November 2008

Dear Friends:

With the many distance learners working their way through the Academy of Botanical Art�s certificate program, the question of shipping artwork for review raises a HUGE topic. At the risk of repeating myself in my Studio News newsletter, let me offer of a very simple and nice way to ship your art for review.

To begin with, you want to start with standard cut mat boards. They are not as thick as the foam boards and so will take up less room in shipping. Since most of your work is completed on drawing paper that is either 14� X 17�, or a � sheet of watercolor paper (11� X 15�), you can cut your mat boards to 15.5� X 19.5�. This will leave a border around the art paper to protect its corners from getting crunched.

Once you have affixed your art to the board and placed your protective tracing paper overlay (labeled with your name, date, assignment number, etc.), you can stack the boards neatly into a Gray Museum Storage Box (16x20 with 3 Inch Depth).

These storage boxes are museum quality archival and acid free. They will protect your artwork for storage and shipping. They have metal corners for stacking strength, acid-free buffered cardboard with calcium carbonate to help neutralize airborne pollutants and a drop- front for easy access. Place the artwork and art boards in the �Museum Box� and secure with bubble wrap. If you find you are shipping more than 3� of materials, then simply use two boxes. In any case, if you do order this, I suggest you order at least two or three boxes. The price is right for these reusable boxes. At the link above you will find them for only $20.50 each!

Once you have your assignments neatly packaged in the �Museum Box�, then take the box to the UPS store and have then ship it in once of their larger boxes. Remember to ask for a paid return shipping label before you seal up the box. Put the return paid label inside the museum box and then seal up the outside box. You will have to tell UPS not to use �foam peanuts� but a paper stuffing or bubble pack to prevent the inside museum box from rattling around.

Many students find these archival boxes a wonderful place to store their completed work in lieu of purchasing the metal flat file cabinet. Since the cabinets are large and expensive, these �Museum Boxes� can be conveniently placed under a bed, or on a closet or book shelf.

And now for those of you are will be making your presentation of your final independent study for certification, I thought you would like to know about a �Thesis Presentation Kit� that is offered by Shar D�cor Art Gallery and Custom Framers.

This very professional company has been in business since 1983 and aside from customer framing and Gicl�e printing, it has agreed to offer Academy Students a �standard kit� and a �deluxe kit� that includes acid free materials beautifully prepared to house your original artwork. The kit will allow you to simply insert your artwork and ship it for presentation. The Deluxe Kit will offer scanning, CD of artwork, Gicl�e prints for your professional portfolios and the presentation folders for shipping. Everything is standard sizing and thus will allow your artwork to be framed in standard moldings to avoid the cost of custom sized frames.

If you would like more information about these �Thesis Presentation Kits� just let us know. To learn more about Shar D�cor, visit their website or call the owner Sharon. Tell her you heard the news from us�.

As you can see �necessity is the mother of invention.� The Academy is trying to stay a step ahead of student needs in an attempt to keep you painting and growing in your artwork so be sure to send us any more ideas you have for streamlining your Academy experience.

And in between all those pencil strokes, know that I am cheering you on and wishing you the most wonderful Thanksgiving. I am grateful to all of you for enriching my life. God bless. OM

Travel Announcement

Save $250 Per person on Bugs, Beasts, & Botanicals Artist Tour to Costa Rica!

I have just heard from the tour company in Costa Rica that the hotels are looking for confirmation on the room reservations. I have 4 rooms left ! For anyone that is considering going on this Fantastic Trip I will need to hear from you by November 20th. In this tough economy I am able to extend the offer of a $250 discount per person. Remember that....... Winter will soon be upon us and what better way to beat the winter blues...... A tropical artist and photography tour to beautiful Costa Rica, February 19-28, 2009. This is our 12th year! We have lots of great activities planned. Learn to draw, paint, photograph and more!!!!!

The price includes the following:

• Airport meet and transport to hotel.
• A/C motor coach.
• Driver and his expenses.
• 9 nights hotel lodging.
• Meals included: 24 (9 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners).
• Entrance fee and visit to Amigos De Las Aves, Selva Verde Lodge bat tour at La Tirimbina, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Flores Garden Green Coast Garden, Aviarios Del Caribe, Caribbean Aerial Tram
• Taxes on lodging (16.39%) and meals (23%) included in this program.
• Full operational support services by Horizontes Nature Tours.
• Radio communication with the motor coach.
• Cooler with ice, water and refreshments in the motor coach.

We will be visiting some new places as well as some old favorites. For a full itinerary and prices go to:
http://www.studio16online.com/Studio_16/Art_Tours.html

Announcement

Florida Native Plant Society
2009 Calendar now available!

The Magnolia Chapter has once again produced a beautiful calendar for 2009 -- Native Plants for the Garden. Their calendars are offered to the general public for $15 If you would like to place an order please contact Amy or Mike Jenkins at fnps_magnolia@nettally.com or 850-766-6719. We look forward to hearing from you!

Click Here To Visit Our Book Store

Book Buys

Thanks!
How the New Science of
Gratitude Can Make You Happier

by Robert Emmons

Thank You Power:
Making the Science of
Gratitude Work for You

by Deborah Norville

Words of Gratitude for
Mind, Body, and Soul

by Robert A. Emmons & Joanna Hill

Attitudes of Gratitude:
How to Give and Receive
Joy Everyday of Your Life

by M. J. Ryan

Today's Botanical Artists

By Cora Marcus and Libby Kyer

Now Available for Anyone Interested in Endangered Species, Bromeliads or Palms

Endangered Species for Botanical Artists
This wonderful course is available to anyone interested in the study of endangered species.
Academy Students earn elective credits for taking this course and completing the enclosed exam. A wealth of information that all will find extremely interesting.
Academy Electives: 15
by John Beckner, Botanist
$95.00

Bromeliads for Botanical Artists
The structure of bromeliad plants and their flowers
with suggestions for ways to illustrate and
better understand these exciting plants.
by John Beckner, Botanist
$49.95

Palms for the Botanical Artist
This publication is just the tip of an iceberg.
Palms are plants inclined to large dimensions.
They are very numerous and more varied than you first imagine. This text is for the person interested in illustrating them in various ways;
artistic or scientific and as a motif for crafts. But nearly all of it will be useful to plant lovers, tropical nature fans, gardeners and other people.
by John Beckner, Botanist
$49.95

Click here to learn more about the
Academy and its instructors

ABA Instruction & Course Paks

The Academy of Botanical Art�s flexible program allows for distance learners to tailor a schedule of botanical art training to their needs that includes phone tutored lessons, classes with the Ringling College of Art and Design, the Marie Selby Botanical Garden, and Academy workshops now offered in several locations. Distance learners take advantage of classes offered in their hometown as part of their study program. There is hardly an excuse left not to join the Academy's growing school.

Book Volumes 1-8 = $38.00 each
Book Volumes 9 & 10 = $50.00 each
Full Set of Ten Step Books...$335.00
Plus Shipping and Handling

Accompanying ABA Course Paks
Volumes 1-10 = $19.00 each
Full set of ABA Course Paks...$157.00
Plus Shipping & Handling

Click Here To Order

OM Art Book Store
OM Art Class Art Supplies
OM Art Instruction Books

The aim of Life is to Live, and to Live means to be Aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely, Aware .

-Henry James

He who wants to expand the field of happiness, let him lay the foundation of it on the bottom of his heart.

-Tao Saying

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. br />
-John Fitzgerald Kennedy

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.


-Ralph Waldo Emerson

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.

-Thornton Wilder

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.

-Aesop

It is delightfully easy to thank God for the grace we ourselves have received, but it requires great grace to thank God always for the grace given to others.

-James Smith

You can now combine
Distance Learning with Class Time
at any of our locations!!!

Studio 20

Time:
All Private Studio Classes
are from 9:30am to 2:30pm

Location:
2068 Sunnyside Lane, Sarasota, FL, 34239.
Just off 41 in the Southgate area two blocks north of Webber and the Mall.

Studio 20 Class Dates:
Thursdays, 9:30am to 2:30pm
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
November 6, 13, 20
December 4, 11, 18
January 8, 15, 22, 29
February 5, 12, 19, 26
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28

Tuition:
4 classes/20 hours: $450
Individual class: $125
Refreshments provided, but you may want to bring your own lunch.

Credit Cards Accepted!
Register Here

Or contact olivia@omartdesigns.com
Or Call 941-953-9999 for more information

New York City Spring
Workshops with O.M. Braida

Location:
New Studio for the Art of Painted Finishes
15 East 77th Street (Between 5th & Madison)
Ground Floor - Garden Level Studio

Time:
9:30am to 4:30pm

Dates:
May 4 - 8, 2009

Tuition: One Five-Day Workshop........................ $875.00
Some single day seats may be available at $180 per day.

Credit Cards Accepted!
Register Here

Or contact olivia@omartdesigns.com
Or Call 941-953-9999 for more information

Academy of Botanical Art @
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

To Register, visit www.selby.org
Or Call Marilynn Shelley 941-366-5731 x 239

2008-9 Academy @ Selby Schedule

Botanical Drawing & Watercolor � Noon to 5pm

Nov. 10, 11, 12 w/ Olivia Braida
Dec. 8, 9, 10 w/ Olivia Braida
Jan.19, 20, 21 w/ Susan Hubbard
Feb. 16, 17, 18 w/ Olivia Braida
March 23, 24, 25 w/ Olivia Braida
April 20 to 25 w/ Olivia Braida
May 18, 19, 20 w/ Olivia Braida

Certificate in Calligraphy
with renowned Instructor
Victoria Kibildis

Five 4-Hour Classes for Each Course --
12 Noon to 4pm

To Register, visit www.selby.org
Or Call Marilynn Shelley 941-366-5731 x 239

2009

1. Roman Capitals: Fri, Oct 17, 24, 31 Nov 7 & 14
2. Humanist Book Hand: Fri, Jan 16,23,30 Feb 6,13
3. Formal & Semi-Formal Italic: Fri, Mar 13, 20, 27 Apr 3,10
4. Copperplate Script: Sat, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
5. Illuminated Manuscript: Fri, Oct 16, 23, 30 Nov 6 & 13 (includes art instruction in composition for manuscripts w/ Olivia Braida

If you miss one of the courses, the program repeats itself. You can start your certificate program from any course except Course 5. So if you miss one of the courses you can catch it when it comes around again. Students who want to achieve the certificate need to take all five courses. Students are welcome to take these courses even if you do not intend to work toward a certificate.

Botanical Art & Illustration
Certificate Program Classes
Ringling College of Art and Design

Spring 2009 Term

Open Studios

• Beautiful Botanicals - For Drawing & Watercolor
• Botanical Watercolor III
• Botanical Watercolor IV

Thursdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5
6:30pm to 9:30pm
and
Thursdays, March 12, 19, 26, April 2, April 9
6:30pm to 9:30pm

To Register, visit www.ringling.edu
Or call, 941-955-8866

Open Studio Workshops
for all levels
w/Olivia Braida
October to December - 6:30 to 9:30pm

Academy @ Kentucky
with Leslie Ramsey

ANNOUNCING

Botanical Workshops
with Certified Academy Instructor

Leslie Ramsey

Certified Botanical Artist

Day & Evening Classes
Day: 9 am to 2 pm $300 (individual class $100)
Evening: 5:30pm - 8:30pm $200 (individual class $75)

Art supplies and books not included.
For recent Arboretum/Kentucky University
Workshop attendees who completed Drawing I and Watercolor I, pursue the next level book
Drawing II and Watercolor II.
For Books and Course Paks and Art Supplies visit�
www.botanicalartsupplies.com

To Register, call Leslie Ramsey: 606-434-4280

"Today's Botanical Artist"
Artist contributors
to the newly released book
will exhibit ORIGINAL work

Till Christmas 2008

A portion from art sales will go to
The Horticultural Society of New York

Ursus Books Ltd.
981 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10075
Tel. (212) 772-8787
Fax (212) 737-9306

Shop Hours: Monday-Friday 10-6 Saturday 11-5 http://www.ursusbooks.com/

********

"Today's Botanical Artist"
Artist contributors
to the newly released book
Art Reproductions on Sale Now

Art Exhibit Scheduled
November 28 to December 30
East End Books
53 The Circle
East Hampton, NY 11937
631-324-8680

http://eastendbookstore.com/index.html

South Florida Museum
201 10th Street West
Bradenton, Florida 34205
(941) 746-4131
http://www.southfloridamuseum.org/

John and Mable Ringling Museum
5401 Bay Shore Road,
Sarasota Florida 34243
(941) 359-5700
http://www.ringling.org/

Museum of Fine Arts
255 Beach Drive NE, St.
Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 896-2667
http://www.fine-arts.org/

Salvador Dali Museum
1000 Third Street South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-4901
(727) 823-3767
http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/home.html

Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890
(412) 268-2434
http://huntbot.andrew.cmu.edu/

National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20005-3970
(202) 783-5000
1-800-222-7270
http://www.nmwa.org/

Smithsonian Institute
10th Street and Constitution Ave., NW in Washington, D.C. 20560
(202) 633-1000
http://www.si.edu/

Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10028
(212) 535-7710
http://www.metmuseum.org/

American Museum of Natural History
79th Street @ Central Park West
New York, New York
(212) 769-5100
http://www.amnh.org/

American Museum of Natural History
79th Street @ Central Park West
New York, New York
(212) 769-5100
http://www.amnh.org/

Modern Museum of Art
11 West 53 Street,
New York, NY 10019-5497
(212) 708-9400
http://www.moma.org/

Brooklyn Museum of Art
200 Eastern Pkwy
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(718) 638-5000
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/

High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 733-HIGH
Receptionist: 404-733-4400
http://www.high.org/

Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois, 60603-6404
(312) 443-3600
http://www.artic.edu/aic/

Bruce Museum One Museum Drive
Greenwich, CT 06830
203-869-0376
http://www.brucemuseum.org/

Harvard University Museum of Natural History
Home of the famous Glass Flower Sculptures
by Leopold Blaschka (1822-1895)
and his son Rudolf (1857-1939)
22 Divinity Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 495-2365
http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/

Locate Other Fine Art Museums

Click Here To Locate Natural History
Museums Anywhere in the World

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Museums in the United States

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Museums of the World

Click Here To Locate Botanical
Gardens of the World

Click here to find a garden in your area

Click here to visit dukegardens.org