Hello Art Patrons,
Thanksgiving seems quickly past and I’ve three back-to-back exhibits to share. This Sunday Dec 3, you and guests are invited to enjoy bites, sips, botanical gifts and art at our Botanical Class Holiday Party at Woodhall in Orinda. Come to see (pictured above) the lavender bouquet I painted in France this summer, and come especially to see my 5 foot Aspen tree printed on canvas, after my Fine Art printer seamlessly Photoshops the original 2018 upper tree image file to the 2023 lower tree image file. Hope the trunk color matches up. See for yourself on Sunday.
Since my last newsletter I’ve been to the de Young Open Exhibit twice, to pinch myself and peruse the art. I strongly advise you to see this stunning exhibit and experience immediate on-topic art created here and now. See mediums and techniques that 887 local artists are using today. It’s approachable and impressive, described in the press as “… a love letter to our incredible Bay Area artist community”. Some of you even sent me selfies with my art in the background. That warms my heart. You have until Jan 7. Free Saturdays for locals. My Japanese Cedar bonsai botanical is #381 titled, Singed by Wildfire, symbolizing hope for our tenacious CA wildfire survivors.
The third exhibit is the January NorCal chapter of ASBA’s Annual Plants Illustrated Exhibition, at the Julia Morgan Hall in the UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens. The theme is Native California edible plants, a narrow category, so I am showing my only artwork that qualifies, Jeffrey Pinecone. Here’s a chance to see the Pinus jeffreyi original, as it’s my best selling signed and numbered print to date. One reviewer said it “bristles with energy”. Check the UCBG website for upcoming details, reception and hours.
Don’t forget my large signed botanical art cards can always be found at Rocky’s Market in the Leimert District of Oakland. Great for making card packs as hostess and last minute gifts.
BOTANICAL ART EXHIBITION
and Holiday Party
501 Orindawoods Drive and Kite Hill Road, Orinda CA
Sunday, December 3, 2023, 2 – 5 pm
The de Young Open 2023
de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park
50 Hagiwara Dr, SF CA
September through January 7, 2024
Tuesday – Sunday, 9:30-5:15 pm
Bay Area residents free every Saturday.
www.famsf.org/de-young-open-2023
NCalSBA 15th ANNUAL PLANTS ILLUSTRATED EXHIBITION
Edible Native Plants
Julia Morgan Bldg
UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens
200 Centennial Dr. Berkeley, CA
Jan 17 – Feb 4, 2024, 10 -4 pm. Closed Tuesdays
www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
www.ncalsba.org
My New Year’s resolution is to jump at chances in 2024. Did I write you that maybe 2023 was my year to win the Harvest Festival Cakewalk? Yes, I landed on lucky square #16. You can’t win unless you hop on. As well, you remember that, on a chance, I submitted my first ever pen-and-ink artwork to the juried de Young Open exhibit, timed entry at 8 am SF time, from an erratic internet connection in Florence on Italian time. Free and nothing to lose. Now I’m de Young artist #381. Do I feel lucky? I certainly am lucky to have such supportive Art Patrons as you. Thank you all and Happy Holidays. Jump at chances in 2024.
With gratitude,
Bonnie Bonner
aka Joanne Palamountain
www.BonniesBotanicalArt.com
www.BonnieBonner.blogspot.com