Classes and Workshops – Page 7 – Nature Artists' Guild

Beginning the New Year

Published on January 2, 2018January 20, 2018 by Denise1 Comment

Whether your priority for the upcoming year is to make more art, to learn new techniques, or simply to view more art or make new friends, the Nature Artists’ Guild has it covered. There is still time to join or renew, and since memberships are for the calendar year, the sooner you join, the more benefit you’ll receive from your membership.

Here are a few of the activities coming up in the next month or so –

The Nature Artists’ Guild is proud to present their first exhibit of the year at the Downers Grove Public Library. This lovely collection of members’ work will be open to the public throughout the month of January during regular library hours.
On Thursday evening, February 1, 2018, between 7 and 9 pm, Susan Waldron will give a presentation at the Thornhill Education Center on her techniques for creating floral and landscape paintings in oil as well as in fiber made from, if you can believe it, the wool from her own herd of alpacas! Guests and visitors are also welcome to attend this program free-of-charge. More details will be coming soon, but please visit Susan’s website for a preview of her work (and her alpacas).
The first paint-out of the year is scheduled for Tuesday morning, February 6, 2018 from 8 until 11 am at Orchids by Hausermann in Villa Park, IL.
Copyright Jane Kellenberger.

This popular paint-out (think tropical weather and being surrounded by thousands of orchids) has limited space and fills up quickly, so interested Guild members should contact Jane Kellenberger to save a spot. Jane’s contact information can be found in the Yearbook.
New classes and workshops start soon at The Morton Arboretum. Some upcoming nature art classes include Rocks, Minerals and Bones in Colored Pencil with Kimberly Mullarkey, Jewelry Making: Winter Berries Necklace with Karen Johnson, Linoleum Block Printing Workshop with Carrie Carlson, and Advanced Textures in Graphite and Watercolor and Nature in Graphite with Suzanne Wegener. For those just starting out, Beginner’s Nature Art Workshops: Winter Foliage in Graphite and Begin to Draw Nature are scheduled for late February and early March. All classes are open to the public and a discount is offered for members of The Morton Arboretum. Please click on this link to the Arboretum’s class listings for more information or to enroll.
It won’t be long before we begin to post montages from those Nature Artists’ Guild members who are participating in the Fall into Winter Encounter. It will be exciting to see the results of weeks of collecting and creating!

Please check back here soon or click on any of the highlighted links for more about these and other upcoming activities.

Welcome to Autumn

Published on September 23, 2017January 20, 2018 by DeniseLeave a comment

The unique pleasures of Autumn make for a busy (the busiest?) season at The Morton Arboretum and for the Nature Artists’ Guild. Here are some reminders to keep everyone on track!

*Wood duck*, copyright Peggy McGahan, Featured Artist for the 2017 Exhibition of Natural History Art by the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.

Nature Artists’ Guild members who would like to participate in the upcoming 2017 Autumn (Holiday) Exhibition of Natural History Art need to have their completed prospectuses postmarked by Thursday, September 28, 2017. All requirements are detailed on the prospectus which was e-mailed to eligible members approximately a month ago. Drop-off of artwork for the exhibit will take place on the evening of Wednesday, November 1 between 6 and 8 pm at the Cudahy Auditorium in the Administration and Research Center at The Morton Arboretum.
Renewing members can mail their $45 membership dues for next year beginning on October 1, 2017. Dues should be mailed to the treasurer, Nancy Wu, whose contact information can be found in the Yearbook. New members are also welcome and can mail their dues to the address provided on the membership brochure. New or renewing members can also pay in person at the October 5, 2017 meeting or the upcoming exhibit.
On October 5, 2017, the Nature Artists’ Guild will sponsor a program featuring artist Patricia Larkin Green and Sumi-e brush painting. This program is free-of-charge and open to the public. More details can be seen by clicking on this link.
There is still time to enroll in one or more of the Autumn Nature Art classes or workshops at The Morton Arboretum, many of which are taught by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild. Please click on this link to the Arboretum’s class listings for more information. All classes are open to the public.
The 2017 Autumn (Holiday) Exhibition of Natural History Art will open on the evening of Friday, November 3, 2017 with a reception for guests of the artists and members of The Morton Arboretum and will continue throughout the weekend, Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5, 2017, for the enjoyment of all visitors to The Morton Arboretum. E-mail postcards will be made available soon to Nature Artists’ Guild members. The official exhibit posters and postcards featuring the work of Peggy McGahan and designed by Evelyn Grala will be available for members to pick up at the October 5, 2017 meeting or at the Thornhill office thereafter.

Nature Painting on Ceramics Workshop for Nature Artists’ Guild Members

Published on August 14, 2017January 20, 2018 by DeniseLeave a comment

The Nature Artists’ Guild fundraising committee will be conducting a new workshop for members only on Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 9:30 until noon at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum.

Participants in this free workshop will learn how to create art on ceramics using oil-based paint markers. The Nature Artists’ Guild will provide all the ceramic plates and some oil-based paint markers for the workshop, but attendees are asked to bring one Sharpie oil-based paint marker in a color of their choice to share. These markers are widely available in art stores or craft departments.

Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers. Photo credit http://www.dickblick.com.

Attendees should also bring a simple nature art design to transfer onto a ceramic plate. Flowers, birds, feathers or leaves would be appropriate, but landscapes are discouraged.

The finished ceramic pieces (for decoration only and not dishwasher safe) will be sold for $20 each at the Autumn (Holiday) Exhibition of Natural History Art in November, with all proceeds going to the Nature Artists’ Guild. Materials and instructions can be provided for participants who would like to take their piece home to complete and return it on November 1 at the exhibit artwork drop-off.

Interested members should contact workshop leaders Jill Adzia or Catherine Stacy to enroll in this fun and easy fundraising project. Their contact information can be found in the Guild’s Yearbook.

Nature Artists’ Guild members Catherine Stacy, Jill Adzia and Susan Bartlett with their lovely ceramic plates.

All Artists Welcome on Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8, 2017

Published on March 25, 2017January 20, 2018 by DeniseLeave a comment

Whether you are a Nature Artists’ Guild member who has been working diligently to prepare your artwork for the upcoming Spring Exhibit and need a fun and educational break, or not a member, but still an artist who wants to improve your artwork, The Morton Arboretum’s Visiting Artist Series may have just what you were looking for –

Visiting Artist Series: Value and Color in Landscapes with Laverne Bohlin

Learn why value is essential to accurately capturing a landscape in your art. In this two-day pastel workshop, visiting artist Laverne Bohlin will show you how to use the correct value and to notice the subtle shifts of value that exist in the landscape. Develop your sensitivity to a color’s value so you are better able to separate it from its hue. During the one-hour lunch break on Saturday, visit the Nature Artists’ Guild Spring Exhibit in nearby Cudahy Auditorium for some inspiration.

Copyright Laverne Bohlin

Note – Basic drawing skills and some pastel experience required. Limit 15.

Supplies – Rembrandt Pastels, half stick of 15 colors, 3-4 sheets of Canson Mi-teintes paper, 8 1/2″ x 11″, color white, ivory or eggshell, 1″ foam brush and kneaded eraser, 11″ x 14″ foam core board, any additional pastels you may already have.

Schedule and Location – Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8, 2017, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Herbarium Conference Room of The Morton Arboretum.

Fees and Admission – Fees include admission to the Arboretum and are $138.00 for members, and $162.00 for non-members.

Registration Information – Course number A149, online – Register, call 630-719-2468, or in person at The Morton Arboretum at the Visitor Center during open hours.

The Always Delightful Peggy Macnamara on Thursday, March 2, 2017

Published on February 9, 2017January 23, 2020 by DeniseLeave a comment

The good news is that the talented and beloved artist, writer, instructor, and speaker Peggy Macnamara has just finished illustrating a new book.

Mary Hennen and Peggy Macnamara’s *The Peregrine Returns*

The great news is that Peggy will be teaching a one-day workshop as part of The Morton Arboretum’s Visiting Artist Series on Saturday, March 4, 2017, titled Use the Layering Method in Watercolor with Peggy Macnamara (please click on the highlighted link to check for available spots or to be placed on the wait-list).

The fantastic news is that Peggy will be sharing some of her experiences, as well as a close-up look at her artwork, with members of the Nature Artists Guild, guests, and visitors on the evening of Thursday, March 2, 2017 from 7 until 9 pm at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum.

Peggy Macnamara is the Artist-in-Residence at the world renowned Field Museum in Chicago, IL, a professor at the School of the Art Institute, the author and illustrator of numerous scientific and children’s books, and an all-around delightful person!

As always, Nature Artists’ Guild programs are open to all and are free-of-charge for admission and parking. Guests and visitors who are not members of The Morton Arboretum can let the gate attendant know that they are there for the program, and they will be directed to the Thornhill Education Center.

An Opportunity to Liven Up Your Winter!

Published on February 4, 2017January 20, 2018 by Denise1 Comment

A great way to liven up these last few weeks of winter is with a class at The Morton Arboretum. There are still a few spots left in the following classes or workshops –

Pen and Ink drawing, copyright Nancy Thyfault

Linoleum Block Printing Workshop with Carrie Carlson – Begins next Saturday, February 11, 2017

Botanical Art with Pen and Ink with Nancy Thyfault – Begins Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Under the Microscope – Draw Butterflies and Moths with Karen Johnson – Thursday, February 23, 2017 or Saturday, February 25, 2017

Visiting Artist Series – Using the Layering Method with Watercolor with Peggy Macnamara – Saturday, March 4, 2017

Begin to Draw Nature with Kathy Steere – Begins Saturday, March 11, 2017

Color Theory, Colored Pencil with Kimberly Mullarkey – Begins Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Create an Altered Book with JoAnne Laudollf – Sunday, March 19, 2017

If the names of many of these instructors sound familiar, it’s because they are some of the best artists and instructors in the Chicagoland area, Most are current or former fellow members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, and all offer kindness, patience and fun along with their expertise. Please click on this link to The Morton Arboretum’s Nature Art and Photography Class Listings for more information, or to enroll.

Classes are open to all, and membership in the Nature Artists’ Guild or The Morton Arboretum is not required to enroll.

Julie Sutter-Blair Comes to Thornhill on Thursday, February 2, 2017

Published on January 15, 2017January 23, 2020 by DeniseLeave a comment

Julie Sutter-Blair is a superbly talented artist whose intaglio prints and colored pencil drawings are inspired by nature. The Nature Artists’ Guild is honored to host a presentation by Julie on Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 7 until 9 pm at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum, in Lisle, IL.

Julie will also participate in the Visiting Artist Series of The Morton Arboretum’s education program with her workshop Drawing Nests With Julie Sutter-Blair, which will be held the following Friday and Saturday, February 3rd and 4th, 2017. Please click on the above link to register.

Both the Nature Artists’ Guild program and the workshop are open to all, not just members of the Nature Artists’ Guild or The Morton Arboretum. There is a fee and a registration requirement for the workshop, but Thursday evening’s program is free-of-charge for both admission and parking. Visitors should let the gate attendant know that they are there for the Nature Artists’ Guild program and they will be directed to the Thornhill Education Center.

Visiting Artist Series – Drawing Trees in Pastel

Published on May 17, 2016January 20, 2018 by DeniseLeave a comment

The upcoming workshops in The Morton Arboretum’s Visiting Artist Series – Drawing Trees in Pastel, on June 17 and 18, 2016 will be taught by none other than longtime Nature Artists’ Guild member and Arboretum instructor Laverne Bohlin, and she will be visiting from the sunny city of Albuquerque, NM. Perhaps she will bring some of that sunshine with her!

From the class description on the Arboretum’s website –

Apply pastel techniques to the challenging subject of trees in the landscape. Join returning artist Laverne Bohlin and learn to recognize three major design characteristics of trees and how to express them in pastel. Depict a tree’s three-dimensional form under changing light conditions. Friday’s subject will be deciduous trees, and Saturday’s subject will be evergreens. Sign up for both days and receive a $20 discount.

Please register soon, as workshops fill quickly. You can read more about Laverne and view her beautiful artwork at lavernebohlinart.com. To register for or read more about the workshop, please click on one of the highlighted links above. The workshop is not limited to members of The Morton Arboretum or the Nature Artists’ Guild, although Arboretum members will receive a discount.

Simply the Best! Rhonda Nass Colored Pencil Presentation and Acrylic Workshop in March 2016

Published on February 9, 2016January 23, 2020 by DeniseLeave a comment

God's Will, colored pencil, copyright Rhonda Nass. Used with permission. Text not included in original image. — *God’s Will*, colored pencil, copyright Rhonda Nass. Used with permission. Text not part of original image.

Rhonda Nass is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning artist, who also teaches workshops in both colored pencil and acrylic techniques at The Morton Arboretum as part of the Visiting Artists Series. The Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum is honored to sponsor a presentation on colored pencil and a book signing by Rhonda on Thursday, March 3, 2016, and to co-sponsor a workshop with the Arboretum the following Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 4th through 6th, 2016, in which Rhonda will share her techniques for painting in acrylic.

At Thursday evening’s presentation between 7 and 9 pm at Thornhill, Rhonda will discuss some of her colored-pencil artwork, including God’s Will, shown above (yes that is colored pencil, and a recent winner in the Colored Pencil Society of America’s 23rd Annual International Exhibit!), and sign copies of her new book, Scratchings of a Madwoman. This gorgeous book is filled with Rhonda’s colored pencil drawings, as well as her beautifully written inspirational stories, and an entire section is devoted to Rhonda’s techniques for working with colored pencils. Rhonda’s kind and generous nature certainly comes through in this book as she shares her thoughts and artwork with her readers.

Nature Artists’ Guild members, visitors and guests are welcome to attend this program at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum. There is no charge for admission or parking, either to the Arboretum or to this program. Visitors should let the gate attendant at the Arboretum know they are there for the program and they will be directed to Thornhill.

Mimosa Fireworks, Acrylic, copyright Rhonda Nass. Used with permission. Text not part of original image. — *Mimosa Fireworks*, acrylic, copyright Rhonda Nass. Used with permission. Text not part of original image.

On the following Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Nature Artists’ Guild and The Morton Arboretum are excited to co-sponsor an acrylic workshop by Rhonda. To enroll in this workshop, please visit the class listings at The Morton Arboretum’s website, or click on this direct link to the workshop. This workshop is limited to 15 participants, and is expected to fill quickly! Rhonda describes it as follows –

Acrylic Stroke-Free, A New Watercolor – If visions of harshly-colored gobs of paint come to mind when you hear the work acrylic, you are not alone. This class will blow that perspective out the window. Through a simple, step-by-step exercise, you’ll learn a unique acrylic technique that involves diluting paint from the tube and applying layers of translucent color with a feathering stroke that results in a stroke-free final appearance with unlimited potential for extremely tight detail and dramatic coloring and lighting. We’ll take a fresh (and brief) look at composition and proceed with each artist beginning a simple painting of a tomato and leaf to learn the technique enough to move on to a painting using the subject of her/his choice. There will be time to gain enough skills through demonstrations, one-on-one time, and practice in the workshop to leave the class confident to complete with with excellence the personalized acrylic artwork.

Please click on any of the highlighted links above to learn more. For more about Rhonda and her artwork, please click on this link to her website, www.rnass.com.

The images above are copyrighted by Rhonda Nass. As always, the use of any image on this website is prohibited without the written consent of the artist.

Special Presentation by Wendy Brockman, Thursday, October 15, 2015

Published on September 29, 2015January 23, 2020 by DeniseLeave a comment

The Morton Arboretum will be hosting the 8th International Oak Society Conference from October 18 until October 21, 2015. In conjunction with this event and as part of the arboretum’s 2015 Visiting Artist Series, artist Wendy Brockman will be teaching a workshop entitled Painting Oaks. (A few openings for this workshop may still be available – please click on the link to visit the registration page.)

The Nature Artists’ Guild is thrilled to announce that Wendy has also agreed to present a discussion of her art, inspirations and techniques for our members, guests and visitors on the evening of Thursday, October 15, 2015, from 7 until 9 pm at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum.

White Oak, Quercus alba, ©Wendy Brockman. Used with permission.

From her website, wendybrockman.com, we find that –

Wendy Brockman lives and works in Minnesota, where northern forests and rocky shorelines provide inspiration for her imagery. She explores her interests in art and environmental issues using a variety of media. An avid observer, her work examines bits and pieces of nature and the responses they evoke.

Widely exhibited, Brockman’s paintings have been included in group and solo exhibitions. Her work has received national and international exhibition awards and is held in public and private collections throughout the United States.

Bur Oak, Quercus macrocarpa, ©Wendy Brockman. Used with permission.

What a wonderful opportunity to view the stunning work of this fine artist and hear more about her inspirations! This special presentation will be open, as are all Nature Artists’ Guild programs, to members, guests and visitors. There is no fee for attendance, parking, or admission to The Morton Arboretum for this event, and visitors just need to let the gate attendant know that they are there for the Nature Artists’ Guild program.

For more information about Wendy or to view more of her beautiful artwork, please visit www.wendybrockman.com by clicking on the link or any of the images.