Member Artwork

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Coming Soon, Spring 2018 Edition

So much art and so much nature coming up so soon!

Two classes coming up very soon are being taught by some of the best artists and best instructors that The Morton Arboretum has ever offered.  Suzanne Wegener will be the instructor for Drawing Nature II on four Thursday evenings beginning on May 31, 2018.  Suzanne will be teaching skills that are essential to any artist who wishes to draw nature realistically.  Plein Air on the Prairie, on either Monday, June 4, or Monday, June 11, 2018 is a three-hour excursion onto the prairie with a sketchbook and two experts, naturalist Cindy Crosby, and artist Karen Johnson.  It’s a unique opportunity to learn about and experience the prairie from a botanical as well as an artistic point of view.  Please click on the above links to learn more or to enroll.  Classes are open to all, not just members of the Nature Artists’ Guild or The Morton Arboretum, but Arboretum members will receive a discount on registration fees.

Page from Karen Johnson’s sketchbook. Copyright 2017, Karen Johnson.

Evelyn Grala has done it again, and come up with a way to keep Nature Artists’ Guild members growing this summer.  Evelyn has planned a new Summer Sketchbook Encounter, to begin on June 1 and continue until September 1, 2018.  Participants will be asked to fill four pages of a sketchbook per week, using any media they would like (including crayons), and to have fun.  It’s as simple as that. The improvement in drawing and composition skills will come automatically!  Interested members who have not already signed up should contact Evelyn (whose contact information can be found in their Yearbook) to ensure they receive her periodic updates and encouragements.

The Nature Artists’ Guild will be exhibiting at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, IL from Wednesday, June 6 through Friday, July 13, 2018.  The exhibit may be viewed any time during estate business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 am until 3 pm, or Saturday between 9 am and 1 pm, but the best time to visit would be on Wednesday evening, June 27, 2018 between 6 and 8 pm.  This artists’ reception is open to all, and is a great opportunity to meet and talk with the artists and enjoy light refreshments.  Participating artists should check the prospectus for drop-off and pick-up dates and times.

There is so much excitement and anticipation around the upcoming program featuring biologist, author and artist Julie Zickefoose on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum.  All are welcome to attend this event free-of-charge.  Please click on the highlighted link for more information.

Page from Baby Birds, An Artist Looks into the Nest, copyright Julie Zickefoose. Used with permission.

A new paint-out has been added for June, and it’s at one of the prettiest spots in the area, Meadow Lake at The Morton Arboretum.  On Tuesday, June 26, at 9 am, Nature Artists’ Guild members will meet at the P-2 parking lot east of Meadow Lake. There will be water, flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees (naturally), and even some large mysterious creatures in the area. Guild members can contact Jane Kellenberger if they would like to attend, but last-minute drop-ins by members are also welcome.

Note:  This post has been updated to include the new date for the rescheduled paint-out.

Artist in Residence Thomas Dambo at work on one of his creations for the Troll Hunt at The Morton Arboretum. Photo credit mortonarb.org.  Please click on the photo for more information about the artist.

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Nature Art Classes Beginning in Early May, 2018

There is still time to sign up for one or more of both of the nature art classes beginning early next month at The Morton Arboretum.

Nature in Colored Pencil, with instructor Kimberly Mullarkey, begins on Tuesday evening, May 1, 2018 and continues each Tuesday for three more weeks.  Colored pencil is a wonderful medium for capturing the subtle colors and details of nature, and Kimberly, a signature member of the Colored Pencil Society of America, is an experienced, talented and fun instructor.  Some drawing experience is required for this class.

Sacred Union, copyright Kimberly Mullarkey. Collection of The Morton Arboretum.

Drawing Mammals, with instructor Carrie Carlson, is offered on two different mornings, Saturday, May 5, 2018 or Saturday, May 12, 2018.  Using a variety of drawing media and photos as well as specimens, participants will explore the shapes and textures of mammals.  Carrie, probably most known for her block prints, is a popular and experienced art educator.  Please click on each image for the title or a larger view.

Indian Rhino, copyright Carrie Carlson
Arctic Fox, copyright Carrie Carlson
Wallaby, copyright Carrie Carlson

Please click on this link to The Morton Arboretum’s Nature Art and Photography class listings to read more or to enroll in these or other classes.  Classes are open to all and Arboretum members will receive a discounted registration fee.

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Coming Soon at the 2018 Spring Exhibit of Natural History Art by the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum

The following is just a sample of the more than 150 pieces of nature art being exhibited the weekend of April 7 and 8, 2018 at The Morton Arboretum by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild.  Featured Artist Susan Bartlett and nearly 50 other artist members of the Guild are excited to share their creations in a wide variety of media, styles and subject matter.  Please click on the highlighted links to learn more.  Thanks to all of the artists who contributed images!  This artwork will also be posted on a page under the Member Artwork tab, where any of the images can be clicked on for a larger view.

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All artwork exhibited on this website is the sole property of the artist and should not be used or reproduced without their written consent.  If you would like to contact one of the artists, please leave a comment on this website and you will receive an e-mail reply, normally within 48 hours. Your e-mail address will not be shared or used for any other purpose and you do not need to include it in your message as it will be available to us (but not visible to the public) from your comment log-in.
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Nature Artists Create at Spring Exhibit of Natural History Art

One more reason to attend the 2018 Spring Exhibit of Natural History Art by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum is for the chance to watch talented artists at work, chat with them, ask questions, and perhaps even try their technique.  The exhibit at the Cudahy Auditorium of The Morton Arboretum will include opportunities to see the following artists engaging in their creative processes.

Bluebird landing linoleum cut, copyright Carrie Carlson.
Colored pencil drawing on slate tile, copyright Mary Ann Jimenez.
Yellow iris in oil, copyright Kathi Kuchler.
Nest in tree in colored pencil on colored paper, copyright Maggie Mardis.
House Sparrow, copright Lindsay Sandbothe

On Friday, April 6, 2018, between 5 and 7:30 pm, Carrie Carlson will be sharing her techniques for masterfully cutting linoleum blocks for creating prints, using  traditional Swedish themes for her subject matter.

On Saturday, April 7, 2018, from 10:30 am until 1 pm, Kathi Kuchler will  be painting a yellow iris,  similar to the one above, but instead of using oil, she will be using the glowing colors of watercolor.

Later on Saturday, April 7, 2018, from 1:15 until 3:45 pm, Maggie Mardis will be using colored pencil on colored paper to draw a nest in a tree in her uniquely lovely and colorful way.

On Sunday, April 8, 2018, from 10:30 am until 1 pm, Mary Ann Jimenez will be using wax-based colored pencils on slate tiles to create subtle and beautiful drawings.

Finally, on Sunday, April 8, 2018, from 1:15 until 3:45 pm, Lindsay Sandbothe will be painting in her favorite medium, acrylic, and we assume, because it is Lindsay, and she does it so well, that she will be painting the beauty of birds.

Please note that the Friday evening artists’ reception is open to artists, their guests, and members of The Morton Arboretum.  The exhibit is open to all Arboretum visitors on Saturday and Sunday.

 

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Time to Spring into Action

Spring begins tomorrow!  It’s one of the busiest times of the year for the flora, fauna, and yes, nature artists, here in the Midwest.  As the birds, trees, frogs  and flowers are preparing for the season, so are members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.  Please click on any of the highlighted links for more information.

Coming soon –

  • The annual expedition (paint-out) to the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum for members of the Guild takes place tomorrow, Tuesday, March 20, 2018. Members can drop in with their art supplies and camera any time between 9 and noon.
  • Spring nature art classes and workshops begin soon at The Morton Arboretum.  Inspired by Tony Tyznik: Drawing Oaks, taught by Suzanne Wegener, begins on Thursday, April 5, 2018, and Beginner’s Nature Art Workshops: Spring Flowers in Colored Pencil with Kathy Steere are scheduled for Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8, 2018.  These classes and workshops are open to all, not just members of the Nature Artists’ Guild or The Morton Arboretum.
  • The Spring Exhibit of Natural History Art at The Morton Arboretum takes place on the weekend of April 7 and 8, 2018. This year we will be featuring images of some of the exhibit artwork by numerous Guild artists on this website.  Check back soon for a preview.
  • A new paint-out has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at the home of Guild member Linda Hilderbrant from 10 am until 1 pm.  More about this paint-out at Linda’s lovely and extensive woodland landscape to come soon.  Thank you to Linda for this gracious invitation!

    A sign of spring from Linda Hilderbrant’s garden. Photo credit Linda Hilderbrant.

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Tonight’s Program, March 1, 2018

Here are just a few of the many reasons to attend tonight’s Nature Artists’ Guild program from 7 until 9 pm at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum –

  1. Dale Olsen’s Landscapes. Once you’ve seen Dale’s landscapes online, you will very likely want to see them in person as well.  As gorgeous as they are in photographs, the actual paintings will be even more so! Here’s an opportunity to see them up close and learn about Dale’s methods and inspirations.

    Mirror, copyright Dale Olsen. Used with permission.

  2. Postcards and Posters. Members and guests are encouraged to take some posters and postcards for the Spring Exhibition of Natural History Art taking place on the weekend of April 7 and 8, 2018, share them with friends and family, and post them in local businesses. The postcards will have information about the artists’ reception on Friday evening, April 6, when guests can gain entrance to the Arboretum to attend the exhibit with no gate fee.  A digital version will be distributed to members soon.
  3. Diptych Canvases. Members who would like to participate in a fundraising project for the spring exhibit by painting a small diptych can pick up their canvases at the meeting.  The finished canvases will be sold at the exhibit and all proceeds will go to the Guild to be used in furthering its mission.
  4. Fall into Winter Artwork.  Many of the industrious members of the Nature Artists’ Guild have been busy all fall and winter creating montages from nature.  The results are posted here, but members will also be sharing their artwork at tonight’s meeting.  It’s a chance to see the details that often make nature art so wonderful.

    Copyright Nancy Thyfault.

  5. Fun and Food. As always, there will be snacks, sweets and drinks.  There will be some time to chat with friends, old and new.  Guests and visitors are welcome to attend, and there is no fee for parking, attendance or admission to The Morton Arboretum for this event.  Visitors can let the gate attendant know they are there for the program and they will be directed to Thornhill.