July 2023 – Nature Artists' Guild

Coming in August for the Nature Artists’ Guild

Published on July 24, 2023August 11, 2023 by DeniseLeave a comment

Landscape in charcoal, copyright John Fleck

The Nature Artists’ Guild is offering some end-of-summer opportunities for members and guests to enjoy –

On Thursday, August 3, 2023, beginning at 7 pm, multi-talented artist and instructor John Fleck will share some of his techniques and inspirations for creating wonderfully tranquil landscapes using one of the oldest artistic mediums, charcoal. This program, sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild, is free and open to all.

On the following Thursday, August 10, 2023, members of the Nature Artists’ Guild will meet at the Gardens at Ball at 9:30 am for a few hours of drawing, painting, and photographing some of the colorful offerings of the display gardens of Ball Horticultural, one of the world’s largest seed and plant distributors. Guild members can register here and receive details and updates.

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild (and those who would like to learn more about the Guild) are invited to drop by the Visitor Center of The Morton Arboretum for Art and Coffee on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9 to sketch or chat. The light is incredible and the views are lovely.

Jane Kellenberger will begin work in the coming weeks for the autumn issue of the the Guild’s members-only publication, the Quarterly. Members will receive an email soon with instructions for submitting photos and articles, due by August 1, 2023.

A Visit to the Gardens at Ball on August 10, 2023

Published on July 17, 2023July 17, 2023 by DeniseLeave a comment

Photo credit Gardens at Ball, BallHort.org

The Gardens at Ball have been the evaluation and testing grounds for the world’s wealth of horticultural introductions and improvements for over 80 years. What began as a row trial garden for seed varieties in 1933 has grown to encompass over 9 acres of display beds for annuals, perennials, cut flowers and vegetables
Ball Horticultural, ballhort.com/GardensAtBall

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum have the opportunity to spend a lovely morning at the Gardens at Ball on Thursday, August 10, 2023, beginning at 9:30, to paint, draw, sketch, or photograph some of the wonderful flowers (or vegetables) at their peak.

Interested Guild members can register here to reserve a spot and be added to the email list for more details and updates about this paint-out.

(For some stunning photos of the Gardens at Ball, it is well worth visiting the website of the Garden Conservancy.)

Landscapes in Charcoal by John Fleck on August 3, 2023

Published on July 10, 2023July 17, 2023 by Denise1 Comment

Charcoal, one of the world’s oldest drawing mediums, has been widely popular since the Renaissance.

John Fleck demonstrates why with his intriguing landscapes that show the depth and detail possible using only lights, darks, and midtones. He is able to create a variety of moods using only one medium and many values.

John Fleck has shared his talents in a variety of media throughout his career (and will be teaching Art in Plein Air: The Prairie Large and Small beginning this Wednesday at The Morton Arboretum). The Nature Artists’ Guild is honored to sponsor a program by John on Thursday evening, August 3, 2023 from 7 until 9 at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum.

This program will be open to all, free of charge. There will be no charge for admission to The Morton Arboretum for this event, and visitors can let the gate attendant know they are there for the Nature Artists’ Guild presentation to be directed to Thornhill.