October Natural Treasures Challenge: Harvest

This month we have six entries for our Natural Treasures Challenge theme of Harvest. All entries are in coloured pencil with several pieces completed on a dark background. The November theme will be Stayin' Alive and will give participants the challenge of finding a subject that has survived the chilly temperatures and the odd snow flurry.

Swiss Chard in coloured pencil by Lynn Moore

Tomatoes in coloured pencil by Lynn Moore

Gourd in coloured pencil by Mary Atkins

Honeycrisp Apple in coloured pencil by Carla Burns

Butternut Squash in coloured pencil by Janice Kelly

Yellow Pear in coloured pencil by Kathryn MacDonald

From the Ground Up Exhibition -- Opening Reception

We had a very successful opening reception for the From the Ground Up Exhibition which will be closing on Tuesday, October 22, 2019. We thank our contributing artists and volunteers.

OSBA Members Kathryn MacDonald and Kathryn Wright

OSBA Members Kris Rothschild and Lyne Moore

Visitors and OSBA Members Viewing Artwork

OSBA Member Nancy Savage

Visitors and OSBA Members Viewing Artwork

Natural Treasures Challenge "Changes"

The theme for our September Natural Treasures Challenge was "Changes". Two of our members, Mary Atkins and Inga Legere, submitted colourful leaves.  Next month we'll be featuring artwork from our October theme of "Harvest".

Amelanchier canadensis, from left to right,  Watercolour, Graphite and Coloured Pencil by Inga Legere

Silver Maple in Coloured Pencil by Mary Atkins

Meet the Artists Reception on Sunday, September 29, 1-3 pm

Beet in Coloured Pencil and Inktense by Jan Salmon

You are invited to view our new exhibit From the Ground Up! opening on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at the Shenkman Arts Centre. The exhibit features artwork by 21 OSBA members and includes 32 pieces of contemporary botanical artwork. The show runs from September 26 to October 22, 2019. Regular Gallery hours are Monday to Saturday, 8:30 am to 10:30 pm and on Sunday until 8:00 pm. Admission is free. For further information visit artsshenkman.ca.

Join us on Sunday, September 29, 1-3 pm, for a Meet the Artists Reception -- a multi-gallery event.  In addition to our excellent botanical exhibition, there will be three additional exhibits to view:

1) Arteast in their permanent gallery in the lower level of the Shenkman Centre

2) images by local photographer Dyanne Wilson

3) graduation show by OSBA member, Raewyn Khosla, who has completed the Ottawa School of Art Fundamentals Certificate.

Hosta in Coloured Pencil by Kris Rothschild

August Natural Treasures Challenge: Orange Mushrooms

OSBA member Carla Burns painted orange mushrooms for the August theme of "Something Yellow/Orange". This painting and many other beautiful botanical artwork can be viewed at our upcoming exhibit "From the Ground Up!" from September 26 to October 21, 2019, at the Trinity Art Gallery -- Salon A, Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa, Ontario.

Orange Mushrooms in watercolour by Carla Burns

August Natural Treasures Challenge: Something Yellow

The theme for this month's Natural Treasures Challenge is "Something Yellow" which aslo includes orange subjects. We were inspired by the golden hues of August and have captured the beauty of later season flowers, plants and fungi. The theme for September will be "Changes" as we capture the beauty of early Autumn.

Tithonia - Mexican Sunflower in coloured pencil by Mary Atkins

Yellow Iris in watercolour by Celeste Dion

July Natural Treasures Challenge "Something Red"

The theme for the July Natural Treasures Challenge is "Something Red". Artists were encouraged to think beyond flowers to fruit and vegetables.

Lychnis coronaria, Rose Campion in watercolour pencil and coloured pencil by Mary Atkins

Actuaea rubra, Red Banberry Fruit in Watercolour, 8" x 10", Stillman & Birn Zeta Series Paper, by Kathryn MacDonald

Rainier Cherries in Watercolour by Carla Burns