A letter from the Editor

Dear Friends:
Wealthy burghers who became the inspiration and patrons for artists made Dutch flower painting in the seventeenth century prominent. Paintings in this genre appeared everywhere – in private and public places and in the homes of people from every social status. Even though "Tulipmania" found its ultimate demise on the stock exchange floor, its origin was genuine – the love of flowers themselves. So passionate was the interest that it gave rise "to the greatest school of flower painting in the history of art," (Wilfrid Blunt, 1950), a school that today in the 21st Century is alive, well, and booming.

Although, the many successful artists one hears about with regard to flower and botanical painting, were men, the role of women in this field has been constant, prolific, and successful. In 1735, it was Madeline Basseporte (1701-1780), who succeeded Claude Aubriet, as Louis XV ‘s Peintre du Roi. The King, so smitten with her work, often visited her studio to watch her paint and employed her to teach his children.

Women may be been barred from academic pursuits, but many have succeeded in this art niche. Visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, in Washington, D.C. and see the works of 42 women botanical painters on exhibit. "Illustrating Nature: Three Centuries of Botanical Prints" is on display until July 22, 2001. The museum is open 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday and Noon to 5pm on Sundays.

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Summer in the City
Botanical Art Workshops
740 Madison Avenue @ 64th Street
Session 12: July 16 to July 20, 2001, 10am to 4pm $495
Session 15: Aug 20 to Aug 24, 2001, 10am to 4pm $495
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Summer in Vermont
Green Mountain College Academy
proudly sponsors TWO
Botanical Art Workshops
With instructor
Olivia Marie Braida Chiusano
At the beautiful Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont!
Art, Tennis, Golf, Swim, and more!!!

Session 13: Drawing
July 30-Aug 3, 9:30am to 4pm $355 ($305 Mem)

Session 14: Watercolor
Aug 6-Aug 10, 9:30am to 4pm $355 ($305 Mem)

Lodging packages available.
Please Call Rita Silverman for Details
802-362-0788

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