ArtPlantae Today

New York Botanical Garden Celebrates Brazil

February 18, 2009 by Tania Marien

The New York Botanical Garden will host their 7th annual orchid show beginning this month. This year’s event is titled, The Orchid Show: Brazilian Modern and it has been designed by Miami-based landscape architect Raymond Jungles, who was inspired by his years of work with renowned Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. Mesmerizing and seductive displays are set in the lush tropical setting of a contemporary Brazilian garden in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Throughout the Conservatory, fountains, pools, and colorful mosaics are combined with graceful palms, delicate orchids, bromeliads other native plants of Brazil that will transport visitors to an exotic locale.

The Orchid Show will be an opportunity to experience Brazilian culture. During the opening weekend, visitors can listen to Brazilian guitar, learn about Brazilian cooking, and watch a performance of Samba!

The Orchid Show: Brazilian Modern opens February 28, 2009.

Additional Resources:
New York Botanical Garden
The Orchid Show Blog

Posted in Special Events |

Computer Sketches in Colorado, Free Field Sketching Class

February 18, 2009 by Tania Marien

Updates to Classes Near You:

Scientific illustrator Marjorie Leggitt will take her popular “POSTCARDS FROM…” class to Bavaria (details will be announced soon). In the meantime, she will teach botanical illustrators how to draw with a Wacom tablet at Denver Botanic Gardens.

In New York, artist Mary McAndrew has announced plans to lead a demonstration and a field class at a wildlife refuge.

COLORADO
Marjorie Leggitt, Leggitt Design & Illustration
http://marjorie-mervi.blogspot.com/

POSTCARDS FROM… – A series of field sketching courses that are offered year ’round. New schedule to be announced.
Transparent Acrylics-Spring Flowers – Denver Botanic Gardens; Thurs., March 26, Apr. 2, 16
Adobe Illustrator I – Learn how to draw with a Wacom tablet. Denver Botanic Gardens; Fri.–Sun., March 20 – 22
Adobe Illustrator II – Denver Botanic Gardens; Fri.–Sun., March 27 – 29

NEW YORK
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama, New York
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/iroquois/
April 4, 2009
Mary McAndrew, naturalist and artist guide, will lead a FREE introductory talk and lesson titled, Nature Sketching in the Field, at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Bring sketchbook and pencil. An optional field class near the refuge will follow. The fee for this optional class is $20. Email Mary for details at mary@marymcandrew.com. View additional classes at www.marymcandrew.blogspot.com

Posted in Learning Opportunities |

Artists Answer Nature’s Call with Restop

February 16, 2009 by Tania Marien

This article is about a need all sketchbook illustrators share. Now, stay with us here. Don’t think we’ve gone off the deep end. Admit it. Restroom needs are an inherent part of every outdoor adventure. What we’d like to share with you today are tools that lessen the unspoken anxiety about outdoor excursions lasting longer than two hours. The best thing about these tools is they fit in your field bag, are lightweight, and are very clean. Be free of all your restroom anxieties with the travel toiletry accessories by RESTOP!

The items we are about to share with you have been used by those immediately associated with ArtPlantae and we can promise you that individuals, both young and old, have benefited from RESTOP products. What is it about these products that warrants their inclusion on these normally flower-filled pages? Here is a quick review of what each product has to offer.

Restop 1 (Disposable Urine Bags)

What are they? – Bags with wide, semi-rigid openings that are easy to use by both men and women
How do they work? – Fluid collected in each bag is absorbed by polymers and enzymes that will convert up to 20 ounces of liquid into a gel. Equipped with a one-way valve, spillage is not an issue.
Can I carry it with me? – Yes! This bag will fit in your field bag, backpack, jacket pocket, and fanny bag. (Oops. No pun intended.)
What do I do with a bag after I use it? – The self-contained, deodorized and environmental features of Restop bags make it possible for you to throw them away in the trash after they have been used.
Why can’t I just go behind a tree? – Excessive human waste in public areas creates unsanitary conditions.

Restop 2 (Disposable Solid Waste Bags)

What are they? – Clean deodorized bags that fit inside a commode and are designed to collect solid waste.
How do they work? – Fluid and waste collected in each double-lined bag is absorbed by polymers and special enzymes required for solid waste. The construction of these double-lined bags ensures that odor and spillage is not an issue. Each bag comes with toilet paper and an antiseptic wipe.
Can I carry it with me? – Yes! This bag will fit in your field bag, backpack, jacket pocket, and waist bag.
Do I have to have a commode to use Restop 2 bags? – No. However, it makes things a bit easier.
What do I do with a bag after it has been used? – The self-contained, deodorized and environmental features of Restop bags make it possible to throw them away in the trash after they have been used.
Why can’t I just go behind a tree? – Excessive human waste in public areas creates unsanitary conditions.

Restop 2W – Wilderness Waste Containment Pouch

What is in this pouch? – A set of five Restop 2 bags packed within a mesh bag that makes it easier to carry your used Restop bags out of remote areas.
How do they work? – Fluid and waste collected in each double-lined bag is absorbed by polymers and special enzymes required for solid waste. The construction of these double-lined bags ensures that odor and spillage is not an issue. Each bag comes with toilet paper and an antiseptic wipe.
Can I carry it with me? – Yes!
What do I do with my bags after they have been used? – The self-contained, deodorized and environmental features of Restop bags make it possible to throw them away in the trash after they have been used.
Why can’t I just go behind a tree? – Excessive human waste in public areas creates unsanitary conditions.

Restop Commode

What are they? – Sturdy grey bucket-like bases equipped with a full-sized folding toilet seat that can withstand 300 lbs of pressure for ten hours.
How do they work? – Place a Restop 2 bag into a commode and fold the edges of this bag over the edge of the commode before lowering the seat.
Can I carry it with me? – You could easily take this with you, but it might be better to set up an outdoor restroom facility (see privacy tent below).
Why can’t I just go behind a tree? – Excessive human waste in public areas creates unsanitary conditions.

Restop Privacy Tent

What is it? – An easy-to-assemble tent with anchor stakes that houses a commode. The zippered panel opens from the inside to protect your privacy.
How do they work? – This tent is assembled quickly through the use of quick-connect joints (those bendable support rods used typically with tents).
Can I carry it with me? – Yes! This tent folds into a carrying case.
Why can’t I just go behind a tree? – Excessive human waste in public areas creates unsanitary conditions.

Intrigued? Learn much more about these products at the RESTOP store.

We would like to thank RESTOP for allowing us to use their product images for this article.

Posted in Special Announcements | 1 Comment »

Learn to Draw at The Illustrated Garden

February 13, 2009 by Tania Marien

You now have the opportunity to learn about botanical illustration classes in Alabama in the Classes Near You section. On this long holiday weekend, take a moment to visit The Illustrated Garden. You will find lively and colorful sketches of plants, nature and all things from the garden. Illustrator Val Webb is the energy behind this inspiring blog. Learn from Val as she leads you through a sketch in her online tutorial (see below).

The Illustrated Garden, A Studio Blog
Instructor: Val Webb
http://valwebb.wordpress.com
Inquire about botanical drawing and nature illustration classes here. Be sure to visit the online gallery too!

Online Tutorial: Botanical Drawing with Pencil and Watercolor
Drawing the Natural World – Learn to use traditional botanical illustration techniques to draw coastal Alabama’s native plants in graphite, ink and watercolor. Space 301, Centre for the Living Arts in Mobile, Alabama. Tuesdays (8 weeks) 6:30-8:30pm, March 31 to May 19.
To register or for more information, go to www.space301.com.

Posted in gardening, Learning Opportunities |

Beautiful Botanical Drawing at La Jolla Athenaeum

February 12, 2009 by Tania Marien

Irina Gronborg is a botanical illustrator from San Diego county and an instructor of botanical illustration who has taught botanical illustration at UC San Diego. She is also an avid gardener and sketchbook artist who draws in her sketchbook daily.
A selection of her pencil, pen, and colored pencil sketches have been compiled into three published books, each a reflection of the subject matter Irina has captured in her journals over the years. The first book focuses on her garden, the second on scenes from her hometown of Solana Beach, and the third on the places she has visited while traveling abroad. Samples from these books can be viewed at Irina’s website.

Irina will be teaching Beautiful Botanical Drawing next month in La Jolla, CA. In this class, students will learn how to draw directly from living plants in pencil and colored pencil for accuracy and vitality. For information or to register, call 858-454-5872.

Beautiful Botanical Drawing
La Jolla Anthenaeum Music & Arts Library, School of the Arts
www.ljathenaeum.org
Mondays, March 23 – May 11, 2009; 9AM – 12 PM

Posted in Learning Opportunities |

A Personal Tour of the Collection

February 12, 2009 by Tania Marien

The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden has launched a new series of classes centered around the five geographic areas within the Arboretum. These field classes call for plant enthusiasts to bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and to slap on the sunscreen. Be prepared to get dirty. You will not be staying on the paved road!

Around the World in 127 Acres: The Arboretum’s Plant Collections
Wednesdays, March 4 through June 10 (no class on May 13)
1:30 PM -3:00 PM
Instructors: David Lofgren and Frank McDonough
Cost: $5 member/$7 non-member per class
Register: 626.821.4623; limit 20 people
Meet in The Arboretum library

March 4 – Asian/North American Collection: Trees & Shrubs from China to Chappaquiddick
March 18 – African Plant Collection: Amazing Gifts from the Cradle of Life
April 1 – Australian Plant Collection: Dreams & Wonders from Down Under
April 15 – Palm & Bamboo Collection: The Most Useful Plants in the World
April 29 – Madagascar Spiny Forest: Hostile, Beautiful, and Threatened
May 13 – No class
May 27 – Arboretum Herb Garden: Plants for Eating, Living, Praying, Healing
June 10 – Tropical & Begonia Greenhouses: From Orchids to Ogres

Note to Readers: This educational site is to serve as a resource center for all those interested in plants, botanical illustration, sketchbooks and nature journals, regardless of which corner of the planet they call home. If you know of an event that would be of interest to ArtPlantae readers, please share it with us. Thank you.

Posted in gardening |

23rd Annual Exhibition Celebrates Flowers and Gardens

February 9, 2009 by Tania Marien

Press Release by The Society of Botanical Artists

Be prepared to lose yourself in a world of colour and spectacle as botanical art bursts into bloom from late April when the Society of Botanical Artists holds its Annual London Open Exhibition between Friday 24 April and Sunday 3 May 2009. The season may be short but a wonderful display is always guaranteed!

Botanical art is a centuries-old traditional art form, enjoying a magnificent renaissance with contemporary artists eager to explore new styles of presentation whilst maintaining the traditional values of the genre. The Society of Botanical Artists’ exhibition provides a fabulous showcase featuring at least 700 selected works by contemporary artists, embracing a wide variety of styles and techniques. Enjoy the perennial favourites: watercolour, oil and pastels but also the increasingly popular variations in coloured pencil and graphite pencil. Appreciate both the traditional skills as well as more contemporary interpretations.

The light and airy Lecture Hall at Westminster Central Hall offers a spacious backdrop where visitors can peruse the diversity of flower and plant images, including fruits and vegetables, from the familiar to the rare. Admire the work of members and non-members, all eager to delight with their passion and their skills. Although members are predominantly from the UK, The Society has also attracted members from Europe, the United States, New Zealand and Japan. All work exhibited has been through a selection process and the Society’s members, several of whom have international reputations, include many recipients of awards – not least of which are the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Gold medals for their botanical illustration. Many also have work in national and international institutions and private collections. However, the exhibition also provides an important opportunity for new and aspiring botanical artists to show their work.

The title of the exhibition is Flowers and Gardens. All work is for sale and includes a section with prints and cards. Be sure to catch the pick of the bunch and don’t be surprised if you think you can even detect the scent!

Westminster Central Hall, Storey’s Gate, London
Friday 24 April to Sunday 3 May 2009
Daily from 10am to 5pm, including Sundays
Free admission
All work for sale
Daily demonstrations by artists