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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.
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For a Taste of Spring

For a welcome taste of spring, the Nature Artists’ Guild gladly shares some artwork by Susan Bartlett, the Featured Artist of the 2018 Spring Exhibition of Natural History Art.  Please click on the above highlighted link or the Featured Artist Susan Bartlett tab to read more about Susan and to view a sample of the work she will be featuring at the exhibit on the weekend of April 7 and 8, 2018 and at a reception for artists, guests and members of The Morton Arboretum on the evening of April 6.

The exhibit will include nearly 150 pieces of artwork by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum. Check back soon for more details.

Copyright Susan Bartlett

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Dale Olsen’s Stunning Landscapes on March 1, 2018

Talented artist Dale Olsen will be sharing some of his inspirations and techniques at the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum on Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 7 until 9 pm.  Dale’s website features the full scope of his work in varied subject matter and media, but at this program he will be focusing on his stunning landscapes.

Aspens, copyright Dale Olsen. Used with permission.

As always, guests and visitors are invited to attend this program sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild of The Morton Arboretum.  There will be no charge for admission or parking for this event, and non-members of the Arboretum should just let the gate attendant know they are there for the program to be directed to Thornhill.

Please visit Dale’s website, Dale Olsen Fine Art, to learn more about him and to view many more examples of his wonderful work.

February Afternoon, copyright Dale Olsen. Used with permission.

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Plenty Coming Up!

Some of the activities and events coming up for the Nature Artists’ Guild –

  • The annual paint-out at Orchids by Hausermann will take place next Tuesday, February 6, 2018.  Sorry, but all the spots at this popular paint-out have already been reserved.
  • Artist Dale Olsen will bring his talents and his artwork to the Thornhill Education Center of The Morton Arboretum on Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 7 until 9 pm.  For a sneak peek at Dale’s stunning work, please visit his website by clicking here.  Visitors are welcome to attend this event, which is sponsored by the Nature Artists’ Guild, free-of-charge at The Morton Arboretum.
  • The next  paint-out at Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum will take place on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 from 9-12 am.  There will be room for all of our members at this one!  More information to come soon.
  • The prospectus for the 2018 Annual Spring Exhibition of Natural History Art has been sent to members.  The exhibit, scheduled for the weekend of April 7 and 8, 2018 (with a reception on the evening of April 6, 2018) will feature up to 150 works of art by members of the Nature Artists’ Guild, as well as numerous works by Featured Artist, Susan Bartlett.  Check back in the following weeks for more about Susan and her art.

    Susan Bartlett’s collage in progress. Constructed from Susan’s hand-painted paper.

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Winter Nature Art Workshops and Classes Continue at The Morton Arboretum

P is for Pine, copyright Suzanne Wegener.

Suzanne Wegener’s two-day workshop, Advanced Textures in Graphite and Watercolor, takes place on the weekend of February 17 – 18, 2018 at The Morton Arboretum, and there are a few openings still available.  Suzanne is an accomplished botanical artist and an extremely talented and popular instructor, and participants can expect an enjoyable and productive experience.

From The Morton Arboretum’s class listings –

Tackle nature’s most prickly textures with this watercolor workshop.  From thorns and prickles to wrinkles and puckers, we will explore the extreme textures of the botanical world.  Learn how to apply watercolor to a graphite drawing and which surface to use.  Supplies will be provided to use during the class if you do not have your own.

For those with an interest in creating nature art, but with little or no experience,  Beginner’s Nature Art Workshops: Winter Foliage in Graphite and Begin to Draw Nature start in late February or early March, 2018.

All are welcome to enroll in The Morton Arboretum’s classes and workshops, and members of The Morton Arboretum will receive a discounted registration fee.  Please click here or on one of the highlighted links above to reach the Arboretum’s website to read more or to register.