Category: Member Artwork

First Nature Artists’ Guild Exhibit of 2017 Opens Tomorrow

Published on by Denise1 Comment

The first Nature Artists’ Guild exhibit of the new year opens tomorrow, January 4, 2017 at the Downers Grove Library,  1050 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL. The exhibit will be open during normal library hours, 9 am to 9 pm on weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm on Saturdays, and 1 pm to 5 pm on Sundays.

The Downers Grove Library has a wonderful gallery space featuring rotating displays, and even has its own collection of art.  The exhibit of select works by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum runs through February 1, 2017.

The 2016 Autumn (Holiday) Exhibit of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum

Published on by DeniseLeave a comment

We are proud to present the official exhibit poster of the 2016 Holiday Exhibit of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.  The poster artwork was created by our Featured Artist, Eva Holy (read more by clicking here), and as usual, member Evelyn Grala has done a wonderful job with the graphic design!

2016 Nature Artists' Guild Exhibit Poster. Artwork copyrighted by Evalyn Holy, poster design by Evelyn Grala.
2016 Nature Artists’ Guild Exhibit Poster. Artwork copyrighted by Evalyn Holy, poster design by Evelyn Grala.

Signs of Autumn

Published on by DeniseLeave a comment

There’s a new header on our website, which can only mean that-

  • Autumn is here
  • The annual Holiday (Autumn) exhibit of the Nature Artists’ Guild, featuring approximately 150 works of art by 50 artists is coming soon
  • We have a new Featured Artist, Evalyn Holy, whose work will be highlighted at the upcoming exhibit (Congratulations Eva!)
Owl, copyright Evalyn Holy
Owl, copyright Evalyn Holy

Please read more about Evalyn, and see some of her wonderful drawings and paintings by clicking here or on the Featured Artist tab at the top of the Nature Artists’ Guild website.

Click here to read more about the upcoming exhibit in our new location, Cudahy Auditorium.

Three Nature Artists at The Morton Arboretum on Thursday, August 4, 2016

Published on by DeniseLeave a comment

Nature Artists’ Guild members, non-member artists, those fascinated by the process of creating art, or those just curious or looking for an interesting and enjoyable way to spend an evening – all are invited to attend and none will leave disappointed!

On the evening of Thursday, August 4, 2016 from 7 until 9 pm at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL, the Nature Artists’ Guild will proudly present three talented members who will share their art, inspirations and techniques with attendees.

Carol Cooley’s print using “shinkolei” process
Susan Bartlett’s collage from hand-painted paper
Sharon Malec’s fiber art created with her hand-made silk paper

Please click on this link to a previous post to read more about artists Susan Bartlett, Carol Cooley and Sharon Malec, who will presenting this year’s edition of this popular annual program.  There is no charge for entry to The Morton Arboretum, the program, or parking, and light refreshments will be provided.  Visitors should let the gate attendant at the Arboretum know they are there for the Nature Artists’ Guild presentation, and they will be directed to Thornhill.

The Popular “Nature Artist Trio” is Back, Thursday, August 4, 2016

Published on by Denise2 Comments

No, it’s not a new musical group!  Even better, each year the Nature Artists’ Guild invites three artist members to share their tips, techniques, materials and inspirations in a fun, informal and informative presentation.  The program will be held at the Thornhill Education Center, The Morton Arboretum, on August 4, 2016 from 7 until 9 pm.  

This year, all three artists will be working on or with paper, but in interesting new ways.  

Carol Cooley will share her methods for using watercolor and the “shinkolei” process to add new elements to her wonderful block prints.

Carol Cooley’s block print with applied watercolor
Carol Cooley applying watercolor to block print
Carol Cooley’s print using “shinkolei” process

Sharon Malec uses her hand-made silk papers to create shimmering fabric art.

Silk fibers used by Sharon Malec to create silk paper
Detail of Sharon Malec’s art featuring her hand-made silk paper
Sharon Malec’s fiber art created with her hand-made silk paper

Susan Bartlett’s stunning collages are made with paper that she has hand-painted.

Susan Bartlett’s hand-painted paper drying in studio
Susan Bartlett’s hand-painted paper being prepared for collage
Susan Bartlett’s collage from hand-painted paper

Members, non-members, visitors, friends, family – all are welcome at this popular program!  Both the program and parking are free-of-charge.  Non-members of The Morton Arboretum should let the gate attendant know that they are there for the Nature Artists’ Guild program and they will be directed to Thornhill.

All artwork images above are copyrighted and may not be used without permission of the artist.

“Featured: Feathers”, Solo Exhibit of Lindsay Sandbothe’s Awe-Inspiring Artwork

Published on by DeniseLeave a comment

Lindsay Sandbothe’s large-scale paintings of birds on wood have been inspiring awe at Nature Artists’ Guild exhibits for years!  Now, Lindsay’s first solo exhibit will feature all of her best artwork in one setting.  Please see the postcard below for details about the exhibit and the opening reception on July 9, 2016 from noon until 2 pm.  Congratulations, Lindsay!

Lindsay Sandbothe Exhibit Postcard front

Lindsay Sandbothe Exhibit Postcard back

Nature Artists’ Guild Exhibit Opens at Kavanagh Gallery July 8, 2016

Published on by Denise3 Comments

Nature Artists' Guild at Kavanaugh Gallery 2016 Front

The Nature Artists’ Guild special exhibit of fine art will open at the Kavanagh Gallery, Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, IL on July 8, 2016, and will run through August 12, 2016.  An artists’ reception will be held at the gallery on the evening of Friday, July 15, 2016 from 5:30 until 7:30 pm.  All are invited to attend this reception where they can meet and speak with many of the participating artists and enjoy a few light refreshments.  The gallery is open every Monday through Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm.

Please click on the highlighted links above for more about the Kavanagh Gallery and the Fine Line Creative Arts Center, or on the following highlighted link to view the front and back of the Kavanagh Gallery Invitation (which also includes information about and images from their current gallery exhibit).

Get Ready for The Great Sketchbook Encounter!

Published on by Denise4 Comments

The Great Sketchbook Encounter, a fun new challenge for Nature Artists’ Guild members, begins next week.  Members who wish to participate should bring an empty sketchbook to the June 2, 2016 meeting, where they will receive an official participation stamp on the first page.

The very next day, the fun begins!  As detailed in the e-mail sent to members earlier this week, the Great Sketchbook Encounter is a challenge to Nature Artists’ Guild members to fill two pages in their sketchbook every day from June 3 until September 4, 2016.  That’s 90 days of skill-improving sketching!

Redbellied Woodpecker Sketch, © 2016 Karen A. Johnson. Used with permission.
Red-bellied Woodpecker Sketch,© 2016 Karen A. Johnson. Used with permission.

Before purchasing a new sketchbook, participants might like to take a few minutes to think about when and where they are most likely to find the time and opportunity to sketch, and which media they would like to try.  Pencil sketches just require a regular sketchbook, a few pencils, a sharpener and an eraser. Adding color, whether with colored pencil, watercolor, inks or pastels may require a thicker or textured paper.  Pen and ink may work better on something smooth.  If you are planning a lot of traveling, a small sketchbook and simple supplies can go anywhere, but if you plan to sketch in your garden each morning, a larger sketchbook may result in some lovely frame-able drawings.

Great Sketchbook Encounter tote bags will be awarded at the October 2016 meeting to those who meet the challenge, and any members who wish to may display their sketchbooks at the meeting. Thank you to Evelyn Grala for planning this exciting challenge!  Those who wish to participate or have questions but cannot attend the June meeting, should check their recent e-mail for contact information.

A Few Reminders

Published on by DeniseLeave a comment

The Morton Arboretum will be blooming spectacularly this weekend (please click here for the latest Bloom Report) and the weather is expected to be sunny and in the 70’s! Could this mean record attendance at the 2016 Spring Exhibit of the Nature Artists’ Guild?

For all  participating artists, it’s time to tie up those loose ends, and get ready for drop-off tomorrow (Wednesday, April 13, 2016 between 6 and 8 pm) at the Thornhill Education Center.

Square Dance, fiber art, ©Patty Koenigsaecker
Square Dance, fiber art, ©Patty Koenigsaecker
  • Is your artwork ready for drop off tomorrow evening?
  • Do you have a wrap, towel or case to protect your artwork and frame during transport?
  • If participating in the Mini-Canvas project, is your canvas complete, including finishing the edges?
  • If you have written an Artist’s Statement, have you made four copies to submit?
  • If you have artist’s business cards, are they ready to drop off?

All Nature Artists’ Guild members, exhibiting or not, are encouraged to invite friends and family to join us for the Opening Reception on Friday evening, April 15, 2016, between 5 and 9 pm at Thornhill.