NEWS about Botanical Art and for Botanical Artists

Exhibition: Hedgerow: Stories from a linear world by Yanny Petters

31/10/2019

HEDGEROW, stories from a linear world is a new solo exhibition of new work by Yanny Petters. Yanny is a well known botanical artist in Ireland and also a Gallery Artist at The Olivier Cornet Gallery in Dublin

“Since childhood I have loved and observed hedgerows. Whenever we kids went rambling along the lanes of our neighbourhood, to pick flowers or blackberries or just wandering to each other’s houses, we wondered at the secrets within these linear worlds...”
Hedgerow, stories from a linear world by Yanny Petters

Her work raises awareness of the wild plants of Ireland - revealing them as an evolved species living in symbiotic harmony in ancient habitats rather just a bunch of weeds.

The exhibition comprises drawings and paintings of the Hedgerow, an iconic element of the Irish countryside. These are:

a series of Verre Eglomisé paintings of hedgerow silhouettes in Gold leaf and pigment
a series of seasonal paintings in watercolour on Arches Paper (see top image)
a series of black pencil drawings of the linear nature of the hedgerow

The Black pencil drawings and the 'Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter in a Hedgerow' series are also available as Archival pigment ink prints on watercolor paper, in a limited edition of 10 each only.

Gallery: Olivier Cornet Gallery, 3 Great Denmark Street, (beside Belvedere College, off Parnell Square) Dublin 1.
Dates: 13 October - 17th November 2019
Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 11am to 6pm (till 8pm on Thursdays); Saturday and Sunday: 12 noon to 5pm. Closed on Mondays (or viewing by appointment only)

Visit the exhibition's page the gallery website for images and more information

Below is what the gallery looked like as they got ready for the opening of the exhibition.

All is ready at the @OC_Gallery for the opening of Yanny Petters’ solo exhibition at 3 pm today. Do join us pic.twitter.com/dvf4blllbG
— OlivierCornetGallery (@OC_Gallery) October 13, 2019

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Yanny Petters, 'Elder, stile, gorse and the sheep gap', black pencil on conservation board (80x120cm). Available as an archival pigment ink print on w/c paper, in a limited edition of 10 each only (40x60cm), Unframed: 175 euro, Framed: 295 euro. @OC_Gallery is open till 5pm today pic.twitter.com/JEbnODfFVI
— OlivierCornetGallery (@OC_Gallery) October 28, 2019

About the hedgerow in Ireland

Increasing concerns about both a changing climate and the need to protect biodiversity means that hedgerows need to cherished for the health of our future generations.

The hedgerow goes back a long way in history. It both divides and holds together the rich habitat that remains after our forests were cleared. Land boundaries can be traced back to Neolithic times and the circa-12th-century Townland boundaries are the country’s longest standing land divisions.

Hedgerows also serve as windbreaks, to shelter our livestock, reduce soil erosion, aid drainage and provide homes for beneficial predators who protect our food crops from pests.

At a time when farming practices are changing in scale, many of these valuable hedgerow habitats are being removed and scrubbed out of existence. New hedges can be planted but ONLY the ancient hedgerows can support up to 3000 organisms from flowers and trees, birds and animals to insects and microscopic creatures.

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Plant Cure - in collaboration with Brooklyn Botanic Garden

8/10/2019

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from the catalogue for Plant Cloud Brooklyn

Margot Glass - one of the artists whose work is being exhibited in the 16th International at the Hunt - wrote to tell me about another exhibition, in New York, which also includes her work.

EXHIBITION: Plant Cure/Brooklyn
CENTRAL BOOKING in collaboration with Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Venue: Humanities Gallery, Long Island University Brooklyn,
1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Dates: September 3 - December 13. 2019
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm
Catalogue (available on MagCloud): Plant Cure/Brooklyn Catalog

Plant Cure project continuing with group exhibit of medicinal plant-themed work. Five artists, who were artists in residence at Brooklyn Botanic Garden in the spring of 2019 are joined by additional artists working with the them of medicinal plants. Exhibit includes four watercolors and two ceramic sculptures, which were inspired by research during the Brooklyn Botanic Garden residency. Additional exhibit/project-related events upcoming.
Central Booking

Margot Glass Dandelion Field Samples, 2019 12 drawings on panel, dimensions variable

One of Margot's small dandelion drawings is being exhibited. One of her drawings also appears on the cover of Plant Cure Brooklyn exhibition catalogue published by the New York Academy of Medicine and Central Booking. It is the cover image for the Plant Cure Brooklyn catalogue as well.

Another is currently being exhibited in the 16th International Exhibition of Botanical Art at the Hunt Institute of Botanical Documentation in Pittsburgh. I guess I'm probably going to be meeting Margaret next week at the Artists' Reception!

The Plant Cure project began in 2017 with a collaboration of CENTRAL BOOKING with the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM), a research library with extensive medical and science collections. Five artists were chosen by Maddy Rosenberg for Artists in Residence at NYAM to research their work for an exhibition in CENTRAL BOOKING’s space. Various documentation of their process was also displayed in vitrines in the NYAM library. Fourteen additional artists were curated into the CENTRAL BOOKING exhibition and were involved with programming as well.
News from Central Booking

The other artists participating in the exhibition are: Desiree Alvarez, Cynthia Beck, C Bangs, Marisa Benjamin, Tessa Grundon, James Martin, Agnes Murray, Maddy Rosenberg, Susan Rostow, Sarah Stengle, Kate Temple, Amanda Thackray, May Ting and James Walsh.

This is Tessa Grundon's exhibit about Medicinal Plants and creating tinctures of a place

Publicity for the Plant Cure Brooklyn Exhibition - with Margot Glass's drawing in the background

ABOUT MARGOT GLASS: Margot Glass grew up in New York City, and studied art at The Art Students' League, Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Fashion Institute of Technology. Her work explores the ephemeral through still life, nature and botany, text and communication. She has exhibited widely in New York and elsewhere in the USA. Her work is on the front cover of exhibition catalogue and the "Magic Plants" Summer 2019 edition of Orion Magazine. Glass works in graphite on paper and also adds gold, using a stylus to carefully apply gold particles to her prepared paper - making it impossible to erase any mistakes.

"Margot Glass focuses on drawing grasses, weeds, and other plants considered mundane or undesireable to illuminate the hidden beauty in overlooked natural subjects, elevating them through close examination. Her choise to work in gold point and graphite allows for the play of light on the line to enhance the ornamental delicacy and ephemeral quality of the natural forms she draws."
"Magic Plants," Orion Magazine, Summer 2019

ABOUT CENTRAL BOOKING: A place for artist's books and prints and their integration into the larger art world; group exhibitions on art & science; related programming.

ABOUT BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN: A 52 acre botanical garden in the borough of Brooklyn in New York City. Founded in 1910 and located in Mount Prospect Park, next to Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum

I'm visiting for the first time next Sunday!

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Illustrated College Herbal Exhibition at the Royal College of Physicians

21/8/2018

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I do like a botanical art exhibition which takes us back to the roots (and leaves, berries and flowers) of the original rationale for botanical illustration - within books about recipes for medicines.

A two week exhibition at the Royal College of Physicians comprises:

the ORIGINAL paintings from the recently published book The Illustrated College Herbal: Plants from the Pharmacopoea Londinensis of 1618 (see my Book Review: The Illustrated College Herbal. Plants from the Pharmacopoea Londinensis of 1618 for the history behind the project
treasures from the Herbarium of the Pharmaceutical Society.

The exhibitions are open from:

Tuesday 21 August – Friday 24 August, 10am–5pm
Tuesday 28 August – Thursday 30 August, 10am–5pm

Below you can find out more about

Illustrated College Herbal Exhibition - and pics of paintings and artists
the Artist in Residence project
The Herbarium Exhibition
The Pharmacopaeia Londinensis and the Medicinal Garden
Exhibitions & Medicinal Garden: Who's who
More about Physic & Medicinal Gardens in London

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TOP TIPS from RHS Gold Medal Winners 2017

14/8/2018

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When I interview the botanical artists who have just won an RHS Gold Medal at the RHS Botanical Art Show, I always ask them for tips for those aspiring to do the same.

In 2017 I was rewarded - more than I can say - by hearing from Mariko Ikeda who won the Best Exhibit prize at the RHS London Botanical Art Show 2017. She wanted to thank me profusely for everything I've written before as it really helped her with preparing her exhibit!

Pandanus by Mariko Ikeda at the RHS Botanical Art Show 2017 (photo Katherine Tyrrell)

Pandanus by Mariko Ikeda - Gold Medal and Best Exhibit at the RHS Botanical Art Show 2017 (photo Katherine Tyrrell)

Then Kate Barling, another exhibitor, found me to thank me for the tip about how to mount the work - and I collected another tip from her which you'll find below!

So the bottom line is what goes around comes around.

You can benefit from the tips I've identified to date and...
...in future I might be asking you what's your top tip!

Note: Unfortunately last year I started this post but forgot finish it. But it's never too late to pass on a few more tips!
READ ON for my very belated post about the top tips from the RHS Gold Medallists in 2017 - which is now complete!

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REVIEW: Botanical Painting by Margaret Stevens & the SBA

9/8/2018

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sThis is the third of my three book reviews this week. It contains:

my book review of "Botanical Painting"
Three Books and Three Reviews: A Conclusion
a new webpage about 'NEW books about botanical art instruction'

Botanical Painting is the latest in the series of books written by Margaret Stevens, past president of the Society of Botanical Artists.

When The Art of Botanical Painting by Margaret Stevens (with the SBA) was published in 2004 it became the standard text for the Distance Learning Diploma Course pioneered by the Society of Botanical Artists - and sold a LOT of copies - and not just to DLDC students!

I initially thought that Botanical Painting by Margaret Stevens (with the SBA) - published by Batsford on 2 August 2018 - was going to be a revamped and revised edition of the first book. That's because:

it is now an 'old' book. While still good it was certainly due for an overhaul to reflect the changes in botanical painting in the last 14 years - plus the competition from a lot of other books on the same topic which have been published in the last decade or more.
there have been times when it has been out of print and impossible to get hold of a copy - although the situation has eased of late with a new paperback publisher.
the publisher's description for the new book (see below) led me to believe it would not just be an appendix to the first book.

In this new book the Society of Botanical Artists provides a comprehensive guide to the different styles and methods of botanical painting, harvesting the talent of both Members and Distance Learning Diploma Course students around the world, past and present. Botanical Painting features techniques and materials for all levels and demonstrates how these skills can be used to develop your own expertise

However, I regret to say that, in my view, this book does NOT replace 'The Art of Botanical Painting' which in my opinion remains the better book for instruction.

If limited funds mean you have to choose between the two, I'd recommend you buy the first book rather than the latest publication. It'll also cost you less!

Let me explain why...

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Guide to Botanical Illustration using Pen and Ink - in Portuguese

23/2/2018

Rogério Lupo has produced another Guide to Botanical Illustration - this time using pen and ink. The Portuguese title is Apostila Bico de Pena. (© Rogério Lupo 2018 - All rights reserved. Sale prohibited. Free distribution.) The title contains the link to the page where you view it and download it.

[UPDATE: November 2018: NOW IN ENGLISH - SEE my blog post dated 25 November 2018 - Scientific Illustration Instruction by Rogério Lupo which also references his new supporting video on YouTube which has English subtitles.]

His scientific illustration guide to equipment and materials comments on the use of a dip pen nib - which Google translate insists on calling a "feather beak" - but basically a nib which flexes when pressure is used so as to produce fine lines of different thickness and character.

Below is the Portuguese version.

[UPDATE: Novembr 2018 - You can also now find and download the English version on this link Graphite and its Possibilities Applied to Scientific Illustrations]

This is a FREE Guidebook. Please note that Rogério Lupo has asserted his copyright and any SALE of this Guidebook is strictly prohibited

Apostila Bico de Pena de Rogério Lupo

Below are the two descriptions of the Guide in Portuguse and Google Translate English.

Guia de curso com informações completas sobre os bicos de pena mais especializados para traços precisos usados na ilustração científica. São tratados assuntos como marcas de bicos, de tintas e papéis, procedimentos para seleção do material na hora da compra, restauração, cuidados, exercícios e tudo que se precisa saber para começar a conhecer e praticar.

Course guide with complete information on the most specialized pen nozzles for precise strokes used in scientific illustration. Subjects such as nozzle marks, paints and papers, procedures for material selection at the time of purchase, restoration, care, exercise and all that one needs to know to get to know and practice are treated. (according to Google Translate)

Note that Google Translate takes the portuguese he uses and translates the word as

"nozzle" which is a term we more usually associate with a technical pen
or "beak" - it comes up sometimes a "feather beak"

rather than a specialist nib which is typically used with a dip pen holder. This is just Google Translate rather than Rogério!

20 of the 40 practice strokes using pen and ink recommended by Rogerio Lupo and provided as examples at the end of his Guide ( © Rogério Lupo 2018 )

What I like about the Guide

Note - this was all identified using Google Translate!)

What I like about this Guide is that he discusses:

buying a pen nib and very precise detail about what to look out for to get a good nib which will behave well
different brands by name and how he finds them
the best brands of paper to use for pen and ink illustration - and he comments on Bristol (plate) paper he likes and those he does not (the ones which are too abrasive on the end of the nib).
the best quality ink to use - and his recommendations plus how to keep the ink hydrated
how to protect the point of the nib
how to preserve the nib on good condition - and the use of alcohol for cleaning and the purpose of a pen wiper
how to test nibs before purchasing them - including how to test for blade crossing - this is the truly fastidious bit for the real pen and ink fan. There's a nice bit where he displays how to detect splay in the end of the nib and whether the cut is central or not.
how to sand and polish nibs to improve the flow or restore their use
what to do when the ink won't flow (the "departure problem")

He then moves on to the use of the pen

how to train yourself to deliver parallel strokes - which includes tips on breathing!
he provides some examples of pen strokes to practice. His list of 40 pen strokes is precisely explained as to what each demonstrates

All in all it's a lot more information than is often available - written by somebody who is fastidious about the use of the kit he uses for illustration. I'm a huge fan of those who really care about the quality of the materials they use - and want to share what they know with others.

You can obtain the Guide from Slideshare (as with his Graphite for Scientific Illustration Guide) - just click the link in the title. As before to access the free download you will need to be logged in to an account with Slideshare or a Linked In account also gives you access to download

You can also follow his announcements about new classes and guides on Facebook by following his Facebook Page Rogério Lupo - Ilustração Científica.

Read more about Botanical Illustration Tips: Pen and Ink on this website

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Works in Paper Art Fair features botanical art

3/2/2018

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The Works on Paper Art Fair attracts those who like buying watercolours, drawings and fine art prints. It's also possible to find botanical art amongst the various art gallery stands. Botanical artists would do well to do their research on which galleries like botanical artists and which galleries - and fine art dealers - exhibit botanical art at art fairs! The Fair also gives you an idea about what sort of values are attributed by galleries to the work of the top botanical artists by dealers and galleries. As in an artist can come up with a number but the value listed on the label has to be approved by the gallery or dealer!

The Works on Paper Art Fair continues at the Royal Geographical Society in Exhibition Road today and until 6pm tomorrow and, if you visit, you can see the following.....

Two watercolour paintings by Kate Nessler

These two paintings by American botanical painter Kate Nessler date back to 1995 and their provenance indicates they were originally sold by the Jonathan Cooper Gallery (where Nessler continues to be listed as one of the gallery artists).

The ones on display are:

(top) Phalaenopsis Equestris (signed and dated '95) £2,500
(bottom) Phragmipedium: Schroederae Roseum (signed and dated '95) £5,500

(tap the links to see more details)

They are being exhibited by the Sarah Colegrave Fine Art who is Fine Art Dealer and Consultant dealing in 19th and 20th century art who sells via art fairs and by appointment. The online catalogue for the Works on Paper Art Fair 2018 also lists two more works by Kate Nessler.

Paintings on the Coombe Gallery Stand (214)

Rosie Sanders regularly exhibits with Coombe Gallery, based in Dartmouth, Devon. The rose displayed above is A Rose in Winter (Watercolour on Arches 640 gsm paper)
102 x 124 priced at £14,000 - and apparently somebody is very interested in it!

I do like her paintings of dishevelled flowers (see below) - after all we see less than perfect flowers at least as much as we see perfect ones!

"The Morning's Light" (watercolour, H:99.5 x W:77cms) by Rosie Sanders £9,000

Coombe Gallery is also exhibiting drawings by another of its gallery artists Georgia Jennings Moors who last year exhibited a drawing of a field of artichokes and was given the Best Contemporary Picture 2017.

Below is her drawing of Achillea - and you can see a better image of this on her website. The stand also included a fascinating drawing of Burnt leptospermum scoparium.

I think she ought to be developing a suite of six drawings on a theme for the RHS Botanical Art Show!

Achillea (August 2017, graphite and pencil on Yuki Gampi, 61x85cm) Georgia Jennings Moors

Achillea (August 2017, graphite and pencil on Yuki Gampi, 61x85cm) £2,950 - Georgia Jennings Moors

Near the entrance to the Fair is the Kevis House Gallery (Stand 401) who are exhibiting Louisa Crispin's graphite nature studies. You can see a much better image on their website as well as other images of work by Louisa. This is a gallery based in Petworth which also lists Liz Shippam as a gallery artist.

Lichen on Hawthorn III (Graphite on Bristol Paper) Louisa Crispin

Lichen on Hawthorn III (Graphite on Bristol Paper) £975 Louisa Crispin

Finally, for those who like Ellsworth Kelley's lithographs and line drawings in pen and ink of plants, the art book stand has a very fine catalogue of his drawings and prints in a slip case - and I had a good long look. Unfortunately it was £400....

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