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by Deb Shaw
ArtPlantae Display at Aurea Vista in Riverside, California, © 2012 Tania Marien
This weekend ArtPlantae will participate in the First Annual Holiday Party at Aurea Vista, Riverside’s newest shopping destination.
The holidays aren’t the only thing to celebrate this weekend, however.
ArtPlantae is celebrating the launch of a new plant-based education display featuring resources for children, parents and teachers. Dedicated specifically to botany and botanical art education, this section features curriculum by the National Gardening Association, children’s books about plants (in English and Spanish), instructional books about drawing and botanical art, plant identification guides, and the Colorful Edibles coloring book published by the American Society of Botanical Artists.
When visiting ArtPlantae at Aurea Vista, don’t miss the display area upstairs featuring books about contemporary botanical art and botanical art history.
Discover more this Saturday during the holiday party. The festivities begin at 4:00 pm and continue until 9:00 pm. Meet local artists and designers and finish your holiday shopping too. Visit ArtPlantae’s new area about plant-based education and receive a free gift. It is located downstairs across from the children’s boutique.
Stop by on your way to the Festival of Lights and the Artists Collective located just down the street on the Main Street Pedestrian Mall.
Free gifts available while supplies last.
A Little About Aurea Vista
Aurea Vista is located in a building in downtown Riverside, California whose life began in 1927 as a hotel built by architect G. Stanley Wilson. Today the building serves as an exciting new marketplace for local artisans, designers, importers, food sellers and craftspeople.
Visit Aurea Vista and discover many treasures such as delicious olive oils by Beyond the Olive, terrarium designs by Brenda Cook of Botanical Perspective, and yards of inspiration (and classes too!) at Raincross Fiber Arts.
Aurea Vista is located at 3498 University Avenue in Riverside on the corner of Lemon and University. Hours are Monday-Saturday (11-8), Sunday (11-5). Store hours are extended for Riverside’s monthly ArtsWalk and other special events.
Parking: Free customer parking is available across the street in the parking lot with the ballet mural. Aurea Vista customers can park in spaces #1-8 that face University Avenue. Street parking is free after 5 PM Monday-Friday. Street parking also is free on Saturday and Sunday.
by John Keesey, posted by Deb Shaw
Sally’s beautiful studio space was all set up when we arrived, with handouts and gifts from Anita.
For three lovely days in mid-October twelve eager botanical artists enjoyed the warm personality and dazzling expertise of Anita Walsmit Sachs from the Netherlands. They met each morning in the pleasant downstairs classroom of Sally Jacobs’ Studio near LACMA to learn botanical line drawing from Anita, the head of the Art Department of the Nationaal Herbarium Nederland of the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. She brought many examples of the beautifully composed line drawings she creates for scientific articles, complete with ink stippling to suggest shading and shape. She has also contributed exquisite watercolors of Acer and Syinga to the Florilegium of the Prince of Wales’ Estate at Highgrove, and has won two gold medals from the Royal Horticultural Society of England.
Mimulus ‘Dave’, by John Keesey, pen and ink, © 2012
We brought our own plant to draw, first in pencil to show the “habit” or repeating part of the plant, then details of structure often viewed under a dissecting microscope and drawn over graph paper. These pencil drawings were cut out and taped into a suitable composition, which was perhaps the most challenging aspect of the project. This was then transferred via tracing paper and a light box to a paper with a vellum finish suitable for inking, which was done using Rotring or Staedler pens of several sizes to indicate the light source and overlapping. Finally graduated stippling with these pens to indicate shading and shape was discovered to be an excellent form of meditation!
Salvia ‘Hot Salsa’ by Joan Keesey, pen and ink, © 2012
Botanical artists who attended these sessions included Sally Jacobs, Leslie Walker, Deborah Shaw, Tania Norris, Norma Sarkin, Janice Sharp, Bonnie Born Ash, Joan Keesey, Tania Marien, Mitsuko Schultz, Alyse Ochniak and Estelle DeRidder. Also present was Yours Truly, John Keesey.
Part of a Western Sycamore by Estelle DeRidder, pen and ink, © 2012
Note to all who attended the class: Please email a photo of your drawing and/or sketches to Deb, so she can post them to the blog.
Anita discusses inking techniques with the class.
by Janice Sharp, posted by Deb Shaw
When you first click on the link in the story to the Google map of the locations of Arboretum introductions, this is what you’ll see; a list of all the plants with their locations as dots on the map. Click on “Satellite” view in the upper right corner of the map to see the information displayed over a photographic map.
For all of us who are painting the plants introduced by the Los Angeles Arboretum (or even those of us who want to find those plants from the list), we have a link to a Google map of the locations of Arboretum introductions throughout the grounds (thank you Frank!).
This this data is about five years old, so some plants from our list may be missing from the map, but it’s a great start. When you open the site, click on “satellite” view and zoom in. Then you’ll be able to see the paths and roads in the Arboretum, which will make it easier to find things and find your way around.
Questions? Contact Janice Sharp.
Happy painting!
In the “Satellite” view, zoom in to see the roads, paths and familiar landmarks of the Arboretum grounds.
Click on the red pin marker next to a plant name you’re interested in, and the plant information will pop up on the map where the plant is located. Or, click on any red marker pin on the map, and the plant information will pop up there, too.
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.
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 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 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 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.
BAGSC News 