In Memorium: Marlu Winalski

"Nandina" by Marlu Winalski

The end of the year, in the deep chill and dark of December, is a traditional time to remember those who have brought warmth and light to our lives, yet have left us.  Marlu Winalski passed away this year.  She was a fellow botanical artist, student and avid volunteer  at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Before health problems interfered, Marlu seemed to be everywhere in the garden, her speciality being "Jane of All Trades" at the garden's twice-annual plant sales.

"Hyacinth Bean" by Marlu Winalski

I did not know Marlu as well as some, but I can tell you that I admired her spirit and kindness.  Many of us are grateful for her encouragement and support as we struggled with our drawings and paintings, and I include myself among this group. Marlu and I had several classes together and ate lunch in the classroom, just the two of us.  Marlu was unfailingly kind to me and interested in my life, as I was in hers. She was charming in conversation, yet talked about what I call "the tough stuff" with grace and dignity.  She was a person who kept pushing and trying, even as physical limits began to overtake her: yet, even then, she had a sparkle of vibrancy about her.  She loved gardens (and to deeply observe plants), people and adored her cat, Bridget.  She will be missed.  

"A friend who dies, it's something of you who dies." Gustave Flaubert.

Happy Holidays from CVABA

"Poinsettia" by Judy Gilman,   

http://www.gilmanarts.com/

A peaceful and joyous holiday season to all...
The Members of CVABA

Journey with Catesby

"Journey with Catesby"

by Paula Dabbs

     Take a journey with Mark Catesby, artist, explorer, scientist, and pioneer. In celebration of the 300th anniversary of his arrival in North America, Wilton House Museum is presenting "Designed to Perfection: Mark Catesby's Natural History" until February 3, 2013. Link to Wilton House here

     Mark Catesby (1683-1749) was not trained as an artist, but was a naturalist who first came to Virginia in 1712 and spent the next seven years studying and painting the native flora and fauna of British North America. To accomplish his goals, Catesby carried equipment and drawing materials with him into the wild. He returned to England with his collection of plants and seeds, as well as his illustrations, which brought him to the attention of the Royal Society and Sir Hans Sloane, later the founder of the British Museum. With new patrons, Catesby returned to America and continued to document the plants and animals of the Carolinas, Florida and Bahama Islands.

     His works from Natural History make up the the current show at Wilton House. Catesby's illustrations were notable for his time, as he was the first to depict plants, animals, birds, reptiles or fish together as they would appear in nature. He set a precedent for other artists, notably the great American naturalist John James Audubon, who gave credit to Catesby for influencing his work. His work lives on today as artists, botanists, historians, and conservationists continue to explore his landscapes and lasting legacy.

"Mr. Catesby, a Gentleman . . . well skill'd in Natural history who designs and paints in water colours to perfection." ~ William Sherard to Dr. Richard Richardson, November 20, 1720

Note: Wilton House Museum is located at 215 South Wilton Road, Richmond Virginia. It is open Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:30. Admission is $10.00 or $8.00 for Seniors or AAA Members.

Personal note: Catesby's work is Beautiful and worth seeing! I especially enjoyed meeting William Strollo, the Director of Education and Public Relations who was very knowledgeable about Catesby. He said he is working on a show of Audubon's work for later this year. However, the display space at Wilton is limited and some of the art is difficult to see, as it is hung too high in the upstairs landing - just my humble opinion!

Spotlight: Rebecca "Becky" Spangler

This month, we are sharing the work of one of our botanical artists, Rebecca Spangler. Enjoy!

"Red Echinacea" by Becky Spangler

"My sister grows different types/colors of echinacea in our back yard.   I thought they would be a challenge to paint.  It was more of a challenge due to my clumsiness.  Twice I managed to flip my brush on the painting.  The second time it was loaded with red paint....  Juliet  Kirby [Judy's note: Ms. Kirby is an Adult Educator at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens] came to the rescue - she helped me remove some of the red paint and work the rest into the painting." [Judy's note: and what a wonderful outcome!]

 

"Pink Cally Lily" Becky Spangler 

"The pink calla lily is also a result of my sister's green thumb.  They are very hardy flowers.  She thought they were annuals, but they are perennials in our yard."

Look for more spotlighted artists here!