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by Deb Shaw
Every three years, the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Conservation Conference brings together California’s conservation community for scientific sessions and lectures, field trips, workshops, special events and networking. Each conference also has a native plant botanical art and photo contest. This year included a California native plant tattoo contest as well!
BAGSC members Olga Ryabstova and Gilly Shaeffer taught botanical art workshops at the Conference.
Congratulations to the CNPS Botanical Art Contest winners (including BAGSC members):
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- First Place and Conference Choice , Burned Manzanita, © Marie Brennan.
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- Second Place, Matjila Poppy Seedpod, © Olga Ryabtsova, www.olgaryabtsova.com
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- Third Place, Greene’s Dudleya, © Ellie Yun-Hui Tu , http://www.asba-art.org/member-gallery/ellie-yun-hui-tu
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- Honorable Mention , Acorn Sprouts, © Maria Cecilia Freeman , mcf-art.com
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- Honorable Mention, Fremontia with Yellow warbler, © Estelle DeRidder
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- Honorable Mention, Asclepias fascicularis with Danaus, Estelle DeRidder
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- Honorable Mention , Upper Bidwell Wildflowers, © Erin E. Hunter, http://www.eehunter.com
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- Honorable Mention , From cotyledons to true leaves, © Susan Jackson
These images and more from the exhibition can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/CaliforniaNativePlantSociety/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1587978757905901 Participating BAGSC members included: Ellie Yun-Hui Tu, Kim Garrison Means, Nina Antze, Donald Davidson, Estelle DeRidder, Susan Jackson, Joan Keesey, Lee McCaffree, Olga Ryabtsova, Mitsuko Schultz, Gilly Shaeffer, Janice Sharp, Deborah Shaw, and Jude Wiesenfeld.
Kudos to all who participated, and a special thank you to Elizabeth Kubey, CNPS Conference Assistant and the CNPS art panel: Tina Curiel, Wendell Pascual, Lesley Randall, and Nancy Elizabeth Saltsman.
by Gilly Shaeffer, posted by Deb Shaw
The Califfornia Native Plant Society (CNPS) 2018 Conservation Conference will take place February 1 – 3, 2018 at the LAX Marriott in Los Angeles. This event, which takes place once every three years, is an important opportunity to bring together the best minds in the field to share research, gather inspiration, and collaborate on new ways to protect California’s precious natural resources.
This year, CNPS expects more than 1,000 attendees, including consulting biologists, agency staff, researchers, students, conservationists, and environmental professionals. The Conference will feature inspiring keynote speakers, two days of pre-conference workshops and field trips, more than 300 presenters across 24 sessions, a special student session, networking events, and art, poetry, music and photography exhibits!
To attend the conference and see the exhibits, register online by January 14.
BAGSC members in the CNPS exhibition include:
Ellie Yun-Hui Tu
Kim Garrison Means
Nina Antze
Donald Davidson
Estelle DeRidder
Susan Jackson
Joan Keesey
Lee McCaffree
Olga Ryabtsova
Mitsuko Schultz
Gilly Shaeffer
Janice Sharp
Deborah Shaw
Jude Wiesenfeld
Additional artists include:
Aaron Arthur
Marie Brennan
Valerie Cohen
Erica Cordero
Tamren Dong
Justina Freel
Maria Cecilia Freeman
Lesley Goren
Nicole Hempel
Erin E. Hunter
Asisa Madian
Mark Nunez
Melissa Orozco
Patricia M. Palavecino
Rita Sabbagh
Diego Tamayo
Cara Wilco
Additionally, BAGSC Members Olga Ryabtsova and Gilly Shaeffer will be teaching two botanical art workshops, open to conference attendees and the public. Read more about the workshops in a previous story on the blog.
Congratulations to all the participating artists!
by Gilly Shaeffer, posted by Deb Shaw
There are many workshops to be held before the California Native Plant Society 2018 conference begins on Tuesday, January 30, through Wednesday, January 31, at the LAX Marriott.
There will be two botanical art workshops given by BAGSC members:
Gilly Shaeffer will teach “Introduction to Botanical Art Techniques”
Tuesday, January 30, from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
Olga Ryabtsova will teach “Black & White Drawing Techniques in Botanical Illustration”
Wednesday, January 31, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
See complete information about these two workshops below.
Deadline to register January 14, 2018. To Register, go to https://conference.cnps.org/registration/
Introduction to Botanical Art Techniques
Tuesday, January 30, 1:00 PM-4:30 PM
Instructor: Gilly Shaeffer, Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California, American Society of Botanical Artists
Registration: $50 Attending the Conference / $70 Not Attending the Conference
Matilija Poppy, Gilly Shaeffer, watercolor on paper, © 2017.
Botanical art starts with a good drawing. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, participants will learn ways to create line drawings of plants. We will focus on the need for close observation when creating botanical art. Class will begin with an overview of the materials used to create botanical art and how they are used, including pencils, drawing paper, erasers, magnifiers, watercolor brushes, paints, and watercolor paper. Next participants will be introduced to shading from light to dark to create three dimensional forms. Exercises will further participants’ understanding of form through creation of their own three dimensional forms. An introduction to the importance of a light source in drawing plant forms will be included. Class will conclude with time to sketch from natural forms so that class participants can apply the concepts presented during the class to their actual plant drawings.
This workshop is designed for people who have an interest in learning more about how to draw and eventually paint plants, and will be taught at a beginner level.
Participants will receive a list of reference books for the beginning study of drawing. Handouts will be provided covering basic points made in the class which will include exercises that can be done at home. A variety of books that are highly recommended in the study of botanical illustration and watercolor will be available to look at during class, as well as recent exhibition catalogues.
Please plan to bring (more details will be provided to registered participants—the cost for these materials should be around $15 for those who do not yet own them):
- Strathmore drawing paper pad 400 Series
- Graphite drawing pencils 2H, HB, and 2B
- Cretacolor brand kneaded eraser
Gilly Shaeffer’ s lifelong interest in art and love of nature drew her to the study of botanical art. Her work has been selected to appear in juried exhibitions at museums, galleries, and gardens throughout the United States. She has taught Botanical Illustration and Watercolor at Virginia Robinson Gardens and Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. She also teaches Botanical Art Techniques at her home studio on Mount Washlngton in Los Angeles.
Black & White Drawing Techniques in Botanical Illustration
Wednesday, January 31, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Olga Ryabtsova, Botanical Artist; Exhibition Chair of the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California, American Society of Botanical Artists
Registration: $95 Attending the Conference / $125 Not Attending the Conference
Matilija Poppy seed pod, Olga Ryabtsova, watercolor on paper, © 2017.
This workshop will focus on black and white drawing techniques. We will review the materials required, and participants will learn about the perception of light, shadow, and contrast in drawing with a graphite pencil, metalpoint, pen and ink. Drawing with all mentioned materials will be demonstrated. Patricipants will draw a sketch from a living plant or fruit or a provided photo with graphite, and start an original work with matalpoint.
This worshop is open to anyone interested in botanical art and drawing techniques. All skill levels are welcome (beginner, intermediate, advanced artists who are interested in metalpoint).
Preliminary list of supplies that participants will need to bring (more details will be provided before the workshop):
- Graphite pencils 2H, HB, 2B, 4B
- Sharpener
- Sketch paper
- Tracing paper
- Drawing paper
- Eraser
- Board to support paper and tape to hold it
- Metalpoint wire and holder
- Portable light lamp (optional)
Olga Ryabtsova was born in Russia, in the town of Dubna about 80 miles north of Moscow. After school, she moved to Moscow to study graphic design and illustration at the Moscow University of Graphic Arts, where she obtained a Master’s Degree. She worked as an Art Director for advertising agencies, and as a photojournalist and commercial photographer. After moving to California in 2015, Olga became fascinated with the native plants of Southern California, the botanical gardens in the area, and botanical art. She works in many different techniques, including watercolor, oil, etching, silverpoint and ceramic. Additionally, Olga teaches drawing to children and conducts workshops for adults.
by Janice Sharp, posted by Deb Shaw
The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) will be holding its
2018 Conservation Conference
February 1 – 3, 2018
at the LAX Marriott, Los Angeles, California
The CNPS 2018 Conservation Conference features botanic art and photo contests and exhibits to highlight the beauty of California. The botanical art exhibition will be on display throughout the conference.
Artists are invited to enter original artwork in any two-dimensional medium that reflects the beauty and uniqueness of California flora and adheres to high standards of botanical accuracy. All entries must depict plants native to California (no introduced plants).
All the information (guidelines and entry form) are posted online for the botanic art contest and show. Both the entry guidelines and form are downloadable PDFs from this linked page.
Also included on the site are images of the winners of the 2015 botanical art and photography contests, including BAGSC members Joan Keesey who won first place for her watercolor of Salvia spathacea, Hummingbird Sage; and Lesley Randall, who won third place for her pen and ink scientific illustration of Malva assurgentiflora, Island Mallow.
The due date for entries is October 20, 2017.
by Lesley Randall (reporting from the conference) and Deb Shaw
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.
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
Dichelostemma volubile and Madia elegans. Watercolor © Joan Keesey, all rights reserved.
A quick reminder to my original blog post: the California Native Plant Society (CPNS) is holding a botanical art exhibit in conjunction with their Conservation Conference, January 15-17 in San Jose. The entry deadline for submission of artwork is November 1, 2014. They would love to see our artwork there.
Artists are invited to enter original artwork in any two-dimensional medium that reflects the beauty and uniqueness of California flora and adheres to high standards of botanical accuracy. All entries must depict plants indigenous to California.
More information is at the CNPS web site. You may also download the PDF form 2015 Prospectus CNPS Botanical Art Exhibition, or contact Bernard Halliwell.
The Northern California Society of Botanical Artists (NCalSBA) will be helping with the exhibit and coordinating techniques demonstrations at the Conference. Lesley Randall will be coordinating BAGSC members who would like to help our NCalSBA counterparts. More to come on demonstration opportunities later!
by Deb Shaw
The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) has announced registration is now open for the 2015 Conservation Conference. Held every three years, this conference coincides with the 50th anniversary of CNPS. The conference will be held from January 15 – 17, 2015 at the Double Tree by Hilton, in San Jose, California. Those registering by October 31, 2014 will enjoy early registration savings on the conference, workshops, and field trips.
Thread-leaved Brodiaea, Second Place, by Deborah Shaw, watercolor on Kelmscott Vellum © 2012
Call for Entries
The last CNPS Conference was held in San Diego, California in 2012. BAGSC artists were well represented in the exhibition at that conference, and Deborah Shaw, Joan Keesey and Estelle DeRidder won second place, third place and an honorable mention. Read Joan Keesey’s BAGSC Blog review of the 2012 conference and exhibition.
The CNPS will host a juried Botanical Art Exhibition in association with the 2015 conference and has issued a call for entries to the exhibition. One of the goals of the botanical art exhibition is to encourage a greater understanding and appreciation of California’s unique flora.
Artists are invited to enter original artwork of California flora in any two-dimensional medium that is botanically accurate and reflects the beauty and uniqueness of California’s native flora.
Prizes will be awarded, and all winning artwork will be published in Fremontia, a CNPS publication. The first place prize is $500; second place is $300; third place is $200. A “Conference Choice” prize will also be awarded, based on votes by conference attendees.
Snake Lily & Elegant Madia, Third Place, by Joan Keesey, watercolor © 2012
Botanical Art Exhibition Details
The deadline for submission is November 1, 2014. Submitting artists must complete this entry form: cnps2015_art-entry. [The Botanical Art Exhibition entry form is also available for download on the conference website: http://www.cnps.org/cnps/conservation/conference/2015/art.php%5D The maximum framed size for each piece is 20″ x 24″; the minimum framed size is 9″ x 12″. Work outside these limits will not be accepted.
Each artist may include up to three (3) digital jpg images for submission, at least 300 dpi, emailed as attachments for a $35.00 entry fee. Artists who are registered to attend the conference may pay $25.00 for up to three entries.
All artwork must be of California native plants. Digital image submissions should be of the highest quality so that judges will be able to fully appreciate the details of the artwork. Each digital file name should include the artist’s name and the title of the entry. Digital image jpgs should be emailed to Josie Crawford, CNPS Education Program.
Hummingbird Sage, Honorable Mention, by Estelle DeRidder, colored pencil © 2012
Artists will be notified by November 30, 2014 as to whether their work has been selected. The show will be hung for the duration of the conference and security will be provided. The public will be able to view the exhibition on Saturday, January 17, 2015. Prize winners will be posted on Saturday, January 17 as well.
Detailed information about artwork submission and guidelines is available on the CNPS Conference Registration website in the Call for Entries document: cnps2015_art-call_entries.
Sale of Prints and Note Cards
CNPS will invite artists whose work has been accepted to submit prints and packets of note cards to be sold at the conference store. Artists interested in sales should complete the Prints and Note Card section of the entry form. CNPS will handle all sales; 30 percent of sales will be donated to CNPS. Space in the retail area may be limited, and it may not be possible to accept sales items from all accepted artists. More information about sales is available on the CNPS Conference Registration website in the Call for Entries document: cnps2015_art-call_entries.
Judges
The CNPS Botanical Art Exhibition will have three judges:
Kristin Jakob, Botanical Illustrator
Kristin has dedicated much of her life to the study, cultivation, and depiction of plants — in particular, her beloved California native species. Born and raised in Mill Valley, Marin County, she began drawing plants at the age of 12, when she joined CNPS. Essentially self-taught, Kristin has also studied in England, where in 1981 she received an M.A. from the Royal College of Art in London. Since returning to California, her botanical art has graced a wide array of books and periodicals, package designs, posters, prints and cards, and numerous groups and solo exhibitions. Commissions include two major projects for CNPS: the poster “Wildflowers of the Sierra Nevada,” and the set of four grass poster/placemats.
Lee McCaffree, Botanical Illustrator
Lee McCaffree teaches botanical illustration classes and workshops and helped develop the Botanical Art Certificate Program at Filoli Gardens in Woodside, California. She received medals for her “Pinus” series and “Plants in Peril” series at the Royal Horticultural Society exhibitions in London. She serves on the Board of the American Society of Botanical Artists, and worked with the plant sale propagation team for EBCNPS. Lee’s publications include the posters for the EBCNPS Plant Sale, and illustrations in “Today’s Botanical Artists” and “Curtis’s Botanical Magazine”, Kew Gardens, England.
Geri Hulse-Stevens, Botanical Illustrator and Botanist
Geri Hulse-Steens graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a minor in art and entered into the world of scientific illustration through classes taught by Chuck Stasek at the Point Reyes Field Seminars. Her work was first publishe in “Fremontia” in 1982 in an article she wrote and illustrated. Her illustrations have appeared in books, government publications and articles since. She is a botanical consultant living in Mendocino County and has played an active role in the Sanhedrin Chapter of CNPS for more than 25 years.
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