Hello Art Patrons,
I’ve just returned from exhibiting my Jeffrey Pinecone painting at the U.S Botanic Garden in Washington DC. I feel lucky to be chosen as a featured artist for the Centennial Celebration of the National Park Service—thrilled others appreciate Pinus, jeffreyi as well. The artists’ program was fun except for the 98 degree steamy air outside. Many came inside for the air-conditioning saying our exhibit, Flora of the National Parks, was like a breath of fresh air. I met engaging stimulating people—locals and those from all over the world. We speak the same language, as botanicals have universal appeal. The eight month exhibit is popular, so it’s been extended through the holidays. The gallery is currently closed while they install the Christmas tree, reopening by Thanksgiving. No, the Christmas tree irony is not lost on my Pinus jeffreyi cone. Congressional holiday parties are held there, which is pretty cool.
Flora of the National Parks Feb 18—through 2016
U.S. Botanic Garden, Conservatory West Gallery
100 Maryland Ave, Washington DC
www.usbg.gov/floraofthenationalparks
Next week is the debut of the recently completed 127 painting Alcatraz Florilegium at Marin Art and Garden Center. I have two paintings in the collection—nasturtium and black walnut. Did you know that black walnut can be toxic? Me neither. Nothing grows under it, pasturing animals nearby is ill advised and black walnut is evidently used in minute medicinal doses to kill parasites. Here I am under a tree pulling down leaves, pollen coating my face, bisecting leaves, peeling shells. Good thing I didn’t eat one. When the doctor saw my swollen face she gasped, “Do you carry an epi pen?” “A what?” “At least you won’t have any parasites.”
I hope you see the black walnut painting because it truly was a labor of love. A reception honoring the selected artists is this Sunday 10/23 from 3-5 pm. I’ll be there.
The Alcatraz Florilegium: Botanical Art from Life on the Rock
Oct 23—Nov 13 2016
Fri 12-5, Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4pm or appt.
Opening reception Sun 10/23, 3-5 pm
Marin Art and Garden Center
30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross CA 94957
www.magc.org/events/the-alcatraz-florilegium-botanical-art-from-life-on-the-rock/
Catherine Watters’ botanical holiday party will again be a feast for the eyes and tastebuds. Our class Annual Botanical Art Exhibition is Sunday Dec 4, 4-7pm. Come see 19 artists’ current work. Shop for prints, cards and botanical gifts. Artists bring hors d’oeuvres, sweets and wine for our patrons, friends and family—to thank you for your enthusiastic support. I’d like to thank you in person so I hope you’ll stop by.
2016 Botanical Art Exhibition
Dec 4, 2016, 4-7 pm
Woodhall
501 Orindawoods Dr.
Orinda, CA
I hope you will drop by my Open Studio on Thursday Dec 8, 10-12 pm for tea and Grandma’s fudge or 4-6 pm for a drink and some delicious black walnuts. Kidding—are you paying attention?
Open Studio
Dec 8, 10-noon 4-6 pm
Piedmont, CA 94611
www.BonniesBotanicalArt.com
Check my website www.BonniesBotanicalArt.com to see my latest work. I am about to upload the black walnut, dichondra, and moon shell paintings. That’s it for this quarter. I have some good shows in 2017 but I’ll leave you hanging, and coming back I hope.
Bonnie Bonner
a.k.a. Joanne Palamountain
www.BonniesBotanicalArt.com
www.BonnieBonner.blogspot.com