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by Deb Shaw
The Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers & Native Plants is currently exhibiting works by Donnett Vanek: “California Wildflowers and Pollinators,” January 18 through April 25, 2020.
Donnett’s exhibition is in the Theodore Payne Gallery at the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers & Native Plants
10459 Tuxford Street
Sun Valley, CA
91352
818-768-1802
This is Donnett’s story about the exhibition and her work:
by Donnett Vanek, posted by Deb Shaw
Donnett Vanek, © 2020, all rights reserved. Clockwise from left: California Thistle Sage, dry brush watercolor; Painted Lady & San Joaquin Milkvetch, dry brush watercolor; Dried Jimsonweed seed pod, graphite
Each year the Theodore Payne Arts Council invites three artists whose work reflects the mission of the foundation—to promote and educate the public on California wildflowers and plants. This is a wonderful opportunity for local California artists and is offered every year through the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers & Native Plants (TPF) Arts Program. Information about submissions and the call for art is on the Theodore Payne website Arts Program page.
In fall of 2018, I was invited to have a solo show of my work in January 2020 at Theodore Payne. I chose California Wildflowers & Pollinators as my theme.
The exhibition invitation started me on a year-long journey into a subject I was already interested in. With my camera in hand and my husband accompanying me, I started looking for plants I would like to learn more about and that, through my art, would interest people in the native ecology of California. We went to Carrizo National Plains, hiking in Los Padres National Forest, Wind Wolves Preserve, and the Poppy Preserve in Antelope Valley in search of plants and pollinators. I take my camera when researching native plants in the field, because places like the Carrizo Plains National Monument doesn’t appreciate it when you cut native flowers! So, I take my camera and take many photos from all angles. I then go back and research the plants and insects that I have found and use the photos for reference when rendering the art.
One of the most interesting plants I came across in the Carrizo National Plains was the California Thistle Sage, Salvia carduacea. Although it is called a sage, all sages are actually in the mint family. This plant grew in a huge meadow, alongside San Joaquin Milkvetch, Astragalus asymmetricus. Fluttering between the two plants were Painted Lady butterflies and large red beetles, which I later learned were Little Bear Scarabs, Paracotalpa ursina. These would be the first plants and insects I decided to render for my show. I went on to have a total of 12 artworks of native plants and pollinators. I not only included plants I thought would be unusual to the general public, but also chose to do a rendering of a dandelion, specifically the Spearleaf Mountain Dandelion, which grows in my yard. Like all dandelions, it is an important source of food for all bees and other pollinators. I worked on these pieces throughout 2019. My show at the Theodore Payne Gallery is a reflection of my year long research and rendering of California Wildflowers and Pollinators.
My work is rendered in Dry Brush Water Color, Graphite and Block Print.
Here is my (short) Artist’s Statement;
Donnett Vanek: California Wildflowers and Pollinators
I think of my renderings of California wildflowers and pollinators as portraits. My art is a way to put down on paper what I have observed and depict the never-ending and intriguing variations of color, shape, texture, and size of plants and insects in the natural world. When I observe these plants in their native habitat I’m interested in where they grow, how they grow, how large they grow and the unique relationships they have with pollinators. Through my work, I hope to encourage people to consider the important role that native plants play in the ecology of our California landscape. Look more closely before pulling what you consider to be a weed. It might be the humble Spearleaf Mountain Dandelion. While at first glance, a dandelion may not seem as intriguing as the brightly colored and thorny Thistle Sage, it’s no less important to pollinators and the world of native plants. Go out and enjoy nature, look closely, look down; you just might be stepping on a tiny beautiful flower that you have never seen before.
Click here to see a YouTube video of Donnett’s talk at the opening. (NOTE: It was taken with a phone, and so sometimes is sideways!)
by Janice Hoiberg
Dr. Matt Ritter, author, botanist, and professor in the Biological Sciences Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
Dr. Matt Ritter, professor in the Biological Sciences Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, presented a lecture, guided walk and book signing on Sunday, June 30, 2019, at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
“California Plants, A Guide to our Iconic Flora” is Matt’s latest book, a richly illustrated field guide to our State’s spectacular native plants. There are more than 5,000 native species in California—one in five of which are now rare or endangered. Illustrated with Matt’s beautiful photos, the book draws on his insights into California’s native flora, underscored with his unique humor, .
In his forward to the book Governor Jerry Brown writes:
Matt Ritter teaches us to better understand how our future is linked to that of all other living things: our soil, our microbiota, and our wonderful and indomitable native plants.
For anyone interested in California’s flora, Matt’s book is an informative reference and a joy to browse through.
“California Plants,” by Dr. Matt Ritter, book cover.
“California Plants: A Guide to Our Iconic Flora” is available in paperback from Amazon.com. Support BAGSC when shopping on Amazon by first clicking on the AmazonSmile button at the bottom of BAGSC’s home page or on the BAGSC Resources page and follow the instructions.
“California Plants: A Guide to Our Iconic Flora” also can be ordered through Pacific Street Publishing, with free shipping on orders of two or more books. A portion of the proceeds from each book supports the California Native Plant Society and The Wildlands Conservancy, to protect and preserve our natural lands and open spaces.
by Deb Shaw
California Current, colored pencil by Nina Antze, © 2018.
There are still a few seats left! Nina Antze will be teaching her color pencil technique in a two-day workshop at the Madrona Marsh Preserve in Torrance in February:
Non-Native Invasive Plants of the Madrona Marsh
Workshop in Color Pencil with Nina Antze
February 7-8, 2019
Madrona Marsh Preserve Nature Center
3201 Plaza del Amo
Torrance, CA 90505
Workshop in Color Pencil with Nina Antze
February 7-8, 2019
Madrona Marsh Preserve Nature Center
3201 Plaza del Amo
Torrance, CA 90505
$200 for BAGSC members, $250 for non-members
Learn about the non-native invasive plants at the Madrona Marsh Preserve in Torrance, California. Participants will tour the nature preserve and select an invasive plant to use as their specimen. Participants can remove as many specimens from the preserve as they would like!
Additionally, BAGSC members are invited to submit works for the exhibition “Non-Native Invasive Plants of the Madrona Marsh” to be held in the summer of 2019, opening June 1 and running until August. Nina’s workshop is a great opportunity to get your artwork started for submission to this important exhibition.
Exhibit submission deadline: May 15, 2019
To see more details and to register for Nina’s workshop: go to BAGSC’s website at https://bagsc.org/ click on “Classes” and then on “Class details” under the workshop name, OR go directly to https://bagsc.org/index.php/classes/nina-antze-2019.
by Deb Shaw
Deborah Shaw will be having a one-person exhibition at Chez Shaw Gallery—no relation 🙂
Entitled “Botanical Portraits,” the exhibition will run from May 12 – July 31, 2018. Deborah’s watercolors and graphite drawings feature California native plants as well as other fascinating specimens of the plant kingdom.
The opening is May 12, 2018 from 6 – 9 pm, and is open to the public. Visiting the Gallery on other days is by appointment only, 562-708-3803. Chez Shaw Gallery is located at 1836 Nipomo Avenue, Long Beach, California 90815.
Opuntia spp., Fruit, Prickly Pear “Tunas,” Watercolor on calfskin vellum, © 2016, Deborah Shaw. Digital image protected by Digimarc.
by Susan Eubank, Arboretum Librarian, Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, and Deb Shaw
Party in the Stacks!
Please join The Arboretum library and other plant and garden aficionados for a beautiful evening celebrating the Arboretum Library. The Arboretum Library is distinct among libraries as a comprehensive and very special collection of more than 20,000 books on botany, botanical illustration, gardening, California native plants, landscape design, gardens around the world, agriculture, and more.
For one night only, there will be merriment in the Arboretum Library stacks, twilight music in the Arboretum, outside viewing of mid-century travel slides, and inside viewing of mid-century library landscape materials, various nerdy library things, a little nosh and a no host bar. View a wonderful art exhibit, with personal artist tours of the exhibit “The naturalist’s desk: language and landscape” And of course a book sale too!
Consider spending an evening with your fellow BAGSC colleagues supporting the Arboretum Library. All proceeds from the event support Arboretum Library programs.
For one night only, there will be revelry in the Arboretum Library stacks and music in the Arboretum twilight!
Arboretum Library Benefit and Book Sale
Proceeds fund Arboretum Library programs
Friday, May 4, 2017, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
There will also be…
- Light refreshments and a No Host bar featuring wine, beer, and literary spirits,
- Projections of Sunset magazine’s photographer, William Aplin’s mid-century travel slides,
- Displays of mid-century modern gardening and landscape architecture books,
- Pamela Burgess will give tours of her exhibit the naturalist’s desk: landscape + language, and
- First chance to purchase at the used book sale. Specialty books ready for their new owners.
You are invited!
Advanced Tickets: General Public $20, Members $15. Call 626-821-4623.
At the Door: General Public $25, Members $20
Members include:
BAGSC Members
Members of the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation
All plant, garden and landscape societies, all library organizations, and all botanic gardens and arboreta.
Questions? Contact Susan Eubank, 626-821-3213.
The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is located at: 301 North Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
arboretum.org
by Teri Kuwahara and Deb Shaw
BAGSC gathered at the Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve in Torrance for the January meeting to feature the ongoing mural project of BAGSC member Estelle DeRidder.
The interior of the meeting room walls in the Madrona Marsh Interpretive Center have been filled with Estelle’s paintings of the plants, animals and insects found in Marsh. She has spent countless hours capturing each plant in its native environment. The meeting was highlighted by featuring Estelle as our guest speaker, adding her wit and wisdom in starting and continuing this ambitious project. In addition to discussing her process and goals, Estelle also spoke about the challenges of creating such a large work, including determining scale, practical techniques, and interesting visitors (of the human, insect and avian varieties).
Estelle was recently honored by the Cultural Arts Commission in Torrance for her work on this mural. [See BAGSC News blog article about the award here.] The Marsh staff and volunteers from the Friends of the Marsh group were also present to support Estelle, a true indication of how much she is respected and admired. A video was made to highlight Estelle’s mural project for the Cultural Arts Awards ceremony and we were fortunate to view it. It has now been posted on YouTube so members unable to attend the meeting can enjoy it, and can be found here: https://youtu.be/zExN3JWTcMY
Our sincere thanks go out to Estelle for bringing BAGSC to the attention of Madrona Marsh. Estelle’s mural can be viewed in the Interpretive Center, Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional thanks goes to Tracy Drake, Park Services Manager, Community Services Department, City of Torrance; Hilary and Dave Jamieson; and, Lance Hill for his wonderful photographs of the meeting.
The Marsh is located at: 3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance, CA 90503.
Click on any image below to see larger images in a slide show format with full captions for each photo.
BAGSC members chatting as they arrive to the meeting. In the photo are: Tania Marien, Tania Norris, Jude Wiesenfeld, Cynthia Jackson, Estelle DeRidder, Terri Munroe, Mary Sinclair, Bonnie Born Ash, Kathlyn Powell, Leslie Walker and Deborah Shaw. BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Kat Powell at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Tania Norris at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Veronica Raymond at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
BAGSC President Janice Sharp at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Kathlyn Powell (front) and Tania Marien at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Hilary Jamieson (Madrona Marsh staff member) at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Tracy Drake, Park Services Manager, Community Services Department, City of Torrance gave a presentation and introduced Estelle at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Front to back: Leslie Walker, Deborah Shaw, Tania Norris at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Hilary Jamieson (Madrona Marsh staff member) and her father Dave Jamison, a Marsh volunteer, at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
BAGSC President Janice Sharp presiding over the meeting at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Jude Wiesenfeld, BAGSC Education Chair, presenting information about upcoming workshops at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Olga Ryabstova, BAGSC Exhibitions Chair, presenting information about upcoming exhibition opportunities at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
(L to R) BAGSC Vice President Diane Daly, Mary Sinclair and Terri Munroe at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Andrea Lofthouse-Quesada at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Incoming BAGSC Education Chair, Teri Kuwahara at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Janice Sharp (L) and Jude Wiesenfeld (R) at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Estelle DeRidder and Tracy Drake at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Diane Daly (L) and Leslie Walker (R) at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Estelle DeRidder (L) and Olga Ryabstova (R) at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Terri Munroe (L) and Tracy Drake (R) at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Kat Powell (L) and Janice Sharp (R) at the BAGSC Quarterly Meeting at Madrona Marsh Nature Center. © 2018, Lance Hill. Editorial or promotional use permitted for electronic or printed media by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California and the Friends of Madrona Marsh. Please provide photo credit to Lance Hill.
Estelle has pulled the outdoors “in” and the windows frame the view outside as artwork. Photo by Tania Marien, © 2018.
Estelle discussing the challenges of painting the mural. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
Detail of the mural, showing Estelle’s work in progress. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
Detail of the mural, showing Estelle’s work in progress. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
Detail of the mural, showing Estelle’s work in progress. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
Detail of the mural, showing Estelle’s work in progress. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
Detail of the mural, showing Estelle’s work in progress. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
Detail of the mural, showing Estelle’s work in progress. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
Detail of the mural, showing Estelle’s work in progress. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
After the presentation, BAGSC members enjoyed a tour of the Marsh. Photo by Tania Marien, © 2018.
Signage along the Marsh tour. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
Signage along the Marsh tour. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
After the presentation, BAGSC members enjoyed a tour of the Marsh. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
After the presentation, BAGSC members enjoyed a tour of the Marsh. Photo by Tania Marien, © 2018.
After the presentation, BAGSC members enjoyed a tour of the Marsh. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
After the presentation, BAGSC members enjoyed a tour of the Marsh. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
After the presentation, BAGSC members enjoyed a tour of the Marsh. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
After the presentation, BAGSC members enjoyed a tour of the Marsh. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
After the presentation, BAGSC members enjoyed a tour of the Marsh. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
After the presentation, BAGSC members enjoyed a tour of the Marsh. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
After the presentation, BAGSC members enjoyed a tour of the Marsh. Photo by Jude Wiesenfeld, © 2018.
After the presentation, BAGSC members enjoyed a tour of the Marsh. BAGSC President Janice Sharp points out (?). Photo by Tania Marien, © 2018.
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 Teri Kuwahara and Deb Shaw
Photo from the Friends of Madrona Marsh website. Photo credits: Tracy Drake, Mark Comon, Mike Griffiths and Suzan Hubert.
Congratulations to the City of Torrance and the Madrona Marsh, winner of the Rose Parade’s Mayor Award for the most outstanding float submitted by a city!
“Making a Difference” was the theme for the 128th Rose Parade. Gary Senise was The Grand Marshal—the actor is best known for his portrayal as Lt. Dan in “Forrest Gump,” as well as his ongoing work with veterans. Tournament of Roses’ Judges awarded twenty-four floats with official honors in a variety of categories.
The Madrona Marsh Preserve makes a difference in the City of Torrance. The Marsh was highlighted in this year’s Tournament of Roses float, “Protecting Nature… The Madrona Marsh Preserve“.
The Torrance Rose Float Association Committee selected the theme from designs submitted by Torrance high school students during their annual design contest earlier this year.
Come see the Madrona Marsh Preserve at the next BAGSC meeting
Come get a first-hand look at the Marsh that inspired the float!
Our first BAGSC quarterly meeting of 2018 will be a special day. On Saturday, January 13, 2018, we will be meeting at the Madrona Marsh, in the Nature Center to see the amazing mural created by our member Estelle DeRidder. Estelle was recently honored by the City of Torrance for her work. She will talk to us about her ongoing work at the Madrona Marsh, from her initial project and grant from the ASBA, to the process she is using to create this record of plant and animal life at the marsh.
Following Estelle’s presentation and a brief break for a BYO sack lunch, we will head across the street for a guided tour of the marsh and an open-ended time to sketch.
Read about Estelle’s work and the awards from the City of Torrance Arts Commission in other articles on the BAGSC Blog.
Coffee will be at 9:30, followed by our business meeting before our program begins. Please plan to wear walking shoes, hat and weather appropriate clothes, bring your sack lunch (coffee, tea and water available), and your sketching supplies, including a small stool if you would like.
RSVP to Clara Josephs or email her with any questions.
Guests are welcome!
The Madrona Marsh Preserve is located at 3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance, CA 90503.
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 Caitlin Thompson, sent by Nina Antze, posted by Deb Shaw
El Dorado Arts Council, located in Placerville, is currently seeking artists for a gallery exhibition entitled Native Roots, which will open Friday, March 16, 2018, and run through Sunday, May 20, 2018.
El Dorado County is located in the Sierra foothills, between South Lake Tahoe and Sacramento.
The exhibition will feature botanical artworks representing plants that are native to El Dorado County, with a special focus on the rare and federally listed plants in the Pine Hill Ecological Preserve. A full color catalogue will also be created depicting all artworks in the show.
The only requirement for artwork is that the plant(s) depicted must be native to El Dorado County, and preferably be a rare species or variety found within the Pine Hill Preserve. Pine Hill Preserve’s rare plants are a collection of eight species, three of which are endemic to the Pine Hill region and found nowhere else in the world. Another two species are nearly endemic, with only a few small colonies of the plants found elsewhere.
El Dorado County has more than 7,000 native plant species:
- http://calflora.org/cgi-bin/specieslist.cgi?namesoup=&countylist=ELD&plantcomm=any&format=photos&orderby=taxon
- https://www.inaturalist.org/places/1795#taxon=47126
- https://www.eldoradocnps.org/
More information on the ecology of El Dorado County:
- https://www.eldoradocnps.org/plants/ecology
- Information on Pine Hill: http://www.pinehillpreserve.org/
Pine Hill Preserve and the El Dorado chapter of the California Native Plant Society are enthusiastic about this project and have committed to partnering with us. Both organizations would be able to help guide the artists towards images and names of plants within the preserve, or the county as a whole.
Deadlines for participating in this exhibition:
Intent to enter artwork: Thursday, December 21, 2017
- On or before this date, email Caitlin Thompson at caitlin@eldoradoartscouncil.org, with “Native Roots Artist” in the subject line.
- Include your name (first and last), phone number, the best method to contact you, and the number of artworks you anticipate entering. If possible also include the sizes of the pieces.
Deadline for artwork submission: Monday, February 5, 2018
- High resolution digital images of your artwork must be provided to the El Dorado Arts Council to be included in the catalogue.
- Not all pieces are guaranteed to be accepted.
Notification of acceptance for the exhibition: Friday, February 9, 2018
Deadline for artwork drop off: Tuesday, March 13, 2018
- If you have questions or concerns regarding getting your artwork to the gallery do not hesitate to send an e-mail.
At the end of the exhibition, individual arrangements will be made for artwork pickup.
If you wish to be part of Native Roots or have any questions, contact Caitlin Thompson at caitlin@eldoradoartscouncil.org or call (530) 295-3496.
For more information about El Dorado Arts Council, visit www.eldoradoartscouncil.org
by Tania Marien and Deb Shaw
Invitation to “Afternoon tea and the serigraphs of Henry R. Mockel,” a lecture by Tania Marien.
This past year, Tania Marien had the opportunity to learn more about Henry R. Mockel, an East Coast artist known for his serigraphs of California desert plants and wildflowers. She had the opportunity to speak with people who knew Henry, as well as opportunities to tell Henry’s story in a presentation for the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park and to write a journal article for the Twentynine Palms Historical Society.
On Saturday, December 9, from 3 – 5 pm, Tania will share Henry’s story again, this time over afternoon tea.
This presentation is one of several events celebrating the 65th anniversary of the 29 Palms Art Gallery. Henry was an early member of the Gallery and Tania is looking forward to sharing Henry’s story with a new audience, as well as with those who may have known him.
Everyone is invited for an afternoon of tea and botanical art at the 29 Palms Art Gallery this coming Saturday. The event is free. Donations to the non-profit gallery are suggested.
The historic adobe 29 Palms Art Gallery is located at 74055 Cottonwood Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, 760.367.7819. Learn more about the Gallery at www.29palmsartgallery.com.
by Beth Stone, posted by Deb Shaw
BAGSC members might like these two upcoming events at The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens:
Lecture – Cochineal in the History of Art and Global Trade
Sunday, 12/10/17 at 2:30 pm
Garden Talk & Sale – California “Super Bloom” 2017
Thursday, 12/14/17 at 2:30 pm
by Janice Sharp and contributing authors Teri Kuwahara, Kathlyn Powell, Beth Stone, and Leslie Walker, posted by Deb Shaw
Estelle DeRidder receiving her award. Photo by Kathlyn Powell, © 2017.
The City of Torrance Cultural Arts Commission awarded Estelle DeRidder an Excellence in Arts Award on October 21, 2017, in Visual Arts & Design for her extraordinary work in botanical art for the Madrona Marsh and for bringing-the-outdoors-in with her murals on the walls of the city’s Madrona Marsh Interpretive Center.
Each year the City honors individuals Excellence in Arts Awards in four categories: Dance, Music, Visual Arts & Design, Drama & Theater Arts. Two memorial awards are given as well, named in honor of two distinguished citizens: the Dr. Tom Rische Arts Education Award and the (former Mayor) Katy Geissert Award.
Educational napkin at the award ceremony, with artwork by Estelle DeRidder. Photo by Leslie Walker, © 2017.
BAGSC members Teri Kuwahara, Kathlyn (Kat) Powell, Janice Sharp, Beth Stone, and Leslie Walker, and Estelle’s family were on hand to see Estelle accept the award. The City put together a beautiful video about Estelle and the mural project at the Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve. The video was beautifully done and very impressive. BAGSC is planning to show it at our BAGSC Holiday Party on December 9 if possible, so members who weren’t able to attend the ceremony can see it.
After the awards presentation, Kat, Janice and Beth went over to Madrona Marsh to see the progress on Estelle’s mural. (Click on the images below to see them enlarged.)
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- After the awards ceremony, BAGSC members went over to look at the mural. Photos by Beth Stone, © 2017.
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- Mural by Estelle DeRidder. Photo by Beth Stone, © 2017.
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- Mural by Estelle DeRidder. Photo by Beth Stone, © 2017.
Leslie Walker (L) and Estelle DeRidder (R). Photo by Teri Kuwahara, © 2017.
Estelle was awarded a grant from ASBA in 2012 for her Madrona Marsh project. At the 2017 ASBA Conference in San Francisco this past October, ASBA Grants Committee Chairperson Myra Sourkes opened the Grants Presentation with a presentation of Estelle’s work and her accomplishments, with a hearty congratulations from all ASBA members in attendance.
And more Madrona Marsh coverage to come!
Unfortunately, Estelle won’t be able to join us at the BAGSC Holiday Party: a local television station will be interviewing her about the mural on Saturday, December 9. We will find out when the interview will be aired and on which station as soon as possible, and let everyone know.
(Click on the images below to see them enlarged.)
Congratulations, and well-deserved Estelle!
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- City of Torrance Arts Commission with Estelle DeRidder (second from right). Photo by Leslie Walker,
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- Estelle’s family came to the award ceremony. Photo by Leslie Walker, © 2017.
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- Estelle’s family came to the award ceremony. Photo by Leslie Walker, © 2017.
by Teri Kuwahara, posted by Deb Shaw
The City of Torrance Cultural Arts Commission has announced their 2017 Excellence in Arts Awards.
The City honors individuals each year in four categories: Dance, Music, Visual Arts & Design, Drama & Theater Arts and two memorial awards named in honor of two distinguished citizens: the Dr. Tom Rische Arts Education Award and the (former Mayor) Katy Geissert Award.
Estelle DeRidder adding details to the mural. Photo by Leslie Walker, © 2017.
This year, BAGSC member Estelle DeRidder will be honored with the Visual Arts & Design Award, no doubt for her tireless work at the city’s Madrona Marsh Interpretive Center.
Award Ceremony Details:
Saturday, October 21, 2017
2:00 p.m.
Torrance Cultural Arts Center
Toyota Meeting Hall
3330 Civic Center Drive
Torrance, CA
Light refreshments
Please RSVP to secure seating 310-618-2376
Congratulations Estelle!
BAGSC News 