artwork.

The craftsman style elegance of Descanso’s Van de Kamp Hall filled with beautiful Camellia blooms was a beautiful setting for botanical artwork.

The craftsman style elegance of Descanso’s Van de Kamp Hall filled with table after table covered with wildly diverse Camellia blooms was a beautiful setting for botanicals. The art of our members was well received by Camellia flower exhibitors and the public alike as a refreshing addition to the floral display.

Descanso Gardens was also enthusiastic to use the art to complement the current Camellia blooming season and has agreed to hang all 20 painting in the Boddy House where they will remain on display for the next several months.

In addition to participating in the botanical art exhibition, Beth Stone won five prizes for her outstanding Camellia flowers.

In addition to participating in the botanical art exhibition, Beth Stone won five prizes for her outstanding Camellia flowers.

In addition, Beth participated in the Camellia show where she won five prizes for her outstanding Camellia flowers.

Many thanks to David Brown and Susan Armstrong of Descanso Gardens and George Harrison and Tom Gilfoy of the Pacific Camellia Society for making this collaboration with BAGSC possible.

Thanks also to Clara Josephs for encouraging this project from the beginning and to Deb Shaw for creating the publicity flier and attending to multiple necessary details. Thank you to Gilly Shaeffer for demonstrating watercolor techniques during the exhibit and to Melanie Cambell-Carter, Diane Daly, Clara Josephs, Patricia Mark, Tania Norris, Veronica Raymond and Mitsuko Schultz for volunteering to set-up, staff and take down the exhibit.

by Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski, posted by Deb Shaw

The Denver Botanic Gardens’ School of Botanical Art has openings for three botanical artists/illustrators for their artist-in-residence program. Each residency is for one of the following six-week periods in 2015: April 20 – May 29; June 15 – July 24; August 10 – September 18. Accepted illustrators/artists are expected to spend five days per week on site at the Denver Botanic Gardens, although it can vary depending on agreement with the Gardens.

On-site resources include outdoor studio space, access to the Gardens’ library, herbaria, classroom and Science Pyramid. Residency contributions can include:

  • online blog participation
  • Open Studios and presentation of works-in-progress
  • work produced during the residency
  • educational workshops
  • demonstrations to the public

The residency provides a stipend of $3,000. for each of the selected illustrator/artists to be used for housing and materials. One completed original work from each illustrator/artist will become property of Denver Botanic Gardens.

Applications are due by March 16, 2015. The application form may be found on the Denver Botanic Gardens’ School of Botanical Art blog, at: http://www.botanicalillustration.blogspot.com/2015/01/2015-illustratorartist-in-residence.html. Selections will be announced March 30, 2015. Applications should be emailed with “Illustrator in Residency 2015” in the subject line.

 

by Lesley Randall (reporting from the conference) and Deb Shaw

First place winner, Joan Keesey, Salvia spathacea, watercolor. © 2014, all rights reserved.

First place winner, Joan Keesey, Salvia spathacea, watercolor. © 2014, all rights reserved.

The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) held their Conservation Conference in San Jose, California this past January 15 – 17, 2015. BAGSC members Joan Keesey won first place in the Botanical Art Exhibition with her watercolor of Salvia spathacea, and Lesley Randall took third place with her pen and ink drawing of Malva assurgentiflora. CNPS awards cash prizes of $500 for first place; $300 for second place; and $200 for third place, plus publication in the CNPS magazine, Femontia.

The CNPS conference was attended by about 1200 people—all of whom are passionate about California’s native plants. Bernard Halliwell and Kristin Jakob worked very hard to put the botanical art exhibit together and did a magnificent job. Although they had only a small space with which to work, the exhibit flowed very nicely. As always the standard of work was exceptionally high.

Third place winner, Lesley Randall, pen and ink of Malva assurgentiflora. © 2014, all rights reserved.

Third place winner, Lesley Randall, pen and ink of Malva assurgentiflora. © 2014, all rights reserved.

This year, the conference also included botanical art talks and demonstrations. Pria Graves gave a talk about The History and Tradition of Botanical Art; Lesley Randall taught a workshop on Pen and Ink Drawing of Plants; Nina Antze taught a workshop on Drawing Plants with Color Pencils; and Maria Cecillia Freemen taught Getting Started in Botanical Drawing and Painting.

Watch the blog as more images and information about the conference comes in. Congratulations to all for a successful conference, and kudos to Joan and Lesley!

by Deb Shaw

Our dear Jill Berry at the Los Angeles Arboretum will be retiring shortly. BAGSC sends out a BIG THANK YOU to Jill for all your years of help, service, and support.

Many of us got our start in botanical art at the LA Arboretum, in classes taught by Olga Eysymontt. Jill was a big part of our experience there, and we will miss her. Jill, congratulations on your retirement, and we wish you all the happiness and fulfillment in the years ahead. Thank you!

Our collaboration and support of the Arboretum will continue, of course. The schedule for Cristina Baltayian’s classes has been announced for January – June, 2015 at the Arboretum. These classes will be exploring color 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.

Tuesdays,  2015  (10 am – 2 pm)
January: 6, 13, 20, 27
February: 3, 10, 17, 24
March: 3, 10, 17, 24
April: 7, 14, 21, 28
May: 5, 12, 19, 26
June: 2,  9,  16, 23

Cost: $275 Arboretum members per month; $295 non-members per month (includes Arboretum admission)

To register: Pre-registration required; please call the Class Registration line at 626.821.4623. Class participation is limited to a minimum of five students and a maximum of 12. A supply list will be provided upon registration. You may bring your lunch or purchase it at the Peacock Café.

Additionally, this year continues the “Arboretum Plant Introduction Project.” Cristina’s students, along with BAGSC members will be studying and portraying many of the Arboretum plant introductions from the last 50 years.  The goal is to build a collection of paintings that will celebrate and document the invaluable contribution of the Los Angeles Arboretum to the state of California.

About the Instructor

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 Leatherby Libraries. She is a  member of the American Society of Botanical Artists, and The Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California.

by Deb Shaw and Diane Daly

Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Red Bird of Paradise, or Mexican Bird of Paradise, watercolor by Diane Daly, © 2013, all rights reserved.

Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Red Bird of Paradise, or Mexican Bird of Paradise, watercolor by Diane Daly, © 2013, all rights reserved.

We’re updating our list of who is painting which Legumes for the Chapman University Exhibition in the Leatherby Libraries. [Just updated New Year’s Day — keep ’em coming and Happy New Year!]

The Legumes Exhibition follows closely on the heels of the Camellia Show at Descanso! (Each year, January seems to get busier and busier for BAGSC members!) Don’t forget that the entry forms for the Legume Exhibition are due the same day, Friday, January 16, 2015 that the Camellia Show will be staged and hung. Entry forms should be emailed or mailed, on or before that date to Diane Daly.

The list below are the Legume subjects BAGSC members have painted, are painting, or are thinking about painting. Don’t panic if you see something you’ve painted (or are thinking of painting) on the following list. This is only a preliminary list, and it’s always fun to see the same subject painted by different people. If you haven’t sent your subject to Diane Daly, please do so. We will be using our subject list to develop educational outreach materials with Dr. Jennifer Funk’s students.

  • Cristina Baltayian: Coral Tree, Papago Beans, Tamarind Pods
  • Melanie Campbell-Carter: Snail Vine (Viga caracalla)
  • Diane Daly: Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), Calliandra Eriophylla
  • Cynthia Jackson: Knife Acacia (Acacia cultriformis)
  • Clara Josephs: Desert False Indigo with Dogface Butterfly, Carob Tree
  • Joan Keesey: Wisteria, Coral Tree, Lupine
  • Suzanne Kuuskmae: Lupine, Wisteria, Vicia sativa
  • Pat Mark: Hyacinth Bean
  • Arillyn Moran-Lawrence: Shelling Pea, Green Arrow, Pisum sativum (Heirloom), plus hopefully one more
  • Robyn Reilman, Acacia Stenophylla
  • Mitsuko Schultz: Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
  • Janice Sharp: Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis), Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus), and Australian native
    Wistera Hardenbergia violacea
  • Deborah Shaw: Castanospermum australe (if it gets done!), Acacia seed pod (Wattle Bush)
  • Patty VanOsterhoudt: Desert Museum x Parkinsidium Parkinsonia x Cercidium (Palo Verde)
  • Leslie Walker: Delonix regia

Need inspiration for your artwork? (There’s still time!) See some of Dr. Funk’s suggestions in our prior BAGSC News Blog article.

by Norma Sarkin, posted by Deb Shaw

Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitchell Englander has put out a call for art to be displayed in the Council District Twelve Community Service Center. All artists in the San Fernando Valley area (including botanical artists) are invited to participate in this event.

The 2015 Art Show is a celebration of the rich and unique culture in the San Fernando Valley. The Art Show coordinators are looking for artwork created by local artists to be displayed for five months in the Community Service Center, located at 9207 Oakdale Avenue in Chatsworth. By providing a gallery space for local artists, San Fernando Valley is hoping to raise awareness of the arts and foster a more culturally rich community.

The show is open to all local San Fernando Valley artists. Entries in the following media categories will be accepted: painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and ceramics.

The deadline for submission of new work is Tuesday, January 13 and the show will be on Thursday, January 22, 2015. Any questions about this exhibit, or any artists interested in submitting artwork, should contact Alexa Meyers via email, or by phone at (818) 882-1212.

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