Events – Page 50 – Nature Artists' Guild

How About “Think Warm”?

Published on January 21, 2015February 7, 2015 by DeniseLeave a comment

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.

Nature Arists' Guild of The Morton Arboretum at Orchids by Hausermann

Nature Artists' Guild of The Morton Arboretum sketching at Orchids by Hausermann

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

Published on January 11, 2015February 1, 2015 by DeniseLeave a comment

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.

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.

The 2015 Nature Artists’ Guild Exhibit at Mayslake Peabody Estate

Published on December 31, 2014 by Denise1 Comment

The Adventure Begins, copyright Patty Koenigsaecker

Please join in celebrating the first exhibit of the year 2015 for the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum with an artists’ reception on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 from 6 until 8 pm at the stately Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, Illinois.

More than 35 artists will be participating in this exhibit of approximately 70 pieces of botanical and nature art, showcasing a wide range of styles and media. Visitors will be able to view the artwork between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm Mondays through Fridays, and 9 am and 1 pm on Saturdays, from January 13 through February 28, 2015. There is no charge for the exhibit.

Please click on this link to visit the Mayslake Peabody Estate website, where you will find directions, as well as much fascinating information about this historic site.

A Sneak Peek at the 2015 Nature Artists’ Guild Winter and Spring Events

Published on December 2, 2014December 28, 2014 by Denise3 Comments

Nature Artists’ Guild members may want to get out their calendar and highlight the following dates for 2015 –

From January 14 through February 28, 2015, the Nature Artists’ Guild will be exhibiting at Mayslake Peabody Estate, with an artists’ reception on January 14, 2015 from 6 until 8 pm.
On January 24, 2015, Dr. Stephen Moshier of the Meyer Science Center at Wheaton College will give Nature Artists’ Guild members a brief tour of their collections, from which members will then be invited to sketch, draw, or paint.
On February 5, the Nature Artists’ Guild welcomes scientific illustrator Carrie Carlson, presenting linoleum block printing depicting nature.
On February 10, 2015, a small dose of the tropics, as members enjoy the much-anticipated paint-out at Orchids by Hausermann.
On March 5, 2015 fiber artist Barbara Schneider will present her methods of portraying leaves, water and tree rings, influenced by the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi.
On March 17, 2015, Nature Artists’ Guild members can participate in the fun annual paint-out at Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum.

More details will be forthcoming as the dates approach, but please feel free to click on any of the links above (in bold) for more information about the artists or locations.

The 2014 Annual Holiday Party of the Nature Artists’ Guild

Published on November 13, 2014December 19, 2014 by DeniseLeave a comment

Our last event for the Nature Artists’ Guild this year involves no framing, no matting, no paper, no sketching or painting. On Thursday, December 4, 2014, from 6 pm until 9 pm, all members (and their guests) are invited to share the music, food and fun at our annual Holiday Party at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum. All that is asked is that you bring a dish to share, an item for the raffle if you can, and yourself!

Nature Artists’ Guild members can check their e-mail from our president Susan Bartlett, sent in mid-November, for all the details about the party, including what to bring,

The Morton Arboretum Thornhill Education Center. Photo credit www.mortonarb.org

The Morton Arboretum Thornhill Education Center. Photo credit http://www.mortonarb.org

The Morton Arboretum Founder's Room. Photo credit www.mortonarb.org

The Morton Arboretum Founder’s Room. Photo credit http://www.mortonarb.org

The Morton Arboretum Arbor Room. Photo credit www.mortonarb.org

The Morton Arboretum Arbor Room. Photo credit http://www.mortonarb.org

The 2014 Holiday Exhibit of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum

Published on October 10, 2014October 10, 2014 by Denise2 Comments

Annual Autumn Paint-Out at The Morton Arboretum, Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Published on September 24, 2014 by DeniseLeave a comment

There’s no place like The Morton Arboretum in autumn, and members of the Nature Artists’ Guild will be celebrating the season with their annual autumn paint-out on the morning of Tuesday, October 14, 2014 from about 9 am until noon. Our artists will meet at Lake Marmo, where they will be greeted with gorgeous reflections of changing leaves and possibly a squirrel or two, hard at work.

The trees will be in their full autumn splendor, and we can almost count on a slight nip in the air. Bring your chair, your warm beverage, your art supplies, and your camera, as you join your fellow Nature Artists’ Guild artists at this wonderful gathering. If you don’t feel like drawing or painting, leave your art supplies at home and just come to sit back and enjoy the view as we celebrate autumn!

There is no need to RSVP, but please feel free to contact Carol Jean Rogalski if you have any questions. Nature Artists’ Guild members will find Carol Jean’s contact information in their Yearbook.

Presentation by Glass Artist Paul Messink on October 2, 2014

Published on September 15, 2014January 23, 2020 by DeniseLeave a comment

Please join the Nature Artists’ Guild on Thursday, October 2, 2014 from 7 until 9 pm at Thornhill for a unique and fascinating presentation by glass artist Paul Messink.

In his Artist Statement, Paul explains that he creates “hand-painted, multi-layered glass panels that exhibit nature in deep dimension, presenting natural objects around us in a new way”. He goes on to describe his technique: “By using only enamel applied by hand, I create depth using several techniques: layering, diminishing size and color, texture, and translucence. “

To view Paul’s wonderfully ethereal artwork, please visit his website. www.paulmessink.com. by clicking here. In the section entitled “Foggy Trees 1”, Paul states that “Looking at nature for inspiration, I create scenes which often include bare trees. I like bare trees because of their minimalism, and because they reveal a great deal of character.” Paul’s Trees in Twilight, shown below, was recently honored with ” Best in Show” at Gallery 924 in Indianapolis, IN.

As always, guests and visitors are welcome to attend the Nature Artists’ Guild’s formal meetings. There is no entrance fee or charge for parking. Visitors can just let the gate attendant at The Morton Arboretum know they are there to attend the presentation.

Trees in Twilight, 13.5 x 16.5 inches (including stand), copyright Paul Messink — *Trees in Twilight*, 13.5 x 16.5 inches (including stand), copyright Paul Messink

The 2014 Nature Artists’ Guild Scarecrow is Sure To Bring a Smile!

Published on September 8, 2014September 15, 2014 by DeniseLeave a comment

The planning meeting for the 2014 Nature Artists’ Guild’s contribution to The Morton Arboretum’s annual Scarecrow Trail went very well, with all kinds of creative ideas bouncing around. The winning idea is to construct not an actual scarecrow, but a portrait of a scarecrow, in a very recognizable pose!

Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild are invited to show up to Room A of Thornhill, next Saturday morning, September 13, 2014, between 9 am and noon to help with the construction. Most of the work will involve painting with acrylics, so wear some old clothes and bring your old tubes or jars of acrylic paint and large brushes if you have them. If you don’t have any, please come anyway, as there will surely be extra supplies.

If you have any questions or want more details about this fun project, please contact Patty Koenigsaecker. Members will find Patty’s contact information in their Yearbook.

You can view some of our previous scarecrows (such as Betty Birdwatcher, Patty Painter, Suzy Sketcher) by typing in the word “scarecrow” in the Search box in the right column of this blog.

2014 Nature Artists' Guild Scarecrow. Drawing by Patty Koenigsaecker. — 2014 Nature Artists’ Guild Scarecrow. Drawing by Patty Koenigsaecker.

How About Those Dahlias!

Published on August 24, 2014 by Denise2 Comments

Thanks to Suzanne Wegener, Carol Jean Rogalski and Mary Jo Sinclair for sharing these photos from the recent Nature Artists’ Guild paint-out at Catherine Donovan’s garden. The garden was beautiful, and how about those dahlias! Thank you so much, Catherine, for sharing your lovely garden with the Nature Artists’ Guild.

You can click on any image to enlarge it or to start a slide show of all the images. Enjoy!