Month: January 2015

The Morton Arboretum Photographic Society (MAPS) Would Like to Share this Opportunity

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Our friends at The Morton Arboretum Photographic Society (MAPS) wanted to let us know about this rare opportunity to see and photograph raptors on Saturday, February 7, 2015.  You can read more by clicking on this link to the Stillman Nature Center’s website.

For those who love to photograph the raptors…

Stillman Nature Center is offering “RAPTORS for PHOTOGRAPHERS”

Stillman Nature Center is offering its third annual winter raptor photography day. Now’s your chance to get a close-up of a peregrine falcon, broad-winged hawk, red-shouldered hawk plus great horned, barn, barred, and screech owls. The Stillman volunteers will bring the birds out in the afternoon light to increase your chances of getting that perfect image. Drop by anytime between 3:00 and 4:30 PM on Saturday, February 7th.  Cost is $20 per person.  This is a fund raiser for the nature center.  Stillman Nature Center is located at 33 W. Penny Rd, South Barrington, IL.

Linoleum Block Printing with Carrie Carlson, February 5, 2015

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Bumblebee and Coneflower, copyright Carrie Carlson
Rusty-patched Bumblebee and Coneflower, copyright Carrie Carlson

On Thursday, February 5, 2015, from 7 until 9 pm, Nature Artists Guild members, guests and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the art of depicting nature through linoleum block printmaking with Scientific Illustrator, Carrie Carlson. Carrie is especially interested in raising awareness of native flora and fauna, especially threatened species.

Meadowlark and Tickseed, copyright Carrie Carlson
Meadowlark and Tickseed, copyright Carrie Carlson

Please note that this presentation will take place in the Ginkgo Room (located in the Visitor’s Center).  There is no fee for the program or parking, and visitors should just let the gate attendant at The Morton Arboretum know that they are there for the Nature Artists’ Guild presentation.

More about this upcoming program from Carrie –

Linoleum block is an established printmaking technique accessible for all ages and skill levels!  Come learn the basics and how to increase sophistication in both content and methodology to create striking works of art.  Working with oil-based inks allows the artist terrific opportunity for hand painting finished prints.  Basic tools and methods, inks, papers, alternative carving substrates, and hot tips will be discussed.

The artist is midway through an ambitious Artist in Residency venture documenting at-risk, recovering, and keystone prairie species through linocut in order to generate awareness and celebration of a local grasslands restoration project.  Step-by-step directions and imagery of these grassland pieces will inspire you to seek out your own local cause to celebrate through linocut!  Small prints will be provided by the artist for experiential learning in hand-coloring and collaborative artistry!

More examples of Carrie’s wonderful artwork can be seen by clicking on this link to her Etsy shop.

How About “Think Warm”?

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As we watch those giant fluffy flakes falling outside the window, it reminds us that it may be just a little too early to “think spring”.  Perhaps we can, for now, settle for just “thinking warm”. Attending the Nature Artists’ Guild annual paint out at Orchids by Hausermann can help tremendously in that regard!

This extremely popular paint-out takes place in the vast greenhouses of one of the largest orchid growers in the country, right at the time of year when most of the orchids are blooming. The paint-out will start especially early on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 (7:30 am) so we can finish up by 11 am.  As Valentine’s Day is just a few days later, this is the busiest time of the year for Hausermann’s, and we don’t want to interfere with their ability to efficiently serve their customers.

One lucky participant will even win an orchid to take home after their morning of sketching, painting or photographing the beauties on display at Hausermann’s.  Please contact Mary Ann Jimenez as soon as possible if you would like to attend, as space is limited. Orchids by Hausermann is located  at 2N134 North Addison Road,Villa Park, IL.  You can click on this link to the Orchids by Hausermann website for photos, more information about the greenhouse, and driving directions.

The following photos are courtesy of Nature Artists’ Guild members from previous paint-outs at Orchids by Hausermann.

“Paint-In” at the Meyer Science Center at Wheaton College, January 24, 2015

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Our thanks go out to Nature Artists’ Guild member, Marilyn Peretti, who has kindly arranged for us the first paint-out (or paint-in) of 2015!

Perry Mastodon Jaw Bone, copyright Marilyn Peretti. Collection of Wheaton College.
Perry Mastodon Jaw Bone, copyright Marilyn Peretti. Collection of Wheaton College.

On Saturday, January 24, 2015, from 9 am until noon (with an alternate date of January 31, 2015, 9 am until noon, in case of difficult driving conditions on the 24th), Nature Artists’ Guild members will have the opportunity to visit the collections of the Meyer Science Center at Wheaton College, 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois.

After a brief tour and lecture by Dr. Stephen Moshier, members will spend the remainder of the morning drawing, painting, sketching or photographing items from the collection, including the Perry Mastodon, unearthed in 1963 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois!  Other large animal specimens, as well as a geological display of rocks and gems are included in this stunning two-floor science center.  Please click on this link to the Wheaton College website for more information.

Members who are interested in attending should contact Marilyn Peretti to reserve a spot, as space is limited.   Marilyn’s contact information can be found in the Nature Artists’ Guild Yearbook.  The designated parking lot that participants need to use is not the lot nearest the building, but the one on College Avenue, which can be entered on Howard Street, north of the athletic field.  The Meyer Science Center is on Howard Street at the corner of University Place.  Please click on this link for driving directions and a map of the campus.  Artists should also plan to bring their own stool or small folding chair.