Quarterly Newsletter First Chapter of the ASBA

contents of resident’s Notes

this edition
President’s Notes.............. 1
Member Meeting and End
of Year Meeting................ 1
Recent Highlight of
RMSBA............................ 2
Mt. Evans Retreat......Insert
Colorado Wildflower
Festival Article................. 4
Big Success: Echter’s
Show and Sale.................. 5
Exhibits to Checkout........ 6
Calendar........................... 7
Newsletter Deadlines....... 7
About RMSBA................. 7
We Want To Know
Questionnaire................... 8
At the end of September I was thrilled to attend
my first ASBA Conference! Having been introduced
to botanical illustration a good number of years ago,
I had become familiar with the names, and certainly
admiring the talent, of many artists in the field.
At the 13th Annual Meeting and Conference of the
American Society of Botanical Artists I found myself
chatting with some of these incredible scientific artists. Most were so friendly
that I didn’t realize with whom I had been chatting until later, as I reviewed
the catalog of the 12th Hunt Exhibition. The Hunt Institute in Pittsburgh
displayed the artwork chosen this year to be part of this prestigious collection.
Our own Libby Kyer has a beautiful colored pencil piece accepted this year
and displayed, Cucurbita foetidissima ‘Buffalo Gourd’, which some of you may
have seen before. RMSBA, the first chapter of ASBA, can claim as members
several artists who are part of the Hunt Collection to date. I know that some of
you who are reading this newsletter will be producing work accepted into the
Hunt Institute in future years. So, lets produce! Keep learning about botanical

• continued on page 2

End of Year/Holiday Gathering Terry Ludwig Pastels!

December 2, 2007
The date is the same but the location has changed.
RMSBA members will gather on Sunday, December
2, 2007, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for our annual end
of year opportunity to renew acquaintances, eat terrific
food, and to talk about the direction of the organization.
Susan Rubin has offered to host the meeting in her
beautiful home at 2568 South Columbine Street in
Denver. Bring a wrapped art supply to swap (something
you bought, but have decided does not inspire your
artistic muse would be ideal) and your favorite holiday
hors d’ourve or cookie to share. Also bring your
thoughts about how RMSBA can provide the best
support for your botanic art! A map and directions to
Susan’s house is on page 3.
RSVP to Terry Ruiter at tlruiter@msn.com.
See you there!
RMSBA Fall 2007
Spring 2008 Art Information Meeting — As botanic
artists, we may all feel at times as though we are addicted
to color. And there may be no purer form of color than
pastels. We are fortunate to have a producer of fabulous
pastels in the Denver area … and they give tours! We
will meet at Terry Ludwig Pastels (8113 West Brandon
Drive, Littleton, Colorado) on Saturday March 15,
2008 at 1:00 pm. This is definitely a day for grubby
clothes (no whites and probably no black and definitely
washable!), and promises to be a wonderful opportunity
even for nonpastelists to see how the materials we use
come to be. Terry Ludwig is enthusiastic and charming
and serious about making quality pastels.
RSVP to Terry Ruiter at tlruiter@msn.com.
Terry Ruiter
Programs Chair
www.botanicalartists.org 1
continued from page 1 ­— President’s Notes
art. Keep drawing and painting. Keep having fun. And,
if you can do it, try to attend a future conference and
be inspired! Oh yes, it is overwhelming and rather
intimidating, but definitely exciting and inspiring!
In 2008 the conference will be held in Pasadena,
California, and in 2009 it will be in Arizona. Every three
years, the conference is again held in Pittsburgh, so you
could plan on working to be exhibited at the Hunt in
2010! And if not, just go and enjoy the international
flavor of botanical art at it’s best!
On to business here in the Rocky Mountain area,
come join us at our holiday social event! December is
our time to enjoy a little holiday celebration with our
artist friends. See Terry’s information on this upcoming
event and please join old and new members as we say
goodbye to 2007 and prepare to welcome a new year.
See you there!
Botanically yours,
Patty McAuliffe
“Iris” Courtsey of Maria Ramsdale
2 www.botanicalartists.org RMSBA Fall 2007
Recent Highlights of RMSBA
• A very successful RMSBA Echter’s Botanical
Show in September. Check out page 5 for details.
• New Exhibits Officer, Carol Till has moved up to
the challenge as Glenne Stoll has moved on from
the position to get more of her painting out there.
Thank you to Glenne for all of your hard work!
• New Co-Secretarys, Bert Lutgen and Susi Olson
will do the honor of sharing the position and help
keep the board on track! Thank you Bert and Susi
for voluteering!
• New Membership Chairperson, Sharon Garrett
Thank you Sharon for taking on the challenge!
• Anyone who is currently enrolled in the Botanical
Illustration Certificate Program at DBG can go
to KOZO Fine Art Materials to receive a 20
percent discount on regular priced items with
proof of current registration in the BI program.
• Seeking a volunteer to fill the Marketing Officer
position for RMSBA. If you have new ideas and
energy that would help RMSBA, please step up to
the challenge!
• RMSBA’s newsletter pilot program for receiving
the newsletter electronically by e-mail. If you
would like to receive the newsletter by e-mail,
contact Katie Nichols to get on the list.
• Just an FYI, for those who don’t know, Katie
MacGillivary the Newsletter Editor has recently
married and now her last name is Nichols. No one
new has stepped in as the Editor, just the same gal
with a shorter name! :O)
Come join the fun at RMSBA events, we are looking for a
new Marketing Officer.
 Directions to Susan Rubin’s Home for
the End of Year/Holiday Meeting
Susan Rubin
2568 S. Columbine St
Denver, CO 80210
303-698-2355
Red brick house with big front porch, 2 blocks east
of University Blvd and 1.5 blocks north of Yale Ave.
From I-25, take the University exit South, go south
past Evans Ave. on University to light at Iliff Ave, turn
left two blocks, right on Columbine St 2.5 blocks.
Click HERE for a direct link to the above map at
Google™ Maps
““Illuminated P” Courtsey of Patty McAuliffe
RMSBA Fall 2007
Membership Renewals
It is that time of the year again to check and double
check if you need to renew your membership with
RMSBA. Please e-mail or call Vicky MacWilliam to
see if you need to renew.
Tel.: 719.495.2986
E-mail: hgvmacwm@worldnet.att.net
8285 Freeman Drive • Black Forest, CO 80908
Your $75.00 membership includes regular individual
membership in the RMSBA* and American Society of
Botancial Artists* and entitles you to receive both the
ASBA and RMSBA newsletters, as well as participate
in all open exhibits and functions. Membership is for
the calendar year. Memberships received after the
first of December in any year will be applied to the
following calendar year.
On September 27, 2007 the ASBA Board of Directors
voted for an increase in dues for 2008. This increase
is only for the ASBA portion of your RMSBA fees
and everything else will stay the same.
Workshops
The Creative Arts Center of Chatham, MA.
(a fishing port on the elbow of Cape Cod), is offering
a 3 day workshop June 9 – 11, 2008 (Monday through
Wednesday) in MIXED MEDIA given by Scott
Rawlins, former president of ASBA and the head of the
art department of Arcadia University. Scott is a scientic
and botanical illustrator with many years experience in
teaching and creating unique art in many combinations
of media. The class will be using a mixture of media such
as graphite, colored pencil, pastel, watercolor and more
to create more varied and interesting botanical art. His
teaching style is delightfully flexible, supportive, and
humorous.
The 3 day workshop, June 9 – 11, 2008 – $350
Please contact:
Sally Lamson, Director of the Creative Arts Center
of Chatham at one of the following:
E-mail: cacchatham@verizon.net
Tele.: 508-945-3583
www.botanicalartists.org 3
 eye-opening awareness to our love of botanical art and
Colorado Wildflower Festival illustration.
If you were not able to find yourself in the southern
The RMSBA’s invitation to Colorado mountains with your sketchbook
participate in the Colorado or camera in hand and are not sure what
Wildflower Festival by flowers to paint or draw for next year’s
botanical artist and gallery festival, check out this wonderful updated
owner Leanne Canty-Moore publication Wild About Wildflowers:
of the Rendezvous Fine Art Extreme Botanizing in Crested Butte,
and Framing Gallery was Wildflower Capital of Colorado (ISBN
a great success during the 0-9779718-0-5); written by botanist
height of wildflower viewing Katherine Darrow. Miss Darrow’s
in Crested Butte this past June wildflower guide is full of great photographs
through July. and information on the huge variety of
Leanne’s gallery hosted a plants in the region. She was asked to be
small grouping of botanical present for the opening evening of the
art created by artists Patty RMSBA show and brought with her this
McAuliffe, Julie Sprinkle, wonderful wildflower guide for a special
Susan Rubin, Glenne Stoll, presentation and signing of her book.
Laura Farnsworth, Carol I encourage each of you to plan on
Till, Sharon Garrett, Cyndee creating Colorado wildflower portraits
McNally, Sandra Dowling, and Craig Davis. Beautiful for the festival next year. Be watching for information
and enjoyable varieties of botanical illustration and art and dates, and in the mean time, while the winter snows
were represented. News and radio releases advertized fall, be thinking of and creating wildflower portraits for
the show the 2008 Wildflower Festival Show. Feel free to contact
bringing in the me at 303-778-7641 for any other information or with
community questions.
of wildflower A special thank you goes out to Julie Sprinkle and
viewers that are Tom Komala for their assistance in transporting and the
drawn to the hanging of this first show.
area annually.
There was Renee Jorgensen,
report of such Vice President
enjoyment of
the artist’s work
that as many
RMSBA artists
as possible are
invited back
next summer
for the 2008
Festival. For
next summer’s show it has been requested that all
participating artists provide illustrations of the flowers
found native to the Crested Butte mountains and valleys.
There is promise of even stronger sales and, especially the

4 www.botanicalartists.org RMSBA Fall 2007

 wrapping your work. About labeling, please read the
Echter’s Show and Sale a
instructions! Labeling in a simple and consistent form
BIG Success! makes it easier for a cashier to make a sale and easier for
the bookkeeper to pay you, both good things. Wrapping
Our third annual fall
in a simple and REUSABLE manner makes it easier
Show and Sale at Echter’s
for the people hanging the show (and taking it down)
Nursery was a huge
and insures your works will be returned to you in good
success! Sales nearly
condition. Most shows will not even accept your work
tripled over last year,
for show unless the labeling and wrapping has been
we had many return
“Grapes” Courtesy of Susi Olson done to the shows specs. And it’s not a hard thing.
customers and have added
Each show may ask that you label in slightly different
about 50 new people to our mailing list. Nineteen
way, so I will not go into that now, but I would like to
artists participated this year, about the same as the last
make some suggestions about wrapping. First of all, the
two years. We lengthened the show to again include
wrapping needs to protect the work and be reusable, and
two weekends, last year as you remember it was only
be fast and easy to use. If you have your work wrapped
one, and we picked the VERY worst football weekend
like a mummy, the wrapping will be destroyed when the
possible. Two weekends is much safer and this made
piece is unwrapped (people hanging shows do not have
it possible to participate in the Arvada Studio Tours
a lot of time), and this will be a BIG problem when
weekend, a very well organized event, which attracted
the show is over. So, I have a couple of suggestions.
many new customers to our show. A big thank you,
First, you can make an envelope out of bubblewrap, it
again to Echter’s!
should fit LOOSELY, but not hugely, and be left open
on one side (the other three sides should be closed, just
Sales analysis as follows:
wrapping bubble around your work is not sufficient),
this makes it easy to use and
Total sales $6117.00
easy for you to reuse. You can
No. of sales 63 put a piece of cardboard over
Average sale $97.00 the glass if you like. You can do
• No. of original paintings sold 7 the same thing with old towels,
Total of original paintings sold $2445.00 fold in half, sew up the two
Average sale $350.00 sides, leave the other side open.
• No. of prints sold 62 Write your name LARGE in
Total of prints sold $2980.00 magic marker on both sides of
your wrappings whatever you
Average sale $48.00
use (no sticky notes). So there
• No. of cards and small items sold 22
you have it, these suggestions
Total of cards and small items sold $692.00 apply only to shows where
Average sale $12.00 you are delivering your work,
shipping is a whole different
thing. But not too scary, right? So please apply next
I included in card sales all other small items, calendars,
year, I am sure the show will continue to g row and
etc. There are only a couple of things I would change
prosper. Carol Till is taking over my position for next
about our show, one being that we need more stuff! If
year, she will be GREAT!
you haven’t participated, please consider next year, it’s
a fun and easy way to show your work. (And you just
Thanks,
might make some money.)
Glenne
I would like to talk just a little about labeling and

RMSBA Fall 2007 www.botanicalartists.org 5

 Libby Kyer Exhibits at
Hunt Institute
12th International Exhibition of Botanical Art
and Illustration, September 30 – December 20, 2007
Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation,
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890.
This show features 111 artworks by 64 artists from 14
countries (Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China,
England, France, Italy, Japan, Scotland, South Africa,
Sweden, the United States and Wales).
Among the artists chosen to participate in this
prestigious exhibition is our own Libby Kyer!
The Institute established the International series in
1964 with the hope of supporting and encouraging
Arvada Studio Tour artists kicking off the tours preview at contemporary botanical artists. Every three years, the
Stanley Lake Library this past summer.
International series features the works of talented
botanical artists from around the world. The works
included in the 12th International prove that in the
Heather Myers Exhibits at world of art the infinite variety of plant forms and colors
Loveland Museum & Gallery still holds special fascination and offers undiminished
Two pieces by Heather Myers were accepted into the challenge and delight.
Loveland Museum/Gallery regional artists show. A full–color, illustrated catalogue with biographical
Showing Nov. 3 to early February. Opening on data, portraits of the artists, and reproductions of the
Friday, November 9, 5-7 p.m. Fifth and Lincoln in artworks will accompany the exhibition. Collectively,
downtown Loveland. the 12 International catalogues include 1,016 artists
and are the most comprehensive record available of
contemporary botanical artists and illustrators.

Ann Fleming Exhibits at

ASBA 10th Annual International
Juried Exhibition
RMSBA member Ann Fleming is exhibiting in the
ASBA 10th Annual International Juried Exhibition
at the Horticultural Society of New York, September
18 – November 16, 2007. She was one of 31 artists
with work juried into the show. Her painting of three
columbine blooms was featured on our “Spring!” show
postcard.

“Columbine Blooms” Courtsey of Ann Fleming

6 www.botanicalartists.org RMSBA Fall 2007
 RMSBA Mt. Evans Artists' Retreat 2008
Kate Nessler - Watercolor on Vellum or Paper
July 17-19, 2008

K ate Nessler’s watercolor works are a masterful blend of absolute accuracy

and atmospheric aesthetic. Working on vellum or paper, Kate finds the
precise moment in the life of her specimen to illustrate. Using the natural
surface colorations of vellum, or when painting on paper, Kate finds the essence of
the plant as well as the science. This 3-day class includes demonstration,
individual support and critique, and lots of time to paint, paint, paint! Kate will
share her techniques with you, and help you develop your unique style. Kate’s
works are internationally collected, and 3 of her recent artworks were purchased
by the National Museum of Women in the Arts this year. You’ll find her deep
understand and experience in watercolor allow her to share her knowledge in a
friendly atmosphere, leading you to new heights in your watercolor skills.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to study with Kate Nessler at the Denver
University High Altitude Research Lodge on Mt. Evans. These workshops are
held the third week of July to provide you with the maximum Rocky Mountain
High Experience. This is the BEST weekend for seeing wildflowers in full bloom.
The mountain is lush this time of year.
Your workshop fee includes lunch and dinner on Day 1, three meals on Day 2
and breakfast and lunch on Day 3. A nice selection of entrees and snacks, which
includes vegetarian (not vegan) choices at every meal, is provided. All meals are
served buffet-style. Lodging is included for 2 nights in dormitory, single or double
rooms as available. You may request a single room or your roommate on the
registration form. Linens are provided.
The lodge is large, well furnished and comfortable, and there'll be time for peer
interaction, hiking and hanging out! Classes are held in the Lab, with full-spectrum
lighting and drawing boards provided. The workshop is limited to 15 participants.
Further information to make your retreat a great 'time-out' from hectic lives is
provided on confirmation of your registration.
Plan to arrive on the first day of your workshop around 9:00 AM to check in
and stow your gear. Classes begin at 10:00 AM on Day One, 9:00 AM on Days 2
and 3. Lunch breaks are 1 hour, and there is ample time and daylight for field sketching or other outdoor activities. Classes
end at 5:00 PM Days 1 and 2, and at 4:00 PM on Day 3 of the workshop.
Each year the workshop fills up quickly so do plan ahead! We look forward to seeing you!
Fee: $395 per RMSBA Member, $455 per non-Member
For questions, call us at PH: 303.438.9565; for full information, reservation form and payment
options including credit card go to www.pigs-fly.com, contact us at pigsflyworkshops@aol.com, or
complete the registration form below and return with your check made out to 'Pigs Fly Workshops'.
Our FAX is 303-438-1244; Mail: RMSBA Mt. Evans Retreat - Watercolor, 10374 Julian Court,
Workshops
Art education above the ordinary
Westminster, CO 80031. Thank You!
Detach and mail

Registration Form RMSBA 2008 Artists Retreat with Kate Nessler - Watercolor
Name:___________________________________________________________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________________________State:_____________ ZIP:________________________
PH:_______________________________________E-mail ________________________________________________
Please register me for Kate Nessler’s Watercolor Workshop
�RMSBA Member fee: $395 �Non-RMSBA Member fee: $455
Total Amount Enclosed: $_____________________________
I prefer �Vegetarian �Non-Vegetarian Meals �I have food allergies:________________________________
Requested Roommate: _____________________________________________________________________________
Roommate's Phone Number: ________________________________________________________________________
 Calendar
• September 18 – November 16, 2007 • ASBA 10th Anual
International Juried Exhibition at the Horticultural
Society of New York, exhibiting Ann Fleming.
• September 30 – December 20, 2007 • 12th
International Exhibition of Botanical Art RMSBA Officers 2007
and Illustration
• November 3 – 30, 2007 • Botanical Illustration
Program, Alumni Art Exhibit at Gates Garden
Court
• November 3 – December 31, 2007 • Botanical
Illustration Program, Alumni Art Exhibit at
Connors’ Exhibit Case
• November 3, 2007 • Loveland Museum/Gallery
exhibiting Heather Myers. Opening November 9, 2007
• December 2, 2007 • End of Year/Holiday
Meeting, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Susan Rubin’s
home in Denver.
• December 5, 2007 • Holiday Miniature Show and
Sale to benefit The Botanical Art & Illustration
Certificate Program. Drop off deadline is
November 12 – 16, 2007 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• March 15, 2008 • Spring Art Infomation Meeting
at Terry Ludwig Pastels 1 p.m. See page 1 for details
• June 9 – 11, 2008 • Mixed Media Workshop given
by Scott Rawlins, The Creative Arts Center of
Chatham, MA
• July 17 – 19, 2008 • Kate Nessler Watercolor on
Vellum or Paper, Pigs Fly workshop at Mt. Evans
Artists’ Retreat. Application inserted in ASBA Board of Directors voted for an increase in
this newsletter
Newsletter Deadlines
• January 12, 2008 • April 12, 2008
We welcome your articles, calendar events and images.
Please submit all text as an electronic file in .DOC
(Word), .XML (Excel), or the body of an e-mail. Please
submit images in digital format; .JPG, .TIF, .PDF and
at least 300 dpi (resolution; dots per inch) in color.
Contact Katie Nichols, Editor, at 303.513.5453, or Artwork is donated to RMSBA for exclusive use in
e-mail at katiejoey@comcast.net with questions and/
or submissions. Submissions not received by deadline
will not appear in the newsletter.
Thank You,
RMSBA Fall 2007
About the RMSBA
The Rocky Mountain Society of Botancial Artists
founded in 1997 is the first chapter of the American
Society of Botancial Artists and is open to all persons
interested in botancial illustration.
President: Patty McAuliffe
Vice President: Renee Jorgensen
Secretary: (co-position) Susi Olson and Bert Lutgen
Treasurer: Vicky MacWilliam
Marketing: vacant
Membership Chairperson: Sharon Garrett
Programs Development: Terry Ruiter
Exhibits: Carol Till
Logistics: Martha Long
Web Coordinator: Susin Rubin
Newsletter Editor: Katie Nichols
To join the RMSBA, please contact
Vicky MacWilliam, Treasurer, at:
Tele.: 719.495.2986
E-mail: hgvmacwm@worldnet.att.net
8285 Freeman Drive • Black Forest, CO 80908
Your $75.00 membership includes regular individual
membership in the RMSBA* and American Society of
Botancial Artists* and entitles you to receive both the
ASBA and RMSBA newsletters, as well as participate
in all open exhibits and functions. Membership is for
the calendar year. Memberships received after the
first of December in any year will be applied to the
following calendar year. On September 27, 2007 the
dues for 2008. This increase is only for the ASBA
portion of your RMSBA fees and everything else
will stay the same.
The newsletter is published quarterly in January,
April, July and October. Questions or contributions
for the newsletter, please contact Katie Nichols,
Editor, at:
Tel.: 303.513.5453
E-mail: katiejoey@comcast.net
7636 Gray Way • Arvada, CO 80003
this newsletter. Any other use is strictly prohibited
without written authorization of the artist.
The membership list is printed in whole in the Spring/
April Edition of the newsletter.
Reproduction of this newsletter is prohibited without
written permission from RMSBA.
www.botanicalartists.org 7
We Know
Want To
Questionnaire on RMSBA Meetings
Please respond to Terry Ruiter by e-mail at tlruiter@msn.com
or send in you comments via snail mail to Terry at
6260 S. Grant, Centenial, CO 80121-2279
1. What do you want to get out of being a member
of RMSBA?
a. The opportunity to show your botanical art? meetings?
b. The opportunity to learn new things at meetings?
c. The opportunity to socialize with other botanical
artists?
2. What topics would you like to have for meetings?
3. Would you like RMSBA to offer workshops?
RMSBA Fall 2007
7636 Gray Way • Arvada, CO 80003
4. What topics would you like?
5. Would you be willing to pay a fee for workshops?
How much?
6. What day works best for you for meetings?
What time of day?
7. Do you think we should have any general membership
8. W
 ould you prefer to have one end of year social
meeting and several shows?
9. Would you be willing to help with a show?
10. Do you have any thoughts on themes for shows?
www.botanicalartists.org 8