Happy New Year!
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| Here is my studio! |
The studio and my bonus room are filled with paintings and dried specimens including works from The Elizabethan Gardens and the specimens that I picked up this fall.
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| "Holding On" Original Watercolor 22 x 30 inches |
One of my favorites from the fall series is titled “Holding On.” If you love fall, this work is just that. The fruits of this specimen dried the most of any of the others, turning a warm brown. I just loved their position on its branch and it was the only “pair” that I had found on the ground. This is a large painting taking a full sheet of watercolor paper (22 x 30 inches). The fruits are painted with many transparent layers of raw sienna, raw and burnt umber and Indian red while the branches were painted with my favorite mud mixture of cobalt blue, permanent rose and transparent yellow, using my dry brush technique to recreate its unique texture.
It is currently reserved for exhibition. It is one of three paintings that I entered in the 2012 Virginia Watercolor Society’s Member Exhibition. This is the first time that I am entering the statewide competition. Once an artist has been invited to exhibit three times, one becomes a “Signature Member” of VWS. The bonus ~ this year’s exhibition, which is held in a different location each year, is at my favorite art center. Wish me luck there are more than 400 members in this group and roughly 100 paintings are accepted.
The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center
Hampton Virginia
The exhibition opens to the public on April 15th from 1 – 5 pm
Exhibition April 15 to May 27, 2012
Juror Dan Smith
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| Saucer Magnolia II Original Watercolor 19 x 15 inches |
I also finished a new painting of the Saucer Magnolia, which will be included in the Hampton Arts League Exhibition that opens later this month. I just loved the bark on this specimen where the one side had this rich deep purple where the new bark was still apparent. I hope you can make this show. There will be 233 works in a variety of media. The Opening Reception will be packed with artists!
The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center
Hampton, Virginia
EXHIBITION DATES: January 29- February 26, 2012
OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, January 28, 3:00-5:30 pm
Juror CAROLYN F. DAVIS
New ! THE BOTANICAL ART STORE
Last month, I worked with Hampton Roads Giclee, a digital print studio, to help me create prints of my larger works, which include the two new works above as well as my first paintings from The Elizabethan Gardens and “My Gardenia’s Gift from its Midnight Pollinator.” I am now able to recreate my work in a variety of sizes and create giclee prints where the pigments are lightfast and protect against UV radiation.
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| "Tic Tac Toe" Print |
AND I opened my first online store – The Botanical Art Store for those who live afar. You will see prints made from my originals as well as those created with my computer, featured in the “Whimsies” tab. My “Tic Tac Toe” print was made with my laptop on my lap while watching TV. After placing the artichokes, I realized that they were aligned on one of the diagonals, just like the game. It just happened and I love the composition!
Workshops with Linda
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| Photo by Jeff Lewis |
My next workshop is at The Elizabethan Gardens in February where we will be painting camellias. The camellia is a signature species of the garden with more than 300 plantings and 175 cultivators. As they will be in full bloom, this workshop is perfect for the beginner or advanced student to learn more about painting petals and glossy leaves.
I have also added two new workshops here in Williamsburg ~ a Pen and Ink Class this March and a Botanical Art Workshop in April! To see the current Workshop Schedule, please click on the tab above.
Linda’s Favorites
Here is a link where you can learn more about Mr. Bartram, known as the colonial botanist, who is responsible for stocking England’s nurseries with American trees.
http://www.terrain.org/articles/18/rowland.htm
What's New ~ December 2011
Happy Holidays!
Earlier this week, I went to The Elizabethan Gardens and took in all the joy and wonder created by the talented folks at my favorite garden. With the new paved paths in place, a stroll through the garden at night is enchanting with all the millions of lights and seasonal music. There even is a fire pit on the Grand Lawn where you can roast marsh mallows under the Live Oaks trees.
The Elizabethan Gardens Winter Lights
Just two days left....
6 to 9 pm
through December 30th
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| My First Botanical Painting! Iris Seed Pod |
This year has been one of the most memorable to date and here is why……….
In January, I completed my first commissioned work for Mrs. Judith Sargent. The Marsh Mallow is her favorite herb. I also found "my people" so to speak. I signed up for my first workshop with James Warwick Jones and have been signing up ever since. His mentoring is so appreciated and my new “artist” friends are the best!
I led four Children’s Workshops ~ one at The Williamsburg Botanical Garden, two at the York County Master Gardener’s Learning Garden and a three day workshop with York County’s 4H Camp ! The workshops are a community service project that I lead on behalf of the Virginia Master Naturalists' Historic Rivers Chapter. On Exhibit ~ I participated in eight exhibitions this year and received Second and Third Place honors too!
I would like to thank my decorative painting clients for their commissions this year and all of you who have reached out and helped along the way whether it be gift cards from my family, posting my events in your publications, writing articles for your paper, spreading the word about my workshops to your friends, stopping by one of my art demonstrations, or simply sending a note to say hello.
I am very grateful to all of you who have purchased my original work and prints. I especially want to say thank you to Beth, Doris, Kristin, Phillip, Mary, Ted, and Jacqui.
As an artist, this has been a banner year and I would also like to thank the New Town Art Gallery for giving my work a home in my hometown!
I am wishing you and your family a joyful and healthy month of celebration filled with the sound of holiday music, good food and cheer with those dear to you.
A New Look for the New Year!
I updated each of my websites for easy viewing. Simply click on the banner tab at the top of the page and take a look.
Workshops with Linda
Please select the Workshop and Lecture tab above for the current schedule.
What's New ~ November 2011
Hi everyone! I hope you are enjoying this wonderful fall and those up North (dear family and friends), I hope your power is back on!
October was filled with several wonderful surprises!
What's New ~ November 2011
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| Master Gardener Carol Bartram with our guests at the Garden Photo by Deann Posey, Master Gardener |
“Art in the Garden” Children's Workshop at the York County Master Gardeners' Learning Garden
With the help of a local elementary art teacher and a wonderful write up by Home and Garden Daily Press writer,
Kathy VanMullekom, we had twelve young artists join us for a morning of exploration as we all learned more about the garden’s native trees, shrubs and plants - step by step - each showcasing their flowers, fruits and foliage. We had had rain, so our fungi friends also made an appearance. As you can see from the photo, everyone had a great time. Again, I want to thank everyone and especially the artists and their parents and the outstanding team of Master Gardeners who helped make this all possible.
A Wonderful Surprise!
I was so surprised and honored to receive the Third Place Award in Watercolor for “ART i choke” at the SMALL WORKS Exhibition. This multi-media exhibit has more than 500 works on exhibit through December 4th. If you happen to stop in, my work is just as you walk in the door.
And NOW for the BIG NEWS!
Three days ago those questions were answered when I hung sixteen pieces in my hometown! We have a wonderful gallery of professional Williamsburg artists and I was invited to join this very special group. New Town Art Gallery is located in the New Town District on Main Street. Its corner location with streams of natural light fills this space with a wonderful ambiance.
Thank you Anne, Dot, Gulay, June, Kay, Mary, Myra, Renee, Sharon, Sue and Wen-Shu for the warm welcome!
I will be at the Gallery four days a month and yesterday was my first day. I will be back at the Gallery on November 6, 20 and 27th.
To learn more about the artists and the New Town Art Gallery, please click on the link in the upper side bar.
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| Hermit Thrush, January 2011 Copyright Linda C. Miller |
Workshops with Linda
It’s a go! Just one seat left!
November 14-16, 2011
Botanical Watercolor Workshop, Studio
The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center
4205 Victoria Boulevard Hampton, Virginia 23669
Please call 757.727.1490 to register
http://www.hamptonarts.net/
Fee $140, class limit 8
Time: 9:30 to 3:30 pm
For the materials list and more.....please visit
http://botanicalnaturalisticartinstruction.blogspot.com/
Camellia Workshop February 14-16, 2012
2012 Spring Workshop April 17-19, 2012
To learn more, please click on the link just above.
On Exhibit......
SMALL WORKS Miniatures by Hampton Roads Artists
Invitational Exhibition
October 23 – December 4, 2011
The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center
4205 Victoria Boulevard
Hampton, Virginia 23669
757-727-1490
More than 500 pieces are on exhibit in this multi-media event. This exhibition is so diverse and each piece is no larger than 20 square inches! The three works that I have on exhibit are featured above, in the sidebar.
Linda’s Favorite Sites
Last December my husband and I spent three chilling days at the museums in DC, and we went at this time to take in the American Society of Botanical Artist’s “Losing Paradise, A Botanical Art Exhibition of Endangered Plants Here and Around the World" Exhibition at the Natural History Museum. This exhibit was fabulous, the work exceptional and the inspiration priceless. Many of today’s contemporary botanical artists who are highly regarded, awarded and skilled are featured including Lara Call Gastinger, my favorite botanical art instructor.
Please click here to see their amazing works...
What's New ~ October 2011
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| Red-bellied Woodpecker Photo Linda C. Miller, 2011 |
October is one of my favorite months. The sky is the most beautiful blue and the clouds are magnificent. What I love most is that our flora friends are bearing the fruits of their labor and the birds are taking advantage of the bounty. Here is a magical photo from my walk on Thursday. The Red-bellied Woodpecker was there for just a moment, a perfect moment for me!
I want to thank my husband for the wonderful bushel of pomegranate fruits.
I would also like to thank Jacqui Ragland, friend and workshop attendee from 2010, for joining me at the gardens to this September where we exchanged our fall treasures and painted. She brought me this old fashioned cooking pear and here is my painting.
Two weeks ago, I held my seventh botanical watercolor workshop at The Elizabethan Gardens in the Outer Banks.
The workshop started with an inspiration presentation and then we were off to the garden. Everyone found their treasures from their wonderful nursery or on the trail.
AND, students who have taken a workshop at the garden are invited to join me this October and November for “Open Studio,” the first Tuesday of the month from 10 am to 3 pm. See you there!
Upcoming Workshops with Linda...
YORK COUNTY MASTER GARDENER'S LEARNING GARDEN
SATURDAY OCTOBER 8, 10 AM TO NOON
FOR CHILDREN 7 AND OLDER!
Free, Please call 757 890-4940 TO PRE-REGISTER
GOODWIN NECK ROAD, located in the county office complex behind the safety building (entrance after the recycling entrance, if driving from Rte 17).
November 14-16, 2011
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| Painted Buckeye |
The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center
4205 Victoria Boulevard
Hampton, Virginia 23669
Please call 757.727.1490 to register
http://www.hamptonarts.net/
Fee $140, class limit 8
Time: 9:30 to 3:30 pm
To hear what students have to say and review the material list .....please visit
http://botanicalnaturalisticartinstruction.blogspot.com/
On Exhibit......
Williamsburg Regional Library
Open Art Exhibit through Sunday, October 9th
515 Scotland Street, Williamsburg Virginia
The library opens at 10 a.m. each day except Sunday, when they open at 1 p.m. and closes at 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 6 p.m. on Friday and 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Invitational Exhibition
October 22 – December 4, 2011
The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center
4205 Victoria Boulevard
Hampton, Virginia 23669
757-727-1490
http://www.hamptonarts.net/
More than 400 works by 150 invited artists will participate in this annual exhibition. Each piece less than 20 square inches. I will have three pieces on exhibit. Please join me at the Opening Reception on Sunday, October 23 from 2 to 5 PM.
Linda’s Favorite Sites
If you would like to learn more…..start with Art Planetae Today. This is wonderful botanical art resource. This site features a new artist every month, education and exhibition information as well as a wonderful listing of books for your library. To take a peak and subscribe, please click here!
