This Weekend, Come for the Exhibit, Stay for the Scenery!

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The Morton Arboretum Photographic Society (MAPS) would like to extend an invitation to all to their 3rd Annual Nature Photography Exhibit this weekend.  This gorgeous exhibit of approximately 150 original photographs, many inspired by the The Morton Arboretum, will take place in the Sycamore Room (near the Visitor’s Center) on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4, 2014, from 10 am until 4 pm.  There is no fee for the exhibit, although gate fees will apply for non-members of the Arboretum.  An Artists’ and Members’ Reception is scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2014, in the Sycamore Room, from 5 until 8 pm. For more information on the exhibit or other MAPS activities, please click on this link to the MAPS website.

Before (or after) you visit the exhibit, be sure to take a tour of  The Morton Arboretum grounds.  The daffodils, bluebells and dogwoods are all in full bloom, and the scene is stunning. For a list of all the plants in bloom, or ready to bloom, please click on this link to the Bloom Report from the Arboretum.  You won’t be disappointed, and you may even be inspired to return with your camera and participate in next year’s MAPS exhibit!

The Nature Artists’ Guild’s First Outdoor Paint-Out of 2014

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Last year’s Nature Artists’ Guild paint-out at Graue Mill was held late in summer and had to be postponed for a few days because of the heat!  We don’t anticipate that problem for this year’s event, scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2014.

There is so much to see and sketch or paint at Graue Mill on Salt Creek in Oak Brook!  Wildlife, a waterfall, and historic buildings are just some of the subjects available for our artists to choose from.  Please take a few minutes to view some photos by clicking on this link to the Graue Mill website.  You’ll also be able to read more about the gristmill (one of only two operating in Illinois), the Underground Railroad, and the history of this fascinating and important location.

Bring your chair, a drink and your art supplies anytime between 9 am and noon on May 13, 2014 and be prepared to enjoy the morning!  There is no need to RSVP.

Graue Mill is located at 3800 York Road, Oak Brook, Illinois.  Please click on the following link for directions.

Paint-Outs Planned for 2014

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Our Program and Paint-Out Chairperson, Carol Jean Rogalski, has surpassed even last year’s busy paint-out schedule for Nature Artists’ Guild members!

April 8, 2014 – Joel Oppenheimer Inc., Chicago Illinois

May 13, 2014 – Graue Mill, Oak Brook, Illiinois, 9 am until noon

June 10, 2014 – Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, Illinois, 9 am until noon

July 8, 2014 – Garden of Susan and Kenneth Beard, Oak Brook, Illinois, 9 am until noon

August 12, 2014 – Garden of Catherine Donovan, La Grange, Illinois, 9 am until noon

September 9, 2014 –  Garden of Tanner Musso, Hinsdale, Illlinois, 9 am until noon

October 14, 2014 – Lake Marmo, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois, 9 am until noon

Details will be forthcoming as each event approaches.  Nature Artists’ Guild members should check their e-mail for more information.

Plein Air at Chicago Botanic Garden, Saturday, April 12, 2014

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The Lake County Art League Plein Air Group invites members of the Nature Artists’ Guild to join them at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois for a plein air session on Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 9 am until noon. 

The session coincides with the Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual Antiques & Garden Fair ($10 admission) and the Garden Photographic Society’s  Nature in View exhibit, so even if the weather doesn’t lend itself to plein air painting, there will still be much to see and do!  Please click on the above links for more information about these two events.

 Nature Artists’ Guild members should check their e-mail for all the details and directions.  

Special Members-Only Presentation by Bird Artist Linda Feltner Next Thursday, April 3, 2014

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Nature Artists’ Guild members are invited to to attend a presentation by award-winning wildlife artist Linda Feltner on Thursday, April 3, 2014 from 7 to 9 pm at Thornhill.   Linda will be focusing on birds during this special presentation for members only.

To read more about Linda and to view some of her wonderful artwork, please visit her website, lindafeltner.com.

 

Linda’s experiences span more than 32 years painting and drawing, 25 years as a natural history guide, 23 years working one-on-one with clients to design interpretive graphics and 16 years as sole-proprietor of her business. She has been an instructor for the Scientific Illustration Program with the University of Washington, North Cascades Institute, and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Art Institute.

Prairie Trails and Country Garden Watercolors by Beverly Behrens, March 6, 2014

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Members of the Nature Artists’ Guild will be welcoming Spring a bit early this year, with Botanical Artist Beverly Behrens on Thursday, March 6, 2014, from 7 until 9 pm, at Thornhill.

Beverly uses graphite, pen and ink, and watercolor to create lovely works of art from the garden and from the wild.   Beverly’s presentation for the Nature Artists’ Guild, Prairie Trails and Country Garden Watercolors will  take us on a tour of her life from “early years on the western prairie of South Dakota to today and the Middlefork Savanna of Illinois”. We will also be treated to a glimpse of Beverly’s layered watercolor technique.

Beverly is a member of numerous art organizations, the recipient of many awards, and is represented by galleries in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.  Please visit her website, countrygardenwatercolors.com to view some of her wonderful work.

We look forward to sharing the evening with Beverly and her artwork!  As always, guests and visitors are welcome to attend.  There is no charge for admission.

Please click on any image below to enlarge.  All artwork is copyrighted by Beverly Behrens and is used with permission.

Sunflower, ©Beverly Behrens, Used With Permission
Red Bud, ©Beverly Behrens, Used With Permission
Muscadet Lily, ©Beverly Behrens, Used With Permission
Milkweed, ©Beverly Behrens, Used With Permission
Middlefork Savanna – Summer, ©Beverly Behrens, Used With Permission

An Exciting New Field Trip Planned for April 8, 2014

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On April 8, 2014, at 1 pm, members of the Nature Artists’ Guild will receive a private tour of the renowned Oppenheimer gallery by Joel Oppenheimer. Please click on this link to AudubonArt.com to read more about the gallery.

Be sure to check your e-mail or check back here for more details in the coming weeks.  Please feel free to contact Carol Jean Rogalski if you have any questions.  You can find her contact information in your Yearbook.

Annual Paint-Out at Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum, March 11, 2014

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On Tuesday, March 11, 2014, Nature Artists’ Guild members will make their annual outing to the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum at Benedictine University for a morning of sketching, drawing or painting among the thousands of specimens in the museum’s collection.  

The Nature Artists’ Guild has reserved the museum from 9 am until noon, but artists are welcome to stay later if they wish.  Some participants may choose to meet at a local restaurant for lunch afterwards.

The museum is located at 5700 College Road, Lisle, IL.  Please contact Carol Jean Rogalski at if you would like to attend.  You can find her contact information in your Yearbook.

Our First Program of the Year Features Wonderful Nature Artist Robert Pennor

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The Nature Artists’ Guild of the Morton Arboretum welcomes Landscape and Nature Artist Robert Pennor as our first presenter of the year on Thursday, February 6, 2014 from 7 pm until 9 pm.

Robert will be sharing some of his techniques for creating beautiful landscape, animal and nature scenes in acrylic.  A graduate of the Art Institute of Boston, Robert spent many years working as a graphic designer and illustrator in New York and Connecticut.  He now lives in the Chicago area and devotes his creative energy to painting the landscape and nature.  Robert is a member of the Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionist Society, and is represented by the Brigantine Gallery in Downers Grove, IL.

Please visit Robert Pennor’s website, robertpennorgallery.com to view some his wonderful work.

As always, guests and visitors are welcome to join us.  The program is free of charge and the gate attendant at The Morton Arboretum will direct you to the correct location.  We look forward to seeing you there!