Roberta Rosenthal Botanical, Landscape and Sumi-e Art

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-03T07:56:00.000-08:00

A Happy and Peaceful New Year to all in 2012.

I was expecting to complete an essay on mixing your own watercolors with dry pigments but got sidetracked with a more personal New Years essay.

Sondra Gail feeding Pigeons in the Park

January 1, 2012 by Roberta Rosenthal © 2012 all rights reserved

In 1974 I was asked by my father to paint a picture for his cousin Ben as a gift,. It was to be a painting of Ben’s grand daughter, Sondra Gail. I’d never met her in person but was given a photograph. I placed Sondra Gail in my favorite part of Bronx Park in New York close to where I grew up. She lived in Joplin, Missouri and had never been to the Bronx. I had traveled to Joplin as a child, later as a bridesmaid for her parent’s wedding and again as the first stop on my honeymoon so my husband could meet that side of my family.

I lived and went to school in New York City for most of my life. Those vacations to Joplin balanced my life in the city where most of my activities revolved around the arts. In Joplin I sat in my cousin’s pawn shop observing their business activities and peering around the store into old glass and oak cabinets which held guns, tools, radios, T.V. sets with rabbit ear antennas, jewelry, watches, coins, stamps, and high up on steel shelves taxidermy specimens of fox and other small animals. I was fond of the big old cash register that really made a ka-ching sound every time a sale was made. At the back of the store was a huge black safe with fancy gold lettering with the name “Ben Milgrim Pawn Shop” on it.

I would get a bottle of “pop” instead of soda and cousin Pauline brought a big picnic basket filled with lunch complete with red and white fabric gingham napkins. Their home had a wrap around porch with rockers and a backyard vegetable garden. They taught me about pickles from seed planting to jarring. Malteds were made in a big avacado green mixer and tasted better than anything I ever got at Jan’s ice cream parlor on Fordham Road. I learned how to shoot a gun at the rifle range, went fishing at Shoal Creek, visited mineral museums, Indian reservations and ate at the Mickey Mantle Motel Restaurant which were quite the “in” places to go to in Joplin. At the house I stayed in the “maid’s” room, a small closed space off the kitchen which was bright, cozy and comfortable where I would listen to my new turquoise Phillips transistor radio given to me from a shelf in the store and country music would lull me to sleep.

In the Bronx I lived in an apartment in a federal government project five stories above a single tree with shrubs and grass below. The Bronx Park was a short walk and became my backyard. This is where I played and would feed the squirrels and pigeons. I gathered acorns in the fall because they seemed so interesting to me. I once brought them home and kept them in a closed bag in my dresser. Months later my mother found them, opened the bag and gasped at the worms inside.

In the painting I depicted Sondra, about 8 years old, with a blond pony tail in a tee shirt and blue jeans holding a bag of acorns and throwing them to the pigeons. In the background was a landscape of grass, trees, and a section of park bench occupied by a womans legs and a handbag. The painting was 18” x 24” sketched in pencil and painted with watercolor on smooth illustration board. At the time I was a budding commercial artist designing textiles and home furnishing accessories working full time for an art studio. In the evening I worked on my fine art work. I was also recuperating from a emotional disturbance in my life. My parents thought doing this quiet, calm, realistic painting would be a step towards recovery. The paintings I had recently completed were based on a wild vacation in Europe and Greek Islands in the early 1970’s vibrating with bright psychedelic colors, abstract forms and shapes with imaginary views.

I don’t recall the painting taking very long but it was detailed and pleasant with a fashion illustration hand, nice grass, trees and a feeling of being cared for and nurtured. When it was completed my father wrapped it up and mailed it to Ben who put it into an inexpensive frame and hung it in his home. It was his first grand child. But Ben always wanted me to design a duck stamp. I sensed that Ben was a little disappointed that it wasn’t a duck stamp illustration. Now that was art!

Decades flew by and Ben passed away at age 100. I didn’t go to the funeral but my brother did. He sent me a picture of me with the painting which my father had taken before mailing it but it instantly vanished into a black hole in my studio.

In March of 2011 I got a call from a stranger, Susie Clark, asking if I had done a painting of a girl feeding pigeons. I said yes and that she must be calling from Joplin, Missouri. She said she and her husband Mitch went to an estate sale at Ben’s home and found the painting in the garage where they fell in love with it. Was I really the artist? They didn’t pay much for it as it had water damage at the edges and the frame wasn’t in great shape. A real bargain. They took photos of the painting on their wall and holding it. They sent me the photos of it in a Walmart envelope. I was somewhat surprised that my cousins didn’t keep the painting of Sondra Gail. I sent Susie and Mitch a certificate of authenticity with its current value, which was far more than they paid, since I was now an established artist with a history of sales, gallery and museum exhibitions. They asked me how to restore the work and the best way to frame it. I sent them detailed instructions and they did it right away.

On May 22nd, a short time after they restored and reframed the painting, a devastating tornado hit Joplin, Missouri totally destroying their home, car and everything that Susie and Mitch owned, including the Sondra Gail painting. Their home was in the direct path of the storm. Fortunately they were at Walmart in a bathroom and their lives were spared. They went about the task of rebuilding their life. I sent them a new certificate of authenticity and the photos they had sent me of them with the painting as proof of ownership for the insurance claim. Claiming the current value of the painting helped them recoup enough money to start over again. I felt so good about getting to know these brave warm people. Then Mitch got inspired to paint. I was honored when he sent me his first small watercolor and kept e-mailing me images of his newest paintngs. The work was a little primitive but looked good.

On January 1, 2012 Susie called me to tell me that Ben’s Pawn Shop store contents was being auctioned. She and Mitch were going and what would I like? I said, “just look for paper items but I really don’t need anything”. They found a framed photograph of Ben, Pauline, Martin, his son and wife Maxine, the parents of Sondra Gail, in the store. They bought it for me and sent an instant phone picture of them holding it with cousin Martin. Though the tornado took the material part of the painting into a dark tunnel of the unknown, the spirit of it continued and grew into a new friendship and inspired a new artist. It renewed my ties with my cousins I had not seen in for decades. My “Wizard of Oz” family from Missouri and that painting now have an ongoing history. It may also renew my interest in creating a Federal duck stamp, My art has already been published as botanical postage stamps for Palau and the Marshall Islands. So why not a duck stamp for Missouri?

Happy Holidays!! Season's Greetings December 2011

2011-11-29T08:02:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I am still giving thanks.

Welcoming the 2011 Holiday Season.

"Poinsettia and Callicarpa berries",
watercolor
Wurtsboro Art Alliance Gallery to
Dec. 18, 2011

Sunday Art Classes continue at Squirrel Nest Studio, Bloomingburg, NY December 4 &; 11, 2011, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm. New classes begin on Sundays, April 1, 2012.

Wurtsboro Art Alliance Gallery Members Exhibiton continues to December 18th. 73 Sullivan St. Wurtsboro, NY open on Sat. & Sun. noon - 4 pm.

Riverwinds Gallery exhibit "Reflections" at Wells Fargo Advisors, Rhinebeck, NY opening reception, December 9th, 5 - 7 pm. Exhibit continues through January 16, 2012.

"Basha Kill Reflections"

Original watercolor,

Giclee print at

Riverwinds@Wells Fargo, Rhinebeck, NY

Artist Reception Dec. 9, 2011, 5 - 7 pm

New York Botanical Garden Course
"Special Effects in Gouache for Natural Science Subjects",
BIL484, Mondays, January 9 - February 13 ( no class Jan. 16), 10 am - 1:35 pm.
Pre-requisite: Botanical Drawing II-BIL 302. Track 2 (Elective Tract I).

"Two Dahlias",
ink and gouache on swirl rice paper
8.5. x 11" unframed.

Blog and Facebook

Special Holiday Sale

Squirrel Nest Studio - Bloomingburg, NY

Thurs. & Fri.
December 15, 16, and 21, 22, 23, 2011
Call for a studio appointment or online visit.
Contact: rozenart@aol.com
Select original paintings, drawings, pins, giclee prints and mini-print cards.
Buy an unframed painting (8.5 x 11" or less) and
get a free mini-print giclee print when you mention my blog or facebook.

"Downy Woodpecker",
ink and watercolor on gold speckle rice paper,
8.5 x 11", unframed.

"Snowy Cardinal"
hand ground ink and watercolor pigments
on rice paper
9" x 12" unframed

This is the perfect time to get your tax deductible gift giving investments. (Please read Sunday, November 27, 2011 NY Times article on the Lauder Art Collection) Don't miss your opportunity to add or start your own collection. Begin with mini-prints and as you increase your interest add small originals. Buying unframed art let's you custom frame to your interior decor.

Coming in 2012:
• Why buy art? I will be writing an article in January 2012 on the art of art collecting.
• New art classes in New Jersey.
• New courses at NYBG.
• East Coast - West Coast workshops.
• Special exhibition in NYC and much more.

For this holiday season I will be posting a new excerpt for my book Sumi-e Painting II. "Painting with hand ground mineral pigments." Coming soon.

"Cardinals on Pine with Thistle"

hand ground ink and watercolor/gouache

9" x 12"

on light green rice paper, unframed.

Follow me on Facebook and press like at Roberta Rosenthal's Paintings.
Want to make an appointment to view the studio collection contact rozenart@aol.com

Happy Halloween! October - November 2011

2011-10-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

The leaves are falling, early morning frost, pumpkins, apple pie and hot tea.

My latest painting anticipating winter.

"Mountain Lion on Birch in Snow"

ink, watercolor and gouache on rice paper, 14" x 14"

******

RiverWinds Gallery @ Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC.

6423 Montgomery Street (Route 9), Suite 10 (2nd Flr.),

Rhinebeck, NY,

Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

October 27, 2011 - January 19, 2012

Artist Reception: Friday, Dec. 9th, 5 - 7 p. m.

Juried Exhibition: "Reflections"

"Bashakill Sumi-e"

ink and watercolor, 20" x 24"

matted and framed s/n giclee print

****

Art Workshop at

Squirrel Nest Studio

Sundays, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
November 6, 13, 20, 2011

Botanical Watercolor pencils layered with Watercolor

and

Sumi-e Asian Brush Painting

Registration contact: rozenart@aol.com

"Temple Sybelle"

Butte Chaumont, Paris, France

ink, watercolor and gouache on rice paper

13" x 18"

•••••

Tenafly, NJ Senior Center

Botanical Watercolor Pencils Workshop

and

Sumi-e Asian Brush Painting Demo

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 pm

(filled)

Demo at 1 p. m.

201) 569-2159 or
tscenter@optonline.net

•••••

Painting Plum Blossoms

Seasonal Highlights course

New York Botanical Garden

November 22 & 29, 10 am - 3:30 pm

www.nybg.org

"Plum blossom and butterfly"

ink and watercolor

giclee prints only

September 2011

2011-09-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

Red tail Hawk and trumpet vine

12 x 16 ink and watercolor on rice paper

To be auctioned September, 2012

at Ellenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary Luncheon

Eagle's Nest Ballroom, Bloomingburg, NY

*****

NEW SPECIAL

Introductory Watercolor Pencil
for Botanical Art Workshop
and
Sumi-e Painting Demo

Tenafly Senior Center
20 South Summit Center

Tenafly, NJ

Thurday, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm

November 10, 2011

To register contact: 201-569-2159

Trio 3
watercolor on Magnani cold pres
4.5" x 9"

Trio 1
watercolor on Magnani
4.5" x 9"

Trio 2
watercolor on Magnani

watercolor on Arches rough watercolor paper

*****

Botanical/Sumi-e Workshop

at Squirrel Nest Studio

September 18 - November 20, 2011

Sundays, 10:30 am -3:30 pm

Bloomingburg, NY

filled through Oct. 9th

(waiting list available)

******

"Last of Marie's Dahlias"
ink, watercolor and gouache
9" x 12"

To purchase original paintings or giclee prints
contact : rozenart@aol.com ****
New Exhibit
Wurtsboro Art Alliance Gallery
73 Sullivan Street Wurtsboro, NY
"Favorite Places"
I have 9 original works of art in this member show.
Art Reception Opening: Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011
2 - 6 pm

Wallkill River, ink, watercolor and gouache
12" x 16"
First Place Award Summer Challenge
Master/Instructor
Oriental Art Supplies 2010-2011
****

August 2011

2011-07-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

New Paintings

Squirrels Nest Studio in Bloomingburg, NY

"Hawk with Trumpet vine flowers"

ink and watercolor on Hahnemuhle rice paper

12" x 16" unframed

"New Guinea Impatiens"

ink and watercolor on silver and gold flecked paper

10" x 14" unframed

"Showa Landscape"

based on a 1920's unidentified painting

ink and watercolor on silk

17" x 33" unframed

to purchase contact: rozenart@aol.com

•••••

Botanical Art Class
Saturdays Final class rescheduled for Aug. 13th
Catskill Art Society
Livingston Manor, NY
www.catskillartsociety.org

•••••

New Exhibit
Flowers, Plants and Vegetables
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 20, noon - 4pm

73 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro, NY

www.waagallery.org

Indian Corn / Maize
watercolor pencil and watercolor on
Fabriano Artistico hot press
24" x 36" framed

•••••

Sign up now for
Sumi-e brush painting
and/or
Botanical Art
Squirrels Nest Studio, Bloomingburg, NY
Sundays, Sept. 11, 18, 25
Oet. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Nov. 6, 13, 20
10:30 am - 3:30 pm
seating is limited
contact: rozenart@aol.com

Daylily and Peach
watercolor pencil and watercolor
on Magnani watercolor paper

•••••

Fall/Winter 2011 - 2012
(my 25th year teaching at)
New York Botanical Garden
Adult Education
Botanical Art Certificate Program
Bronx, NY

Painting Botanical on Rice and Silk Papers
BIL 480
4 Saturdays, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12
10 am - 3:30 pm
and
Seasonal Highlights: Plum Blossoms
on rice and silk paper with ink and watercolor
2 Tuesdays, 11/22 and 11/29

•••••
New workshops and classes
coming soon to more tri-state area venues.

For sale
The last of the
best kolinsky red sable brushes
(the brand I have been using for forty years)
Students and professionals beg for them.
I am selling a select group of new perfect
series #999 and #901
Discontinued forever.
The best I ever used.
contact me before they are gone
rozenart@aol.com

•••••

July 2011 Summer has arrived!

2011-06-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

Roberta received 1st Place Ribbon Award & Certificate
for "Pine & Stream",
"Fields and Streams", Juried Exhibition
WAA Gallery, Wurtsboro, NY
7/9/11- 8/7/11

WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

NYBG - New York Botanical Garden - Bronx, NY

Practical Aspects - BIL 391B
Professional Business Practices and Marketing for Artists
Summer intensive certificate course:
Learn how to create a winning portfolio, promotion kits, pricing art,
and how to get your art sold.
Monday, July 11 - July 15th, 10 am -1:45 pm.
Contact www.nybg.org to register.

CAS - Catskill Art Society - Livingston Manor, NY

Summer Weekend Workshops
July 23 - August 7, 2011

Botanical Art Watercolor and Watercolor Pencil
Saturdays, July 23, 30 and Aug 6th, 11 am - 4 pm

Contact to register: www.catskillartsociety.org

Plan ahead for fall/winter:
New at NYBG Painting on Silk
4 Saturdays, Oct 22 - Nov. 12, 10 am - 1 pm
Using Asian brush techniques, learn how to grind ink and
create tone values, incorporate watercolor on silk paper.
Traditional subjects bamboo, chrysanthemum and orchid.

and
New! Painting Plum Blossoms
Painting Botanicals with Ink & Watercolor on Rice & Silk Papers
122BIL437 Section B: 2 Tuesdays, Nov. 22 & 29, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m

2012

Special Effect in Gouache for Natural Science Subjects

BIL 484: 5 Mondays, Jan 9 - Feb 13 (no class Jan 16), 10 am -1:35 pm

EXHIBITS

July 9 - August 7, 2011

Wurtsboro Art Alliance Gallery

2nd Juried Salon Exhibition

"Fields and Streams"

Guest Juror: Linda Richichi

Music and light refreshments

Gallery hours. Sat. & Sun. noon - 4 pm

73 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro, NY

www.waagallery.org

Sunday Workshops at Squirrel Nest Studio

Sundays, October 2, 9. 16, 30,

Fall - Fruits, Leaves, Berries and seasonal plants

and

November 6, 13, 20,

Amaryllis, Poinsettias and Chrysanthemums
10:00 am - 3:30 pm.

Botanical Watercolor pencil, watercolor on watercolor paper

or Sumi-e ink on rice paper or silk

Minimum 3 students per class/Maximum 5.

No make up sessions except for inclement weather conditions.

All registrations must be received and paid 10 days prior to the first class.
To register Call: 845-733-1848 or email: rozenart@aol.com

May - June 2011 Happy Spring!

2011-05-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy return of spring.

Paeonia 'Sarah Bernhardt', watercolor
unframed contact for price

Peonies on bloom now at the studio's woodland garden.
Due to wet weather only a few are blooming.
Expecting the deep red/magenta
Paeonia lactiflora Karl Rosenfield to bloom in a few days.
A new painting is coming soon.

P.J.M. Rhododendron, watercolor/gouache
commissioned by Weston Nurseries as their Garden Club logo.
Featured in the New York Botanical Garden Education
Spring/Summer catalog.

Unmatted museum quality giclee prints
on 300 gsm Hahnemuhle paper
7" x 9" print $150.00 and 13" x 18" print $300.00.
Signed/numbered edition of 100.

Open edition Frameable Greeting Card mini print
3.3" x 4.7" in a 5 x 7" in a Strathmore mat card.
Gift set of 4 for $25.00.
Shipping additional.

*****
Iris Sensation, 12 x 15", watercolor, framed
contact for price

*****

I am excited to report that two of my sumi-e paintings
won first and second place in the Master/Instructor category
of the Oriental Brush Supply Summer Challenge contest.
To view the results go to: http://brushpainting.com/blog/?p=82.

First Place "Wallkill River"
Hand ground sumi-e ink, watercolor and gouache on Hahnemuhle sumi-e paper
Contact for price

Second Place " Autumn Carp"
Hand ground sumi-e ink, watercolor and gouache on Hahnemuhle sumi-e paper
Contact for price

Happy to have participated in the challenge and looking forward
to testing their new "cotton" paper.
Thank you again for your votes.

****
Current classes at Squirrel Nest Studio
Botanical drawing
with watercolor pencils and watercolor techniques.
Focus on local flowers, vegetables, leaves, bark, rocks,
feathers and natural found items.
and/or
Sumi-e Chinese Brush Painting
beginners to advanced
The Four Gentlemen, flowers, landscape and animals
using hand ground ink,
watercolor and gouache.
Sundays, May 1, 15, 22 and June 12, 26, 2011
hours: 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Limited to a small group. Individual attention.
Bring lunch. Tea and cookies served.
To register email: rozenart@aol.com for more information/materials list.

****
Practical Aspects of Botanical Art
Professional Business Practices and Marketing
Summer Intensive at the New York Botanical Garden
July 11 - 15, 2011, 10 am - 1:40 pm

Learn how to create exciting portfolios, promotional media kits,
where to market and sell your art, and pricing
for commercial and fine art venues.
Hands on activities.
Contact: www.nybg.org.

****
Roberta Rosenthal's text book
"Professional Business and Marketing for Artists",
10th Limited Edition $40.00 plus shipping.
Contact: rozenart@aol.com

****
Catskill Art Society
Summer Workshops
Livingston Manor, NY

Botanical Art - Drawing and Painting
July 23, 30, August 6, 2011, Time: 11am - 4pm.

Asian Brush Painting - Ink, Watercolor on Rice Paper/Silk
July 24, 31, August 7, 2011. Time: 11am - 3pm.
To Register: http://www.catskillartsociety.org

****

New Painting:
"Snake in the Grass"
Hand ground sumi-e ink and watercolor on rice paper.
Based upon a hike and observation at the
Bashakill Wetlands, Town of Mamakating, NY.
9" x 11"
"Pines and Stream"
17" x 30",
ink, watercolor and iridecent pigments on silk
Featured at WAA Gallery's 2nd Juried exhibition,
"Fields and Steams"
First Place Winner
Gallery open Sat. & Sun. noon - 4 pm

March 2011

2011-03-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

Marching into spring

Cockatiels in Kauai
Hand ground ink, watercolor and gouache on silk
Mounted on silk scroll. 17.5" x 47"
Commission and collection of
L.S.Rosenthal, Seattle, WA.© R.S.Rosenthal 2011

Drawing and Painting Begonias Workshop
with Roberta Rosenthal, instructor
at the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
March 18 and 25th
10 am - 3:30 pm
To register contact: www.nybg.org
Orchid, Angelwing Begonia and Philodendron
Watercolor on Arches Hot Press 22" x 36"
Collection of Artist

P.J.M. Rhodendron
Weston Nursery Garden Club logo
featured in Spring/Summer NYBG Education Catalog
page 32 and 34
•••••••••••••••••
Sumi-e Asian Brush Painting and
Botanical Art Sunday Workshops
at Squirrel Nest Studio, Bloomingburg, NY
April3, 10, 17 and 24, 2011
10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Sketch and paint in pencil, watercolor, Chinese ink or
other water based mediums on rice paper or watercolor paper.
Attention to form, composition, values/tones and applied techniques.
Contact: rozenart@aol.com

February 2011

2011-01-19T13:25:00.000-08:00

Love and Valentine's Day Exhibit!

Winter Fest in Wurtsboro
My art will be on exhibit in the Wurtsboro Art Alliance Gallery
February 12 and 13th.
Open Saturday 11 am - 4 pm and Sunday noon - 4 pm.

73 Sullivan Street. www.waagallery.org

Please come and shop for your loved ones.
I will have a selection of original watercolors and prints.

Sundays Spring Art Workshops at
Squirrels Nest Studio, Bloomingburg, NY
Sunday, April 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2011.
Sumi-e and Traditional Botanicals
in color pencil, watercolor and/or
sumi-e ink and watercolor. 10:30 am - 3:30 pm.
Email: rozenart@aol.com to reserve your place.
Space is limited. Reserve early.

New York Botanical Garden Workshop:
Drawing and Painting Begonias
March 18 and 25, 2011. 10 am - 3:30 pm
www.nybg.org

Completed a recent sumi-e silk scroll commission.
"Cockatiels in Kauai"
hand ground sumi-e ink and watercolor/gouache on silk.
17.5" x 47". Mounted on silk.

Collection of L.S. Rosenthal
© Roberta Rosenthal 2011

Orders can be taken on special commissions.

To celebrate a marriage, anniversary, new home,
or any other occasion or event.
Contact: rozenart@aol.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR 20!!

2010-12-31T10:46:00.000-08:00

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY
AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR IN 2011.

Stroked
Hand ground ink and watercolor on silk

Nene Birds
Hand ground ink and watercolor on silk

Autumn Carp
Hand ground ink and watercolor on rice paper

Wallkill River
Hand ground ink and watercolor on rice paper

Please vote for my art on Oriental Art Supplies Summer Challenge art competition. Winners of the competition receive a gift certificate for art supplies. Images featured above are my four entries. Voting is open until March 19, 2011. I buy many of my Chinese art supplies from OAS. Thank you for taking the time and it's free.

http://www.orientalartsupply.com/summerchallenge/master-voting.cfm

•••••••••••••••••••

December 2010 Happy Holiday Season

2010-11-29T20:22:00.000-08:00

May this season bring you

Joy, Peace and Good Health.
Wishing you and yours a
Safe and Prosperous
New Year!

"Cockatiels and Berrys"
Sumi-Ink and Watercolor
12" x 12"
available unframed
Squirrels Nest Studio, Bloomingburg, NY
•
I have entered an art competition from
Oriental Art Supplies Summer Art Challenge
Please vote for one of my four submitted paintings:
Wallkill River, Nene Birds, Stroked or Fall Carp.
Voting is free and the grand prize is a gift certificate for art supplies.
One vote per viewer. Voting ends on March 19, 2011.
Your participation is appreciated.
Grand prize is a gift certificate for art supplies.
http://www.orientalartsupply.com/summerchallenge/master-voting.cfm
•
"Foxy"
Sumi Ink and watercolor on rice paper
8.5" x 11"
Black frame white mat
Squirrel's Nest Studio
Bloomingburg, NY
•
For the holidays I am republishing a few articles
I wrote for the Delaware and Hudson Canvas Newspaper in 2009.
I hope you find them informative and amusing
regarding transporting art work and
if you're ever in an art emergency situation.

July 2009 Delaware and Canvas Newspaper, first publication

Art in an emergency Part 1 By Roberta Rosenthal

The knock on the door is a fireman and he says,”Get all of your important possessions together and put them into your car. The fire is headed in the direction of your home. Everyone on Shawanga Lodge Road is on alert.” First shock and then reality hits. What should I take and what about my hundreds of paintings, a lifetime of work? I can’t pack my entire house into a Honda Civic.

That was the scene on March 18, 2009. I was in the middle of retyping a section for the latest edition of my book on “Professional Business Practices for Artists”, a perfect place to be in an emergency. I went to my chapter on Emergency Art Storage. You can’t take all the original works with you but in today’s armory of micro technology we have the “thumb drive”, a tiny USB storage device you can plug into your computer to make copies of all of your files. This is your first defense for art storage. Even if the originals are lost, the copies could be used to create a new portfolio and giclee prints. Take photos of your work as you are creating it with a digital camera or even your cell phone. You never know when something is going to happen. If you can burn a CD on your computer make one with high resolution images in TIFF or JPG at least 300 dpi of your work.

In my bank safe deposit box I have a full set of slides, positive and negative transparencies. I have several portfolios of color photographic prints. It also contains an inventory list of my art work with size, medium and price. Insurance companies may also need a copy of prior sales where galleries which have sold my art for valid valuation. It is also useful to keep a current resume, biography and art statement in the safe deposit box or on the thumb drive too.

A friend in another country has a copy of an original manuscript for my first novel, all of the postage stamps I have designed, a complete set of greeting cards I have illustrated and several original paintings. If the worst happened in the U.S.A, I could always travel abroad and start again with those works.

In the end I put very little into the car: cat carriers, my purse with travel documents, thumb drive, cell phone, digital camera, bank key, a change of underwear, my professional illustration and design portfolio with color prints. Also several mini portfolios showing various fine art catagories. The 5 x 7 inch portfolios have ink jet prints, mini bio, brief resume and simple art statement. I also packed a rolling box containing a travel kit of art supplies, paper, small canvases and brushes. I could always paint on the road and sell the work out of my car trunk if I had to.

Fortunately there were thirty fire companies on the road. There was an engine in every other driveway, keeping the fire at bay. They did a great job and the following days brought a healing rain. There was no smoke or fire damage but the scare helped me to edit that chapter in record time. In next months issue I will suggest protective actions you can take to safe guard your work as a fine artist, gallery or collector.

****
August 2009 Delaware and Canvas Newspaper, first publication

Art in an emergency Part 2 By Roberta Rosenthal

Last month I discussed art in an emergency. This month what to look for in a protective facility and how you can turn your home or gallery into a safer environment for your works of art. Here are a few suggestions:

* A fine art storage facility must be a fire resistant or non-combustible structure, composed of concrete and reinforced steel beams, so that if there were a fire, it would be contained.
* The facility should be freestanding and distant from other buildings.
* The entry and exit point should be the same and there should be only one entry/exit. Ideally, there should be no windows in the storage areas, if there are, they should be blocked from light.
* Motion detectors, shock sensors, and fire and smoke detectors should be installed in all areas of the facility and they should be connected to central security stations that connect respectively with the Police and Fire Departments. They should be monitored 24/7.
* Fire protection should include either a wet pipe or dry pipe sprinkler system throughout the facility, especially in storage areas.
* Inspections of security and fire protection systems should be conducted regularly and maintained using service contracts with professional vendors.
* Personnel who are responsible for handling the art should be trained and bonded.
* The loading dock should be secure at all times and monitored by company staff.

* A computerized inventory system should be available.
* All access to the facility should be monitored, restricted and documented. Access should be limited to working hours.
* Private vaults should be provided for those collectors requiring a higher level of security and privacy.

Preservation

* Temperature and humidity control is critical for art preservation. The temperature should be maintained between 68 and 72 degrees and the humidity level should be between 50 and 55 percent.
* Smoking must be prohibited.
* An active pest control program should be in place.

Finally, your personal inspection of the facility is highly recommended, as your observations during that visit are an invaluable tool in making your final protective decisions. Many of us may not be able to afford such a facility which is all the more reason to photograph your work immediately after completion. A scan or digital image is the first place to start. In September I will write about how to transport your works of art to and from exhibitions, clients, galleries and collectors.

*******************************************************************************
Transporting Art by Roberta Rosenthal
September 2009 Delaware and Hudson Canvas

After the artwork is completed how are you going to take it to and from galleries, clients, or the final collector? Careful preparation needs to go into the packaging of your artworks to minimize damage. However long it took to create your art, it’s worth taking a little extra time to protect it.

In a 1991 New York Times article, Suzanne Cassidy recounts a story told by Nancy McGary, Administrator of Collections and Exhibitions at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. She sent shivers down the spines of delegates to the Conservation Conference when she told of taking a taxi up Madison Avenue one rainy day and seeing another car speed by with a painting on its roof. The car's driver and a passenger each had an arm out the window, she said, in an attempt to hold on to their cargo: "3 by 6 feet of naked painting." At the time, she recalled, "I thought we should just cancel this conference, call an international prayer meeting for art and be done with it."

When presenting new works to clients in person, show 8” x 10” glossy or matte photo prints in a Prat style portfolio first. Some galleries only look at CD’s or jpgs. Keeping the original art in perfect condition is paramount. If the gallery or client is interested in seeing or exhibiting the work then invite them to your studio or decide how to package it for transport. What to consider: medium, weight, vibration, shock, relative humidity and temperature.

I try to transport original works of art on a clear day. If it is rainy or snowing request a change of appointment if possible. Otherwise I become a fashionista stylist dressing the art for appropriate weather conditions. Bring out the rain gear, ski gloves, parka and boots. A full tracing paper covering, taped with acid free tape on the back, covers art that is not framed. If it is pastel use glassine paper, for an acrylic or oil that may still be damp, waxed paper is best. Then I put the work in a plastic or acetate bag taped shut. Put the flat work between two heavy acid free cardboards taped together and then into another carrier such as a zipped canvas or nylon portfolio. If the work is framed never put tape on the frame as it can pull off the finish. I usually bubble wrap framed works if they are dry or put wax paper over the work first and then bubble wrap. Use duct tape to secure it.

If work needs to be shipped then the above needs to go into a strong, heavy cardboard or wooden box depending upon shipping method. There are a few companies that offer special art shipping boxes and bubble wrap for artists. Uline, Light Impressions, Clear Bags are all available online or from catalogs. Having a box of self-closing large bubble wrap bags can save you a lot of time cutting and taping.

When loading work into my Honda Civic Hatchback (which can hold an entire solo exhibit of 40 pieces), I put the smaller ones in first in flat layers or inside larger boxes and then lay the larger boxed or wrapped pieces on top. I use soft blankets to layer, cushion and cover it in the car. The cover is helpful if I happen to stop in a neighborhood where I don’t want to invite a break-in. Also remember, always back to back never glass to glass. Put cardboard in between if you put two paintings together. When it comes to prints some artists roll them into tubes for cheaper shipping. I prefer flat then no damage can occur during the unrolling process. If it is an inexpensive poster print a tube may suffice. If it is a high quality limited edition signed print, shipping flat between acid free heavy cardboards, plastic, then wrapping paper and/or box is best. If large works or a large number of works need to be shipped to a museum or gallery then a professional shipper needs to be added to the budget. Wood box crating needs a pro touch especially if you have sculpture or three-dimensional works of art. Perhaps detaching the work from its stretchers, rolling the work and tubing makes sense if the dimensions of the work are large. The costs are surprisingly little for the peace of mind of having the work moved without damage. When traveling by plane only small works in a carry on portfolio should come on board. Do not ship art in luggage. It can break, get stolen, or be damaged by heat and humidity. Don’t leave slides or portfolios in a heated car all day. This will damage the plastic pages or coverings. Don’t forget properly filled out name tags or address labels with contact information. A list of inventory should be kept in the package as well as on your computer.

Some galleries refuse plastic peanuts or have regulations against it. Others only accept work glazed in plexiglass because of breakage. If work will be transported by bus, train, plane or boat then insurance is mandatory. I make sure shipped work has a trackable ID number. Make sure the insurance amount covers the complete retail cost of the work plus framing. Some home insurance policies cover transporting works.

When I myself deliver art works to an individual collector, I personally unwrap them. I offer to hang the art or at least select where it should be hung and mark the spot in pencil. I carefully repack and remove the packaging to be recycled for my next delivery or exhibit. The biggest drawback of all of this is storing the boxes, cardboards and bubble wrap in my basement. My husband gives me this look “do we really need to keep all this here” and I give him that look back nodding YES!

***************

"Holiday Basket of Flowers"
11" x 18"
Sumi-e Ink and Watercolor on shimmer shuan
unframed
Squirrel's Nest Studio

For more information contact: Roberta Rosenthal
Web site: www.robertarosenthal.com
e-mail: rozenart@aol.com
Squirrel Nest Studio, Bloomingburg, NY

Represented locally at:
• Wurtsboro Art Alliance Gallery
open Sat. & Sun. February 12, 2011 next exhibit
"Winter Fest Valentine's Show"
73 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro, NY
www.waagallery.org

• Catskill Soap Company
123 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro, NY
www.catsoco.com
(914) 424-6434

Holiday Shopping Begins November 20, 2010

2010-10-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

The Holiday Show and Sale

Wurtsboro Art Alliance Gallery,
73 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro, NY

November 20th -December 20th.
12 noon - 4 pm.

Find wonderful creative gifts.

Gallery hours are Sat. & Sun. noon - 4 pm.
www.waagallery.org.

While you are there please visit Eli's Market next door to the WAA Gallery. They feature my original paintings, giclee prints, mini giclee print matted gift cards and a text work book "Sumi-e Brush Painting for Beginners". A new store opened in Wurtsboro the Catskill Soap Company. I have three paintings, cards and bookmarks there too. Located at 123 Sullivan St. next to the laundry.

Please visit my web site: http://www.robertarosenthal.com for my 2011 schedule of art education courses, workshops and classes.

"Wallkill River, NY"
12" x 16"
Watercolor and hand ground sumi ink
on Hahnemuhle rice paper
vote for this painting at
http://www.orientalartsupply.com/summerchallenge

"Carp. Wild Grapes, Crab Apples & Poke Berry"
Sumi-e ink, Watercolor and Shimmer Pigments
on Hahnmuhle Rice Paper
12" x 16"
vote for this painting at:
http://www.orientalartsupply.com/summerchallenge

"Catskill Landscape"

4.5" x 9"
watercolor on Cartiere Magnani cold press

"Stroked"
Watercolor and ink on Silk
8" x 8"
mat and black frame
vote for this painting at
http://www.orientalartsupply.com/summerchallenge

"Carp & Lotus"
Ink and Watercolor on rice paper
9" x 12"
mat and black frame
at Catskill Soap Company, Wurtsboro

"Rose and Dragonfly"
Ink and Watercolor on rice paper
9" x 12"
unframed
plus shipping and mounting
at Squirrel Nest Studio

"Autumn 2010"Sumi-e Ink and Watercolor
on Aitoh Hosho Rice Paper
9" x 12"
unframed
plus shipping and mounting
at Squirrel Nest Studio

"Basketful of Grapes and Mums"
Watercolor and sumi-e ink
on Shimmer Xuan
12" x 18"
unframed
at Squirrels Nest Studio

"Day Lily Peach"

Watercolor pencil and Watercolor
Magnani Paper

6" x 16"
Framed

"Grasshopper and Fall Flowers"
Watercolor on Arches rough
12" x 16"
unframed
plus shipping
at Squirrel Nest Studio

"Gladiolus and Lavender"
Watercolor on Silk
9" x 12"
unframed
plus shipping and mounting
at Squirrel Nest Studio

"Mountain Cloud Water"
Watercolor and hand ground sumi ink
on Lei River silk
16"x 16"
unframed
plus shipping and mounting
at Squirrel Nest Studio

"Maple Leaf "
Watercolor on Arches hot press
9 x 12"
Museum matted with gold frame
plus shipping
at Squirrel Nest Studio

"Indian Corn"
Watercolor pencil
19" x 24"
Museum matted and wood frame
plus shipping
at Squirrel Nest Studio

"Black Dirt Harvest"
Watercolor pencil and watercolor on Arches hot press
22" x 30"
Museum matted and wood frame
plus shipping
at Squirrel Nest Studio

"Fun with Still Life"9" x 12"
watercolor on Strathmore Imperial cold press
unframed
plus shipping
at Squirrel Nest Studio

"Two Egrets"
18" x 30"
Hand ground Aitoh sumi ink on Lei River Silk
unmounted unframed
plus shipping
at Squirrel Nest Studio

"Butterfly Friends Retreat"
12 x 16
Hand ground Aitoh sumi ink, watercolor & gouache
on Lei River Silk
unmounted unframed
SOLDHand ground Aitoh sumi ink and watercolor
on Lei River Silk
unmounted unframed
plus shipping
at Squirrel Nest Studio

email: rozenart@aol.com

Call or email for prices: 845-733-1848
Unframed sumi-e paintings are not mounted and may require
an additional fee for mounting on scroll or frame.
Personalized Chinese calligraphy additional fee.
Some images are available as giclee prints

I am represented at the following venues:

The Shelley and Steven Einhorn Research Center Gallery
http://www.nyee.edu/einhorn-art-gallery-artists-brownstone-roberta.html

Wurtsboro Art Alliance Gallery
www.waagallery.org

August - October 2010

2010-08-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

SOLO EXHIBITION
ELLENVILLE REGIONAL HOSPITAL
HEALING ARTS GALLERY

10 Healthy Way (Shoprite) Ellenville, NY 12428
PH: 845-647-6400
www.ellenvilleregional.org

August 18 - October 8, 2010

Opening Reception:
Wednesday, August 18th, 5 - 7 PM

Botanical and Landscape
Watercolor Paintings
by Roberta Rosenthal

Iris Sensation, watercolor, 12 x 16
© Roberta Rosenthal

*************
Four Seasons
Wurtsboro Art Alliance
Group Member Exhibit

August 7 - September 19, 2010
73 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro, NY
Gallery open: Sat. & Sun. noon - 4 pm
www.waagallery.org

Geometric/Abstract/Color
October 2 - November 7, 2010
Members exhibition
*****

The Shelley and Steven Einhorn Clinical Research Center Gallery
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary 310 East 14 Street, 5th floor
Group Exhibition, curated by Cornelia Jensen.
Gallery Exhibit continues to November, 2010.
Hours 9 am - 5 pm, Mon. - Fri.
Opening reception: Thursday, March 18, 2010, 6 - 8 pm.

"August", watercolor on Arches cp 12" x 16"

NEW online exhibit:
http://www.nyee.edu/einhorn-art-gallery-artists-brownstone-roberta.html
Proceeds of sales benefit both artists and NYEE.

*****

New painting:

"Autumn Carp, Poke Weed Berries,
Wild Grapes, Goldenrod and Crab Apples"
Hand ground sumi-e ink and watercolor with
shimmer pigment on Hahnemuhle paper, 12" x 18"
Ready for your choice of mat, frame or hanging scroll finishing.
unframed

*****

New Paintings Summer 2010

2010-07-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

New paintings from
Squirrels Nest Studio. Ready for back mounting
with frame or scroll finishing.

"Wallkill River"
12 x 16, sumi-e ink and watercolor/Hahnemuhle rice paper

"Vancouver Centennial Geranium"
watercolor on aged rice paper 13" x 17"

"Two Egrets"
hand ground sumi-e ink and watercolor
iridescent pigment on Lei River Silk, 17" x 30"

"Butterfly Friends Retreat"
hand ground sumi-e ink, watercolor
Shin Han Korean pigment and iridescent pigment
on Hahnemuhle rice paper 12" x 16"

"Daisies"
Watercolor on Fabriano CP, 6" x 9"

For more information and pricing
email: rozenart@aol.com

FALL 2010 Art Workshops and Exhibitions

2010-07-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

FALL 2010 Art Workshops

Watercolor on Arches. 12 x 16"
End of Summer Flowers
© Roberta Rosenthal 2010

ARTSWave, Ellenville, NY
Wallkill River School
Expressive Watercolor for Beginners
for beginners Wednesdays,
September 22 & 29th, October 6, 13, 2010
10 am - 12:30 pm
Contact:845-457-2787 or
http://www.wallkillriverschool.com

**********************************
SQUIRREL NEST STUDIO
Bloomingburg, NY

Sumi-e Asian Brush Painting

Tuesdays, 10 am - 3:30 pm

September 14, 21, 28, October 5

Minimum 3 - maximum 5 students

Open studio class focus on botanical and landscape painting
in sumi-e ink and watercolor. Intermediate to advanced students.
Fee: one class: $80.
Bring lunch.
Materials list available.
(Studio serves hot tea)

To register: email: rozenart@aol.com or call: 845-733-1848

Gladiolus Watercolor on Hahnemuhle sumi-e paper
12 x 15", © Roberta Rosenthal 2010

*****************************

OCTOBER 2010

SUMI-E ASIAN BRUSH PAINTING

Squirrel Nest Studio, Bloomingburg, NY

Scroll Painting in ink and watercolor
17" x 34", silk mounted on paper with silk
comes with a special silk covered box.
"Nene Geese at Seven Pools Maui"
Calligraphy: Heavenly blessings, Soul mates, Double happiness.
Signature of artist on left with three artist seals.
Collection of H. & I. Rice, Dubai.

Sumi-e at Squirrel's Nest Studio
Bloomingburg, NY
Saturdays
October 9 and 30th, 10 am - 4 pm.

Asian brush painting in ink and watercolor on rice paper for beginners.
Learn the four gentlemen, birds, animals, rocks, trees and landscapes.

Fee: $80 per day or $150 for both classes
Reserve by September 14, 2010
Must have a minimum of 3 students (6 students maximum).

If coming from out of town there are motels, hotels, b&b's and spa resorts nearby.
Hot tea and cookies. To register and get a materials list

contact: rozenart@aol.com/ 845-733-1848

June 2010

2010-03-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

EXHIBITIONS

Ulster Savings Bank
Town Center
Stone Ridge, NY
Route 209

"Peaceful Nature"
Watercolor Paintings by Roberta Rosenthal

Rooster, Hen, Chicks and Bamboo, 14" x 14"
watercolor and ink on silk

June 11, - August 14, 2010
Opening Reception: Friday,
June 11th,
4 - 5 PM

Bank open:
Mon. - Thurs. 9 am - 5 pm,
Fri. 9 am - 6 pm, Sat. 9 am - 2 pm

********
Wurtsboro Art Alliance Gallery
"Reflections"
Opens on Saturday
June 12, 2010
Roberta will be featuring 4 paintings and newly launched archival giclee print
"Basha Kill Reflections"
Watercolor and sumi-e ink, Original art SOLD
Giclee Prints available

***********

Glen Arden
Through a collaboration of
Mount Saint Mary College LIFE program
hosted at Glen Arden, 46 Harriman Drive, Goshen, NY

Sumi-e Exhibit
Asian brush paintings
May 6 - June 30, 2010
Pink Orchid ink and watercolor on rice paper
13" x 16"
© Roberta Rosenthal

Chrysanthemum & Bee
sumi-e ink and watercolor on rice paper
12" x 16"

Sumi-e Classes at Glen Arden:
Mondays, June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2010
10 am - 12:30 pm
Breakfast Lecture: Friday, June 4, 2010, 9 am - 10 am

For more information to attend the lecture
contact: Ms. Forni: sforni@elant.org
To register for classes contact: Laubach@msmc.edu or call 845-565-2076
$15.00 registration fee and materials fee.

Dahlia and Spring Flowers, ink and watercolor
© Roberta Rosenthal

**********************

Wurtsboro Art Alliance
Celebrate Wurtsboro
Group Exhibition
April 11 - May 22, 2010
Opening reception Sunday, April 11, 4 pm - 8 pm
Poetry reading from 8 pm - 10 pm
"Jefferson Street", watercolor on Twin Rocker paper
13 x 18", archival mat and framed

Showing 8 local landscape paintings in watercolor and oils
Gallery Hours: Sat. & Sun. noon - 4 pm

73 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro, NY 12790
www.waagallery.org

Iris and Dahlia and Iris with Bud
sumi-e & watercolor, 8 x 10 framed

Featuring six of my small
sumi-e ink and watercolor paintings on Lei River Silk Paper.

*******************

My painting, Cattleya Mendenhall Iwanagara Apple Blossom Orchid,
was featured in the Journal of The American Society of Botanical Artists, Page 4.

This painting won Best Painting
Bethlehem Gallery Award
at Artists on Campus Mount Saint Mary College
June 2009
**********
SOLO EXHIBITION
ELLENVILLE REGIONAL HOSPITAL
HEALING ARTS GALLERY

10 Healthy Way (Shoprite) Ellenville, NY 12428
PH: 845-647-6400

August 18 - October 18, 2010

Opening Reception:
Wednesday, August 18th, 5 - 7 PM

Botanical and Landscape
Watercolor Paintings
by Roberta Rosenthal

Iris Sensation, watercolor, 12 x 16
© Roberta Rosenthal

****************
SUMI-E BRUSH PAINTING
WEEKEND WORKSHOP
JUNE 25, 26, & 27th, 10:00 am - 4 pm
For beginners to advanced students
Squirrel Nest Studio hosts a special
brush painting workshop at the
Town of Mamakating Park Drama Building
in Bloomingburg, NY.
A few spaces are still available.
Deadline for registration: May 29, 2010
Fee: $80 per day or $225.00 for the full workshop (includes text book)
Materials list available.
To register contact: 845-733-1848 or rozenart@aol.com
If space is available the day of the workshop fee is $100 per day at the door.

New York Rainy Day Garden,
ink, watercolor and gouache
© Roberta Rosenthal
SOLD
***********************

March - April - May, 2010

2010-02-28T15:58:00.000-08:00

New Paintings: Roses

Painted from live specimens purchased at
Stonehenge Farm Market in Bullville, NY.
Artwork created at Squirrels Nest Studio, Bloomingburg, NY.

My goal was to create three new rose paintings in a small format as a trio. They are painted with watercolor. The yellow bi-colored rose was done first. A detailed pencil drawing was drawn on tracing paper and then transfered to Fabriano Artistico 300 lb watercolor paper. It started with a layer of light watercolor pencil to establish the form color hues, basic values and shading. After I used a semi- moist brush with clear water to blend the pencil. Then I used layers of watercolor paint to enhance the depth of color and subtle color transitions. Light transparent glazing of pale primary hues were used to blend, shade and mold the shapes. I work with fine Kolinsky sable brushes ranging from #000, - #3 and a larger #5 Kolinsky sable quill to add washes. Brands of watercolor include Sennelier, Daniel Smith, Shin Han & Graham. I use tube paint not pan. Yellow Bi-Color Rose, 5" x 7",
watercolor on Fabriano Artistico 300 lb hot press
framed. On view at the Wurtsboro Art Alliance Gallery
73 Sullivan St. Wurtsboro NY to May 22, 2010 Sat. & Sun noon - 4 pm

Light Pink Rose 5" x 7"
watercolor on Fabriano Artistico 300 lb hot press
framed. On view at the Wurtsboro Art Alliance Gallery
73 Sullivan St. Wurtsboro NY to May 22, 2010 Sat. & Sun noon - 4 pm

Dark Pink Rose, 7" x 9",

watercolor pencil and watercolor on Rising Stonehenge paper

unmatted unframed.

This was drawn with a pale gray wash first rather than using pencil. The rest of the painting is done with layers of watercolor. First layers are wet into wet with dry brush and blending added in later layers. Glazing with primary colors after to create subtle shadows without changing the basic color hue of the flower.

I used Caran D'ache supra color II watercolor pencils first. Then I used a large Kolinsky quill brush with clean water to blend the pencil. I used watercolor washes over the pencil to give it greater depth and tone. The leaves were done entirely in watercolor.

Sumi-e Asian Brush Painting:

"Eagle Looking", 12" x 16",
ink and watercolor on Hahnemuhle rice paper.

"Eagle and Wisteria"
9" x 16", ink and watercolor on rice paper

Exhibitions:
The Shelley and Steven Einhorn Clinical Research Center at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary located at 310 East 14 Street, 5th floor, Group Exhibition, curated by Cornelia Jensen. Gallery Exhibit continues to July, 2010. Hours 9 am - 5 pm, Mon. - Fri.
Opening reception: Thursday, March 18, 2010, 6 - 8 pm.
Each artist will have one painting in the exhibit and participate on an upcoming online exhibit. Proceeds of sales benefit both artists and NYEE.

Hummingbird Bamboo
ink and watercolor,
12 x 18, double matted and
gold bamboo wood frame.
at the Einhorn Gallery
NYEE, 310 East 14th St. NYC
5th Floor. On view until July 18th
SOLD

ART INSTRUCTION: Spring 2010

Three Roses, watercolor on rice paper unmounted, 9" x 12"

Squirrel Nest Studio, Bloomingburg, NY
Sumi-e Brush Painting in ink and watercolor
Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
May 3, 18, 25 & June 1 - Fee: $280.

Botanical Art drawing and watercolor painting
Saturdays, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
May 8 & 22, June 5, 12, 19
Contact: rozenart@aol.com

Mount Saint Mary College
Desmond Campus
Sumi-e Asian Brush Painting Fee: $150.
Session 3: Animals, Thursdays, starts May 6th, 4 weeks 2 pm - 5 pm.
Session 4: Final Projects and Wet Mounting, June 3, 10, (9 am - noon and 2 pm -5 pm) and 17 (9 - noon)
Contact www.msmc.edu
Call 845- 565-2076

"Warbler and Wisteria"
9" x 18", ink and watercolor on rice paper
unmounted unframed

Spiral Abyss
9" x 12", ink and watercolor on rice paper
SOLD

Botanical Art in Montgomery, NY
Wednesdays, May 5 & 12, 10 am - 3 pm
Contact www.wallkillriverschool.com

Orchid and Ixora, watercolor on Magnani
Framed

New York Botanical Garden
Practical Business Aspects
Mondays 04/12/10 to 05/03/10, 4 sessions
and July Mon 07/12/10 to Fri 07/16/10 full week intensive.
&
Drawing and Painting Perennial Borders
Watercolor pencil and watercolor
Wed. 6/16/10 and Wed. 6/23/10
contact: www.nybg.org

Available as a signed Giclee Print
Perfect for a Wedding Ketubah
12" x 16"
***************
Sumi-e Asian Brush Painting
Intensive 3 day Workshop
Rooster, sumi-e ink & watercolor, gouache, silver and gold pigment
SOLD

When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 25, 26, 27, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Where: Town of Mamakating Park, Drama Building
Bloomingburg, NY Exit 116 on Rt. 17.

Learn: the ancient ways of Asian brush painting
with ink and watercolor.
Practice how to hand grind ink, mix colors and load
brushes for spontaneous contemporary sumi-e paintings.

How: Please register in advance to secure your space.
Fee: $200 for the three day workshop. One day $80.00
Tea and light refreshments will be served. Please bring a picnic lunch.
This does not include materials, hotel, food or transportation.
Plus $25.00 for Sumi-e Workbook. Space is limited.

Advance deposit of $50 due by May 29, 2009.
Write & Mail Check to: Roberta Rosenthal.
Balance due on first day of workshop.
If only taking 1 or 2 days entire fee is due by May 29, 2009.
Space is limited.
No credit or debit cards.
Cash or checks accepted in class.
E-mail: rozenart@aol.com or call: 845-733-1848

February 2010

2010-02-01T21:01:00.001-08:00

New paintings for sale from
Squirrel Nest Studio, Bloomingburg, NY
Contact: rozenart@aol.com.

Love is in the air.

"Rose Bouquet", watercolor on
Hahnemuhle sumi-e paper
12" x 16", unmounted, unframed.

"Rooster, Hen, Chicks, Egg and Bamboo"
ink and watercolor
on Lei River Silk,
16" x 16",
Matted and Framed

"Shrimp Swimming in Maui",
ink and watercolor,
on Lei River Silk, 16" x 16",
unmounted unframed.

ART INSTRUCTION: Spring 2010

Mount Saint Mary College
Sumi-e classes
Thursdays, starts March 4 and continues as monthly
sessions through June 17th, 2 pm - 5 pm.
Contact www.msmc.edu

Wallkill River School
Expressive watercolor at Sugar Loaf, NY annex,
Saturdays, March 13 and ,27, 10 am - 3 pm.

Botanical Art in Montgomery, NY
Wednesdays, March 10 and 17, 10 am - 3 pm.
Contact www.wallkillriverschool.com

Squirrel Nest Studio, Bloomingburg, NY
Sumi-e Brush Painting in ink and watercolor
Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm

Botanical Art drawing and watercolor painting
Saturdays, 10 am - 4 pm
February 20 & 27th, March 6 & 20
New sessions June 5, 12, 19
Contact: rozenart@aol.com

New York Botanical Garden
Professional Business Aspects
Mondays 04/12/10 to 05/03/10, 4 sessions
and July Mon 07/12/10 to Fri 07/16/10
full week intensive.

Drawing and Painting Perennial Gardens,
Wed. 06/16/10 and Wed. 06/23/10
contact: www.nybg.org

UPCOMING EXHIBITS:
The Shelley and Steven Einhorn Clinical Research Center
at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary
located at 310 East 14 Street, 5th floor
Group Exhibition, curated by Cornelia Jensen
Opening reception: March 18, 2010, 6 - 8 pm.
Each artist will have one painting in the exhibit and
participate on an upcoming online exhibit. Proceeds
of sales benefit both artists and NYEE.

Hummingbird Bamboo
ink and watercolor,
12 x 18, double matted and
gold bamboo wood frame.
SOLD

Happy New Year 2010!!!

2009-12-30T20:08:00.000-08:00

Welcoming in a new decade in the new millennium.
2010 has much potential.
Green is great.
Shawanga Mountain Pine, White Chrysanthemum and Alstroemeria
Original Watercolor and ink on Lei River Silk, unmounted, no frame, 14 x 14"
© RSRosenthal 2009/2010

RSR Designs at Squirrels Nest Studio has been green
since it's inception in 2001. Specializing in landscape, botanical and nature subjects
Most of my art have ecological themes.
My art is created on acid free substrates,
mediums that are free of toxic chemicals. I do use animal hair brushes.
The studio has exceptional mountain spring well water.
The landscape is entirely maintained without chemical fertilizers,
no clear cutting of woods, encouragement of natural wildlife, woodland natural plantings,
no toxic weed killers, sprays or chemicals of any kind.
No manicured grassy areas.
Mostly all the plants are perennials or natives. Totally organic environment.
I occasionally add a few annuals for color during the summer.
My indoor plants include exotics, herbs and air cleaners like philodendron and ivy.

Classes Tuesday, February 2 & 16, 2010
at Squirrel's Nest Studio
Sumi-e Painting Workshop
10:30 am - 3:30 pm.
To register email: rozenart@aol.com

Botanical Art Classes
February 10th & 17th, 10 am - 3 pm
Wallkill River School, Montgomery
www.wallkillriverschool.com

Sumi-e Brush Painting
February 4th & 18, 2010 10 am - 3 pm
Mount Saint Mary College
Desmond Campus Balmville
www.msmc.edu

Cat with Butterfly, ink and watercolor on shuan paper
SOLD, Private Collection NYC © RSRosenthal 2009

Three day Sumi-e Weekend Workshop
June 25, 26, 27, 2010
Friday 9:30 am - 4 pm,
Saturday 9:30 - 4 pm
Sunday 10 am - 3 pm
Reserve your space by April 1st with a $50 deposit.
contact: rozenart@aol.com
for a brochure and more information.
A few spaces are still available.
Fee for workshop $200 plus $25.00 for workbook.
The workshop will be held at
the Town of Mamakating Park Drama Building, Bloomingburg, NY

December 2009 HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2009-12-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

"Poinsettias" watercolor
13 x 18
on flecked rice paper
available as greeting cards.
Boxed cards of 8 mini prints in Strathmore acid free
card mats with matching envelopes $30.00 plus shipping.
Holiday cakes with these images were at
ShopRite Supermarkets, Montgomery, NY
Dec. 14th - 25, 2009

* * * * * * * * * * *

I find it interesting to review goals from January 2008 to December 2009 as 2010 gets closer. It is good to do a personal assessment of where I feel I am with others and myself. I look at what I do have and see what improvements I can make during the coming year ahead.

The landscape oil painting on this mast head was sold at Aroma Thyme Bistro exhibit in August.

2010
Top priorities
Sell my art in quality auctions, at galleries or other venues.
Look for new work and sales outlets.
Teaching at NYBG, CAS, WRS, SNS, MSMC, and new venues ArtsWave in Ellenville and Seligmann Art Center in Sugar Loaf.
Promotion - send out 3 times a year. Winter, Spring/Summer, Fall
Writing for art related publications
Getting the washer/dryer fixed and working
Smile. Smile. Smile.

What's for SALE?

"Harvest",
oil on canvas, 9 x 12", wood framed

"Cyclamen on Shawanga Mountain",
oil on panel, 9 x 12", Framed,

Make an appointment to come to Squirrels Nest Studio or I can come to you with a portfolio.
I also send jpgs. through an e-mail for prospective buyers, collectors and art lovers.

Take an art class and have some fun. New instruction venues this year through Wallkill River School. I will be teaching at ArtsWave in Ellenville and Selgiman Art Center in Sugar Loaf on Saturdays in the spring. At NYBG I will be offering additional art courses too.
More classes at my studio and special workshops too.

Art Available at Squirrel Nest Studio

"South View 2 Basha Kill",
oil on canvas, framed, 10 x 12,
at Squirrels Nest Studio

"Snowy White Giant Egret"
13 x 18"
original sumi ink and watercolor
backed not matted or framed
available at Squirrels Nest Studio
SOLD

"Plum Blossom and Butterfly",
framed, 13 x 18", SOLD

"Dragonfly Island", 14 x 23", matted, framed,
SOLD

"White Egret, Liberty Preserve, Looking"
watercolor and ink on rice paper
13 x 18, backed no frame
SOLD

"Fox and Mouse with grapes and chrysanthemums"
watercolor and ink on rice paper
13 x 18", backed no frame

"Red Bridge"
watercolor and ink, gouache on rice paper
14 x 20", backed not framed
SOLD

"Dahlia and Spring Flowers"
watercolor and ink on silk, 13" x 15"
backed, matted and framed

"Snowy Mountain Bamboo"
watercolor and ink on rice paper
11 x 14", backed, silk matted and framed
SOLD

"Violets Still life"
watercolor and ink ( from a series of 4)
11 x 14", silk mat framed

and many more selections of originals, giclee prints, and greeting cards at
Squirrel's Nest Studio.

Price upon request
Call: 845-733-1848 or email: rozenart@aol.com

I will have watercolor landscapes and botanicals on view at the Ellenville Library with the Wurtsboro Art Alliance in January 2010. www.waagallery.org

Art Classes and Workshops at Squirrels Nest Studio and other venues begin January 5th, 2010. Request a new brochure I am happy to snail or e-mail it.

Art Instruction Preview 2010

2009-11-30T15:45:00.000-08:00

Fox and Mouse with Chrysanthemums and Grapes, ink and watercolor
© Roberta Rosenthal 2009 Original art and giclee prints available

Squirrel Nest Studio - Bloomingburg, NY
Sumi-e Brush Painting - Ink and Watercolor on Rice Paper
Tuesdays, Jan. 5, 19, Feb. 2, 16, Mar. 2, 16,10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Additional weeks may be available depending upon weather.
Contact for a materials list. Roberta Rosenthal's
Sumi-e PaintingWorkbook available for sale in class.
Beginners to advanced students welcome.
Tea and light refreshments served. Bring lunch.
Fee:$75 per class or $400 for all 6.

Botanical Art- Aspects of drawing & painting plants.
Saturdays, Jan. 9, 30, Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 6, 20,10:30am-3:30 pm
Fee: $75 per class. $400 for all 6. Beginners to advanced
Tea served. Bring lunch and plant specimens.
E-mail: rozenart@aol.com or call 845-733-1848

SPECIAL THREE -DAY WEEKEND
SUMI-E WORKSHOP -
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday June 25, 26, 27, 2010
Due to popular demand the workshop has been reopened for more participants.
Time: Friday 9:30 am - 4:00 pm, Saturday 9:30 - 4 pm, Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Where: Town of Mamakating Park Drama Building, Bloomingburg, NY

What: Learn the ancient ways of Asian brush painting with ink and watercolor.Practice how to hand grind ink, mix colors and load brushes for spontaneous, powerful contemporary sumi-e paintings.

How: A workshop limited to no more than twenty students. Please register in advance to secure your space.

Fee: $200 for the three day workshop. One day is $80.00. Tea and light refreshments will be served all day in the workshop conference room. Please bring a picnic lunch.

Accomodations: Local campsite, inns and hotels are nearby.

Materials list available: Rosenthal's Sumi-e Workbook available for sale at workshop $25.00. Contact in advance for materials list.

Advance deposit of $50 due by May 4, 2010.
Balance due on first day of workshop. If only taking one or two days then entire fee is due by May 4, 2009 to secure your place. Fee can be paid in advance by check only. No credit or debit cards (sorry). Cash or check accepted in class only.

Mount Saint Mary College - Balmville, NY
Sumi-e Brush Painting
Beginners to Advanced Students learn use of hand ground ink, watercolor on rice or silk paper. Proper use of brush, painting techniques, color mixing, traditional Asian and Western subjects of plants, landscapes and animals
Thursdays, Jan. 14, 21, 10 am - 3 pm
Feb. 4, and 18th, 10 am - 3 pm. Bring lunch and materials.
Contact: www.msmc.edu or 845- 5565-2076

Spring landscape ink and watercolor
©Roberta Rosenthal 2009,
Original art and giclee prints available

Wallkill River School - Montgomery, NY
Botanical Art Workshop Learn drawing and watercolor painting from live botanical subjects. Measure accurately, learn proportion, perspective, shading and light source with proper drawing and painting techniques for realistic watercolor renderings. Bring lunch or order in.
Wednesdays, 10-3PM $130 (for two days) January 13, 20 -or- February 10, 17 -or- March 10, 17 -or- April 14, 21 -or- May 5, 12 -or- at ArtsWave, Ellenville, Saturdays, May 8, 15, -or- at Seligmann Annex, Sugar Loaf, April 10, 17, -or- May 1, 22

Iwanagara Appleblossom Cattleya Orchid, watercolor,

Expressive Watercolor Tap into your dreams, visions and spirit to create imaginative paintings using a variety of loose watercolor techniques. A wonderful experience for those who have never painted before or for those who want to experiment with new ideas. Bring sketches, ideas, photos or written dreams. $100 (two days). Bring lunch. Saturdays 10-3pm Seligmann Sugar Loaf Annex: Feb. 6, 13, -or- March 13, 27 -or- ArtsWave Ellenville Annex: Apr. 3, 24
Contact: www.wallkillriverschool.com or 845-467-2787

Little Tuscany, watercolor, Dr. Jon and Sharon Gell collection, Oregon
© Roberta Rosenthal 2009

Exhibits, Workshops & Classes November 2009

2009-10-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

"Wild Turkeys", ink & watercolor

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Hot off the art table and maybe onto your wall,
a new Sumi-e and Watercolor Painting,
"Wild Turkeys", 12 x 18" unframed, ready for
mat, and your choice of frame

Roberta wishes everyone a safe, peaceful and
enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.

My greeting cards will be available for sale starting
November 21st at the Wurtsboro Art Alliance,
78 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro, NY until December 21st.
Also a selection of members work and five small local
landscape paintings I will have on exhibit. Please come to
the opening on Nov. 21 from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Gallery open Sat. & Sun. noon - 4 PM.

www.waagallery.org

************************************************
Upcoming Workshops
Botanical Art

Wallkill River School
Seasonal Plants and Flowers
Join Roberta Rosenthal, botanical artist,
to create seasonal watercolors of holiday
plants like poinsettias, holly, mistletoe,
chrysanthemum and amaryllis. Paint one and use it for your holiday greeting cards. Instructions
given on how to process the art onto the computer and out of your home printer.
Nov. 21 and Dec. 5, 10 - 4 pm (Sign up for either or both dates) $80/day.
To register contact: www.wallkillriverschool.com
Call: 845-457-2787
Christmas Cactus, watercolor/gouache, framed
© Roberta Rosenthal 2009

Sunday, November 1, 2009,
11 am - 4 pm
Catskill Art Society
Livingston Manor, NY
www.catskillartsociety.org
or call: 845-436-4227 to register
Deadline Friday, Oct. 30th to sign up.

For beginners to advanced students.
Drawing and Watercolor Pencil
Learn how to create accurate drawings
of plants or flowers in a
one day workshop.
Create a light source,
proper proportions, form,
shading, and maximum use of
pencil/watercolor pencil.
Student work: Kate Hyden, Gourds
***********************************************************************************

Holly and Mistletoe
Seasonal Botanical Art
Fridays, November 6 and 13, 2009
10 am - 3:30 pm

New York Botanical Garden
Bronx, NY
www.nybg.org
or call: 718 817 8747 to register
Deadline is November 2nd to sign up.
This course fills up quickly.
Work in watercolor pencils.
Create holiday drawings and
paintings which may lend
themselves to greeting cards.

Black Dirt Harvest, watercolor, framed, 20 x 30,
************************************************************************************

Sumi-e Asian Brush Painting
in Ink and Watercolor
Mount Saint Mary College
Desmond Campus
Balmville, NY

New session starts Thursdays
January, 2010
2 pm - 5 pm

Learn the basic brush strokes
for proper Asian painting
techniques on rice paper
with hand ground ink and
watercolors.
For beginners to advanced
students.
Contact: www.msmc.edu
or call: 845- 565-2076

Hummingbird, bee balm and bamboo ink and watercolor on rice paper,
© Roberta Rosenthal 2009 framed, SOLD on view 3/18 - 7/18, 2010 at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary,
310 East 14th St., NYC 5th fl.

***********************************************************************

SQUIRREL NEST STUDIO WORKSHOPS
Bloomingburg, NY
Tuesdays, December 8, 15, 22, 29,
10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Continuing through
Winter 2010, Jan, Feb, Mar

Sumi-e Brush Painting in Ink and Watercolor
Beginners to advanced students welcome.
Learn the basic four gentlemen,
orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum and plum blossom.
Advanced students go on to other flowers, landscapes,
animals and still life paintings.
Relax and paint as Roberta shows you the way of the brush and ink. Enjoy painting with a small group of artists sipping green tea, listen to Asian and new age music with a view of the Hudson Valley. Bring lunch.
Art supply list is sent upon request.
To sign up for classes or to inquire about original art,
giclee prints or greeting cards:
Email: rozenart@aol.com
Call: 845-733-1848

Grapes and birds, sumi-e ink and watercolor, 15" x 15"
on Lei River Silk. © Roberta Rosenthal 2009

Student work: Lorraine Devore "Cat", NFS

Student Work: Gerry Brock "Dusty", NFS

New Windsor Gallery Opening Reception

2009-10-22T17:26:00.001-07:00

Roberta Rosenthal and John Yoo, owner of New Windsor Gallery

Big Pink Orchid, Haleakala, Zen Freesia Still life

Gail and Marty Steinberg with Roberta Rosenthal (left)
Snowy Bamboo Mountain in background

Bob Grumet and Julie with Roberta Rosenthal on the left.
Autumn Leaves in background.

Friends and students viewing the exhibit

Let em eat cake! Especially one with my painting, "June", sugar transfered on by
cake decorator extraordinaire, MaryAnn, from the Montgomery, Shop Rite.
Yellow and chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling. No one wanted me to cut it.
I insisted and it was delicious.

Roberta and the cake. Lotus buds in background

New Windsor Art Gallery, 2330 State Route 32, New Windsor, NY

Mark Brownstone and Ron Dubren. Orchids in background

Preview of New Windsor Gallery Exhibit

2009-10-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

A large sumi-e ink and watercolor painting created from my experience of going down into Haleakala Volcanic Mountain on Maui, Hawaii. During a full moon my friends and I hiked starting at sunset going down the mountain to the bottom. We walked with moon light and flash lights. It was rather treacherous with backpacks. But, it was exhilerating to see misty clouds through the mountain peaks and see the sun setting. I had taken pictures throughout the hike. We slept in sleeping bags outside of the camping cabin at the bottom of the volcano. I painted this from my memory and photos when I got back to my studio in New York City. Circa 1984-85.

Haleakala, 34" wide x 72" high, rice paper, black wood frame.
Come to the New Windsor Gallery to view this original painting and sixty six others. I will take pictures of the exhibit at the opening and put them up on the blog.

To order boxed sets of my handmade matted Mini Giclee Print Greeting Cards please contact me at rozenart@aol.com.

Greeting Cards will be available after November 14, 2009.

Select from:
Botanical
Landscapes
Sumi-e Asian Brush Paintings

Boxed set includes 4 cards 5” x 7” matching envelope.
Interior of card is blank
Strathmore acid free mat & Epson quality print
$25 per box plus shipping

To request a list of images or to place an order:
Contact: rozenart@aol.com
845-733-1848

New Windsor Gallery October 18th, 3-7 pm

2009-10-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

You are invited to the exhibition.
Reception: October 18th,
3 - 7 pm at
New Windsor Art Gallery,
2330 Route 32,
New Windsor, NY
Exhibit October 18 - November 30, 2009
Gallery hours: Monday - Friday 10 am - 6 pm and Saturday 10 am - 5:30 pm
Close to Storm King Art Center one mile north of Cornwall.

Roberta Rosenthal's

Forty Years of Painting on her
Sixtieth Birthday!

A unique selection of:

Published illustrations, Botanical Watercolors,
Local Landscapes, Oils,
Sumi-e Chinese Brush Paintings,
New 2009 plein air watercolors and more.
Original art and museum quality giclee prints.
Release of Rosenthal’s
Sumi-e Painting Technique Text Workbook.
A portion of sales from the exhibit
benefits the Newburgh Jewish Community Center.
Exhibition continues until November 30, 2009.
Gallery hours Monday - Friday 10 am - 6 pm Saturday 10:30 am - 5 pm.

To order prints or purchase original paintings
contact John Yoo:
New Windsor Art Gallery
2330 Route 32
New Windsor NY
(845) 534-3349
web: http:// 1800arts.com
email: vision5961@verizon.net
•
Roberta Rosenthal
RSR Designs • Squirrel Nest Studio
www.robertarosenthal.com
rozenart@aol.com
845-733-1848

October 2009 Renewal 5770

2009-10-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

View of Mt. Baker from Mukilteo
4.5 x 9", C. Magnani Italia cold press, SOLD

New Plein Air Watercolors by Roberta Rosenthal

I have returned from vacation in Washington and Oregon. I did several plein air paintings while away. I stayed in Mill Creek, WA with my brother, Larry and his lovely significant other Jeanne. They were both extremely generous and gracious. We went on a short Princess Star Cruise to Vancouver. The boat was beautiful and the food delicious which was enjoyed by our party of six. This was my first cruise and look at a casino. I didn't play any games but I did have a relaxing time.

View from Whidbey Island
4.5 x 9", C. Magnani Italia cold press, framed

After our return I requested to be dropped off near Puget Sound Parks where I sat on rocky beaches overlooking magnificent and peaceful views. I painted plein air watercolors with a small travel set I put together in a folding cosmetic bag. I used Sennelier's 8 tube travel watercolor set plus a few extra favorites like Holbein shadow green, verditer blue and horizon blue. Also included were my favorite papers which included a 4 x 9" pad of Cartiere Magnani Italia cold press watercolor paper and Fabriano Artisico hot press, mechanical pencil with 2H lead, various erasers, assortment of small, medium and large brushes both sumi-e and pointed round kolinsky sables and flats, small tissue pack, small mister, single edge razor blade in an old tin box, small water dropper bottle, folding plastic palette and two paper cups that I took from my brother's garage.

View of Olympic Mts. from Edmond, WA
5 x 7", Fabriano Artistico hot press,
Larry Rosenthal Collection

View from Mukilteo of Camano, Whidbey and Gedney Islands.

4.5 x 9", C. Magnani Italia cold press, framed

We also went to a variety events like Jazz Alley in Seattle, a book signing of Robert Spector's new book, The Mom & Pop Store, at Capers in West Seattle, a Huskies football game where they won. We went walking around lakes, nature preserves and had dinner in Chinatown. A visit with cousin Jeri at her estate and lush gardens designed by Olmstead on Mercer Sound was magnificent. I got to hear about her newest documentary film project. Photos of her heirloom roses are soon to follow.

We also traveled by car to Ashland and Medford, Oregon. I did a painting of a place nicknamed, "little Tuscany" with beautiful vineyards and mountain views. I stayed with cousins Jon and Sharon on their farm ranch with a flock of sheep, a donkey and a very gentle German Shepard who woke me up in the morning with a kiss.

Little Tuscany
4.5 x 9", C. Magnani Italia cold press
Dr. Jon and Sharon Gell Collection

Yom Kippur services were participated at the magnificent and spiritually moving Havurah Shir Hadash, a Jewish Renewal congregation. Reunions with my family at my cousin Barry & Glennie's home with their lovely gardens. I also visited with Wendy Gell, my cousin, the jewelry designer and artist. I saw her newest line of wristies and wild jeweled tiaras. She had grapes and roses growing at the entrance to her unique home. Every day was filled with fun, love, enjoyment and family. Grateful I had this time for renewal and such a loving family.

I have two new exhibitions this month:
New York Botanical Gardens
Instructor, Alumni and Student Exhibition

Thursday, October 8, 2009
Opening Reception 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Exhibit continues to November 14th.

Rye Arts Center
51 Milton Avenue
Rye, NY
www.ryeartscenter.org

Indian Corn, Zea Mays

watercolor pencil, framed 20 x 28,

Angel wing Begonia, Orchid and Philodendron
watercolor, framed, 22 x 30,

and

Roberta Rosenthal's Solo Exhibit
40th Retrospective and 60th Birthday Benefit
at New Windsor Gallery
A portion of sales will benefit Newburgh Jewish Community Center
Please come and celebrate at the opening reception on:
Sunday, October 18th, 3 pm - 7 pm - November 30, 2009
2330 State Route 32, New Windsor, NY
http://1800arts.com/

Dragon Fly Island, 18" x 30", sumi-e ink and watercolor
SOLD

Art Classes and Workshops:
Squirrel's Nest Studio
Intensive practice and studies for artists working on projects.
For students who have taken my classes and want to work on improving specific skills or
work on self initiated projects with supervision and critiques.
Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
call: 845-733-1848

Mount Saint Mary College
Sumi-e Asian Brush Painting
For beginners and intermediate students
October, November and December
Thursdays, 2 - 5 pm
Balmville, NY Desmond Campus
845-565-2076

New York Botanical Garden
Seasonal Workshop
Mistletoe and Holly
Fridays, November 6 and 13, 10 am - 3:30 pm
call: 718-817-8747

Catskill Art Society Art Center
Botanical Art Workshop - Sunday, Oct.11th, 11 am - 4 pm
and
Sumi-e Brush Painting - Nov. 1st, 11 am - 4 pm
call: 845-436-4227

Wallkill River School
Botanical Art - basic floral drawing and painting with watercolor pencil / watercolors.
Wednesdays, 10 am - 1 pm
call: (845) 457-2787

MID SEPTEMBER IN SEATTLE WASHINGTON

2009-08-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

Roberta's workbook text Sumi-e and Chinese Brush Painting Book 1, second edition is for beginners or advanced students who take her workshops. It is available for $25.00. Spiral bound with a waterproof cover. Published by Squirrel Nest Studio, Bloomingburg, NY. To purchase the book contact her at rozenart@aol.com or 845-733-1848.

Roberta will be visiting Seattle, WA and Ashland, OR in mid September. The Daniel Smith Art Supply Store workshop for September 22nd has been canceled due to not enough time for the store to promote the class properly. Maybe next year.

Roberta's upcoming 40th Retrospective exhibition is coming on October 18 - November 30th at John Yoo's New Windsor Gallery in New Windsor, NY. http://1800arts.com/

Roberta's watercolor art, Iwanagara Appleblossom Cattleya Orchid, exhibited at the Artists on the Campus exhibition won the Bethleham Art Gallery Award for Best Painting, at Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY June, 7, 2009. Take the Sumi-e One Day Summer Camp Workshop on Friday, August 21 from 10 am - 4 pm. Contact: http://www.msmc.edu/non-credit_programs/Noncredit_Courses.html

Roberta has currently been guest writing a column, Artists Talk, in the Delaware and Hudson Art Canvas Newspaper. The article Art in An Emergency Part I and Part 2 appeared in July and August, 2009. In the September issue look for How to Transport Art. The next one after that is scheduled for January 2010. http://www.dhcanvas.com/

Roberta recently had three exhibitions simultaneously.
Visual Comparison of Botanical Art at SUNY Orange County Community College, Wurtsboro Art Allliance, Humble Nature in Sullivan County and at the Aroma Thyme Bistro, Ellenville, NY in Ulster County in New York State which continues to August 30, 2009.

Coming in October..... botanical art and sumi-e classes return to Squirrel's Nest Studio, in Bloomingburg on Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 3:30 PM. Join Roberta's classes to create nature subjects in pencil, watercolor pencil, watercolor, gouache, and/or sumi-e ink. The studio views from the wall of windows looking out at the changing autumn trees will be inspiring. With glimpses of the Hudson Valley beyond. I am sure either the landscape view or nature subjects from the woodland garden will provide a harvest of creative ideas. I serve a variety of delicious teas, play eclectic music from new age nature inspired sounds, Japanese, Chinese, and classical favorites while you draw and paint. Demonstrations and lots of personal attention. Call for the new detailed brochure.
To register: contact Roberta at rozenart@aol.com or call her at 845-733-1848.

Roberta Rosenthal works continuously in traditional botanical art and sumi-e painting techniques simultaneously in a full time career as an illustrator, designer, fine artist and art instructor at the New York Botanical Garden, Wallkill River School, Catskill Art Society and Mount Saint Mary College.

A recent visitor to Squirrel's Nest Studio was a Northeastern flying squirrel. He came in through a crack by the air conditioner in the upstairs bedroom. I heard him first in the middle of the night and then turning on the light I saw him staring at me from my desk. He tried to come back in the next night but I gaffer taped the entire air conditioner so he couldn't get back in. He belongs outdoors.

SUMMER Times 2009

2009-06-18T18:56:00.000-07:00

CELEBRATE the joys of nature this SUMMER with ART and gardening.

Preparation for two exhibitions and a full summer season of art classes. I wrote an article for the Delaware and Canvas art newspaper coming soon in the July and August issues.

"Humble Nature" kicks off the art season in the Catskills opening on July4th with an artist reception on Saturday, July 11th
from 2 pm - 6 pm
at the Wurtsboro Art Alliance Gallery, 73 Sullivan Street. The first invitational salon exhibit features over twenty artists. Mixed media, oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, sculpture, and photographs. I have four new sumi-e ink and watercolor paintings in the exhibit. The exhibit continues through August 9th.

Join me at the artist reception on Saturday, July 25th from 1 - 4 pm at SUNY Orange County Community College at the Orange Loft Gallery for a special "Botanical Art" exhibition featuring the works of Rosalind Hodgkin and Roberta Rosenthal.
July 22 - August 16 as part of Lyceum Events presented by Cultural Affairs.

At the same time Orange Hall Gallery has Artists in the Garden presented by the Garden Lovers Club of Middletown, NY and produced by Wallkill River School. Reception for both shows have music by Judith Hosmer Garrett, pianist from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm and light refreshments.

Second Time Around

Join me for an artist reception on Sunday August 2nd, 1 pm - 4 pm, at
Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville, NY.
This highly rated "green restaurant" is next door to Shadowland Theater at 165 Canal Street. I will be featuring Asian brush paintings, landscapes, botanicals, small as well as larger works of art and prints. The exhibition is from August 1 - September 3rd. This is Roberta's second exhibition at Aroma Thyme Bistro. To read more about the restaurant go to www.aromathymebistro.com. Or see a play at Shadowland Theater and have dinner afterwards and enjoy the paintings while you are there. All of the art works are for sale.
A percentage of sales goes to benefit the
Ellenville Regional Hospital and Shadowland Theater.

Art courses and workshops at:

Catskill Art Society, Livingston Manor, NY
Register for
BOTANICAL ART WORKSHOP
Sat. & Sun. August 22 and 23,
11 AM - 4 PM
Drawing, Watercolor Pencil, Watercolor & Gouache
Brush up on your drawing, composition
and painting skills while focusing on live
floral plant, vegetable or fruit subjects.

Tuesdays, August 11, 18, 25, September 1,
1 PM - 4 PM
Sumi-e Asian Brush Painting
Beginners to advanced welcome.
Learn how to grind ink, basic brush strokes,
calligraphy, bamboo, chrysanthemum, orchid and plum blossom
from the instructor's workbook text.
Advanced students work on landscapes, animals and complex compositions
Contact and call: 845-436-4227
www.catskillartsociety.org

Wallkill River School, Montgomery, NY
Botanical Art Basics
Wednesdays, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26,
10 AM - 1 PM
and
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 7, 8, & 9th
10 AM - 4 PM
Botanical Watercolor on Vellum
A three day workshop covering the basics of botanical watercolor using handmade vellum. Includes a visit to a vellum-making shop nearby to see the process and buy the vellum, and a local orchid grower to get specimens.
(bring a bagged lunch & $50 for vellum and orchids), $300.
Contact: 845-457-2787
www.wallkillriverschool.com

Mount Saint Mary College, Desmond Campus,
Balmville NY
Sumi-e Camp
Thursdays and Fridays, August 13, 14, 20, 21,
10 am - 4 pm
Learn how to adapt sumi-e painting for outdoor
sketches and paintingson rice paper or watercolor paper.
Working outdoors in good weather or indoors in
inclement weather. Relax painting using timeless
Asian brush techniques.
Contact: 845-565-2076
www.msmc.edu

Roberta Rosenthal will be giving a
One Day Sumi-e Painting Workshop
at Daniel Smith Art Supplies at the Bellevue, WA store
Tuesday, September 22nd, 10 am - 4 pm.
Contact www.danielsmith.com or call the store to register
Daniel Smith Art Supply Bellevue
15112 N.E. 24th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98052
845-643-1781

New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
Mistletoe and Holly
Seasonal workshop in watercolor pencil and watercolor

Fridays, November 5 and 13,
10 AM - 3:30 PM
Contact: 800-322-6924
www.nybg.org

Jan Van Huysum watercolor sold at Auction

2009-03-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

On March 7, 2009 at Shapes Auction house in Scotland, sold a watercolor by Jan Van Huysum (1682-1749), Flowers in a terracotta vase on a marble ledge. Sale price £34,000. (US $47,100.).
http://www.shapesauctioneers.co.uk/

Close to 300 years old this work of art is a true treasure. Jan Van Huysum is best known for his oils. This watercolor is an excellent study. He is one of my favorite artists. I really like to follow sales of artists that have past on. When this work was created he may have sold it for a sum equal to $720 - $1440. His larger oils were sold for 4000 guilders. Those paintings are now valued at 6.5 million dollars. An impressive investment.

Roberta Rosenthal will be teaching numerous workshops and classes which will incorporate many of the skills and techniques used to create works, inspired by Jan Van Huysum, painting botanical art with a contemporary look. Take a look at the schedule below for classes at the New York Botanical Garden, Catskill Art Society, and Wallkill River School.

At Mount Saint Mary College my upcoming course on Asian brush painting with sumi-e ink and watercolor painting the focus will be on landscapes, trees, rocks and spot features of buildings, boats, people, animals and flowers.

A reminder I will be exhibiting my art monthly at the Wurtsboro Art Alliance, Wallkill River School, and at SUNY Orange County Community College Gallery Loft July 22 - August 17, 2009.

2009 Art Workshop and Course Schedule

2009-03-02T17:56:00.000-08:00

GROUP WORKSHOP AND CLASS VENUES

MOUNT SAINT MARY COLLEGE Desmond Campus, Balmville, NY

Spring Sessions Thursdays, 2 - 5 pm Fee: $150 per session plus materials/text
session 1 - March 12, 19, 26, April 2
session 2 - April 16, 23, 30, May 7
session 3 - May 14, 21, June 11, 18
sesson 4 - Summer Camp Intensive August 13, 14, 20, 21,
Thursdays and Fridays, from 10 am - 4 pm. Contact MSMC for fees. You can take one class or all four.

Learn traditional Chinese and Japanese brush painting skills with bamboo brushes, using ground ink on rice paper. Create rich tonal values for the “Four Gentlemen” - Bamboo, Orchid, Plum and Chrysanthemum and their basic brush strokes. Beginners start with ink only while intermediate and advanced students use watercolor and ink. Landscape, animals and other floral subjects are explored. Materials list and RSRosenthal Sumi-e workbook text available for sale in class.

To register contact: (845) 565-2076

www.msmc.edu - click on Community education

• Botanical Watercolor and Color Pencil
Summer Session : Wednesdays 9:30 am - 12:30 PM
WALLKILL RIVER SCHOOL, Montgomery, NY

Learn the basics of botanical rendering watercolor, paint high-detailed paintings using wet into wet and dry brush. Beginners welcome.

•Painting Orchids with Roberta Rosenthal
at Wallkill River School
Saturday, Mar. 21, 9:30-4pm
$100 (lunch at Wildfire Grill included)

Usher in spring with a full day of botanical painting with a teacher from the New York Botanical Gardens. Watercolor pencil, or watercolor and gouache.

•Wednesdays, Botanical Drawing / Watercolor Pencil
at Wallkill River School

Botanical drawing and watercolor techniques

Wednesdays, 9:30 am - 12:30 am,
May 9, 13, 20, 27,
June 3, 10, 17, 24,
July 1, 8, 22, 29
August 5, 12, 19, 26

• Tuesdays, Botanical Drawing and Painting
at Orange County Arboretum

Tuesdays, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
May 19, - Daffodils
May 26, - Tulips
June 16, - Iris
June 23, - Peonies
July 7, - Roses
July 28, - Day Lilies

To register Call: (845) 457-2787
Contact: www.wallkillriverschool.com

• Drawing and Painting Irises -
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx

Thursdays, May 28 and June 4th, 10 am - 3:30 pm

• Professional Aspects-
Business and Marketing for Artists
Mondays, April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 10 am - 3 pm
Summer intensive: July 13 - 17th, 10 am - 1:30 pm
To register contact: www.nybg.org

Dragonfly Island, Sumi-e Ink and Watercolor
matted / framed, © Roberta Rosenthal

• Botanical Still Life Drawing
Catskill Art Society, Livingston Manor NY

Weekend Workshops

Sat. May 16, 10 am - 4 pm and Sun. May 17, 10 am - 4 pm

Students will study historical compositions of Garzoni, Van Huysum, Spaedonck and Redoute then create their own still life arrangements of flowers, urns, nature specimens rendered in watercolor pencil. The studies serve as final works of art or as preliminary sketches for future watercolor, gouache, acrylic or oil paintings. Materials list provided.

• Botanical Watercolor -
July 3, 10, 24, 24, 10 am - 1 pm

Using live specimens create realistic botanical renderings in watercolor on paper. Learn how to make washes, layering, glazing, dry brush and stipple techniques for lush foliage and delicate petals. Materials list provided.

• Sumi-e Japanese and Chinese Brush Painting -
June 5, 12, 19, 26, 1pm - 4pm

Study and practice traditional and modernist Asian painting techniques. Beginners to advanced students welcome. Learn how to grind ink, basic brush strokes, calligraphy, bamboo, chrysanthemum, orchid, plum blossom from the instructors workbook. Advanced students can work on landscapes, animals or complex compositions. Materials list provided.

Contact: www.catskillartsociety.org or 845-436-4227

2009 Art Exhibition Schedule:

Wallkill River School, Montgomery, NY
www.wallkillriverschool.com
As of January 1, 2009 WRS Gallery will be representing Roberta Rosenthal's paintings.

Wurtsboro Art Alliance, Wurtsboro, NY
April 4 - May 10th - Black and White Gala Re-Opening Exhibit
Works primarily in Black and White or Monochromatic
WAA members. Opening reception: Sat. Apr. 4, 4 - 8 pm
www.waagallery.org

July 22 - August 16, 2009
Two - person exhibit at Orange County Community College
Orange Hall Gallery Loft
Botanical Art paintings by
Roberta Rosenthal and Rosalind Hodgkins
Orange Hall Gallery: Artists in the Garden
presented by the Garden Lovers Club of Middletown, NY
produced by the Wallkill River School
Artist Reception for both shows: Saturday: July 26, 1 - 4 pm
Music by Judith Hosmer Garrett, pianist 1:30 - 3 :30 pm
SUNY Orange | 115 South Street | Middletown, NY 10940 | 845-344-6222 http://www.sunyorange.edu/index.shtml

August 1 - September 3
Aroma Thyme Bistro, Ellenville, NY
Second Time Around
Asian Brush and Botanical Paintings by
Roberta Rosenthal
Artist Reception Sunday, August 2nd, 1 - 3 pm
165 Canal Street, Ellenville, NY 845 - 647-3000
www.aromathymebistro.com

House Rejects Orphan Works and Wall Street Saves the Artists

2008-10-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

The only good thing about the bailing out of Wall Street is the Orphan Works Bill did not get a vote in the House. I don't care if it cost 700 billion dollars. At least the copyrights act of 1978 is still intact for the moment. The rights of creative individuals would be at risk if large internet and computer giants like Google, Microsoft, educational facilities, libraries or corporations wanted to use my work or any other artists' without permission could do so if the Orphan Works act was passed. Print first ask later only if you're found out by the artist by accident.

My art is my "Golden Paraschute". My paltry 401K will be useless if the economy doesn't turn around. Small business owners like "artists" don't have huge retirement funds, they spend most of their income just to survive and buy ink for their computer printers. Can you believe the price of ink! Forget gas or oil prices. A box of Epson black ink is $21.00. Talk about internet highway robbery. Let's not start a paper trail either.

How about a day without art. No images in the New York Times, just a voice on CNN, a blank Newsweek cover, Google without it's silly little logos, your bed sheet plain white, the shower curtain clear vinyl and when you turn on your computer you stare at a flat blue screen. You go to the museum and all of the paintings are gone. You walk down the street or drive in your car and all of the signs are gone. Who needs all the distraction anyway?

The world is filled with art in nature right? Look at the grass, trees, flowers, sunrise and sunset and God's perfect skylines. Who needs art, cartoons, illustrations, designs, photos, films, pretty patterns on your clothes or china anyway?

What the big guys are thinking about is the new bendable plastic fabric that has a special little chip in it. They own all of the images ever created and all you have to do is press a little spot and presto change your pattern and image at will. Add an itune to match. Imagine sheets that change color and pattern at whim, New blouse design and color poof just a touch away. Wear it as a bracelet and you can look at anything you want as long as you buy the image from a big internet like company who wants to own all of the images. Why pay the artists for this reusage. Make it availabe to everyone for a small price. You can't find the artists anyway because they all died from starvation, drugs, alcohol or some kind of self abuse.

I am not blind yet. I may have had laser eye surgery for glaucoma but even with 32 tiny holes blasted in each eye I don't have a blind spot for big business or congressmen looking to take copyrights aways from creators. Unless they were planning to send me a check for 700 million dollars Did I say I wanted it in euros? Want my whole art stock from forty years of creating. Give me a call I bet I could be the first one waiting to sell out while basking on my yacht off the Aegean sea.

Honey, could you please put the suntan lotion on a little to the right.

Fall Newsletter Blog October 2008

2008-10-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

In response to the Senate having passed the Orphan Works Bill I have changed my current logo.

Squirrel Nest Studio inside of a copyright sign. All of my artworks will now include or be revised to include this copyright image. I will even make a trademark out of it. There should be no confusion over who owns the rights to my art, where to find me and that I do not create "Orphans". Anyone, corporate, institution, or private individuals downloading my art, reusing it without permission or not requesting reusage terms and fees for any usage either for print, electronic, internet, computer, tv, radio or any other usage now or in the future will be prosecuted according to the 1978 copyright act. All artworks that have been created by myself are covered under these terms with the exception of those works clients who have written contracts with other terms.

August 29, 2008

2008-08-28T23:36:00.000-07:00

UPDATE

www.robertarosenthal.com
is back online and will be updated soon.

I will be giving a few more workshops in northern Sullivan County NY this Fall.
Specific dates will be online in September.

Attention snow birds: I will be giving botanical art classes in
Hollywood, Florida
January - March, 2009.
Details to follow in September.

SUMMER ALMOST OVER

2008-08-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

265 Cottage Street Middletown, NY
Watercolor on Arches 300lb cp
by Roberta Rosenthal
Original Art SOLD

www.robertarosenthal web site is currently down for maintenance
watch for the reopening soon.

Current Blog Newsletter

FALL SCHEDULE

A new fall exhibit at the Wurtsboro Art Alliance Gallery, 73 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro NY begins on August 24, 2008 with an opening reception from noon - 4 pm. Be sure to stop by and see the new Canal Memorial Garden and fountain next to the gallery. I will post a picture soon.

Squirrel Nest Studio summer workshops have ended early to accomodate work on a new roof at the studio. Sumi-e Asian Brush Painting Classes will resume on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, September 8th. 1 - 4 pm (unless I am on Jury Duty).

I have several new fall/winter class offerings at the New York Botanical Garden Botanical Art Certificate Program.
Painting Indian corn with watercolor pencil and watercolor -
November 7 and 14, 10 am - 3:30 pm

Painting Squash with Gouache -
October 20 and 27, 10 am - 3:30 pm

Drawing and Painting Begonias -
February 6 and 12t, 10 am - 3:30 pm

An exhibition of NYBG instructors, students and alumni will be held at the
Open Center - 83 Spring Street, NYC
"Nature in New York"
September 27 - November 7, 2008. 83 Spring Street, NYC

I will be giving special one day workshops for the
Botanical Art Group of upper New Jersey
November 15th, 2008. Information will be coming soon.

ART in the PARK Sponsored by the Town of Shawangunk
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 (rain date Sunday Sept. 14)
For detailed information: contact Linda5420@frontiernet.net
http://www.shawangunk.org/events.htm

A one day Botanical workshop for the Middletown, NY Art Group in October.
If interested please contact : Mary Whitehill http://www.mewhitehill.com
or rozenart@aol.com

On October 11th I will be at the Canal Towne Emporium
Columbus Day Weekend Outdoor Art Event.
Look for new paintings, prints and greeting cards for early holiday shopping.
10 am - 4 pm.

On October 12th I will be giving a free painting demonstration - Painting Fall Leaves in Watercolor 1 - 2:30 pm at the Wurtsboro Art Alliance, 73 Sullivan St.

On Thursdays October 16, 23, 30 and November 6, 10 am - 12:30 I will be teaching
Basic Botanical Drawing at the Wallkill River School in Montgomery.

With a follow-up course on Botanical Drawing with Watercolor Pencil -
November 13, 20, December 4, 11, 10 am - 12:30.
Don't miss working in their glass room for glorious light upon live botanical subjects.
For registration contact the school.

There will be more news and additions to come soon. I have many new paintings from this past spring and summer.

Do you winter in Florida? Let me know if you would like a workshop in January, February or March 2009.

Peony detail, watercolor on Arches
all images © by Roberta Rosenthal 2008

Dahlia and 265 Cottage Street were part of a benefit for the Middletown Garden Lover's Club with the Wallkill River Art School. The exhibition had a silent auction with the paintings at Orange County Community College gallery.
Show dates July 25 through August 17, 2008.

During the Hidden Gardens Tour presented by the Garden Lovers Club of Middletown, NY, on June 28, 2008, artists of the Wallkill River School painted scenes in the Tour gardens which are located in Middletown, Howells, and the Towns of Deerpark and Greenville, including the gardens on the campus of Orange County Community College.

"Dahlia" by Roberta Rosenthal
watercolor on Arches 300 lb paper, 6" x 18"

SPRING IS REALLY HERE!

2008-04-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

The promise of spring brings new blooms. Here is a sampling of a few new paintings. As usual all images are copyrighted and available for sale by Roberta Rosenthal at Squirrel's Nest Art Studio. E-mail me at rozenart@aol.com. Classes are underway at the studio and in a few weeks a new roof is going on and an overhaul on the decks. I have raked the leaves off of the flower beds (okay I left a little cover on just in case of a cold spell). The crocus, snow drops and the blue scillia are opened. The forsythia are just peeking a bit of yellow.

A recent pastel 12 x 16, Orchid study.

An African violet study rendered in watercolor pencil. 12 x 16.

Painted at Morikami Garden, Florida
Sumi-e brush painting. 13 x 18 ink and watercolor. SOLD
Archival limited giclee print 13 x 18.

Daffodil, pansy, blue bell and forsythia study, colored pencil, 10 x 14.

Plum Blossom and Dogwood Sumi-e Brush Painting 13 x 18. Original on rice paper
Archival limited giclee print 13 x 18.

On April 1, 2008 I was voted in as President of the Wurtsboro Art Alliance.

The Wurtsboro Art Alliance is proud to be the recipient of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce award for excellence in business and community spirit. The WAA is the sole winner for the Town of Mamakating. Terri Hess, President and CEO of the SCCC, explained that, "This award is designed to honor those who are committed to the highest standard of business and community ideals." The Wurtsboro Art Alliance will be honored at a luncheon on May 4, 2008 at the Villa Roma, at which time the award will be presented.

The WAA looks forward to continuing its efforts in 2008 to enhance the artistic and cultural spirit in the region and to provide the opportunity for both creative individuals and groups to present their works.

The WAA Gallery at 73 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro, NY is open Saturday and Sundays from noon to 4:00 PM. The current exhibition is the WAA annual spring show, running through May 25.

And more news.........

"The Greater Cornwall Art Walk"
Saturday, May 17, 2008 - Saturday, June 28, 2008.
Self-guided walking tour maps will direct visitors to the businesses showcasing the local artist’s work. Maps will be available at various sites throughout the six week period.

The Greater Cornwall Art Walk will kick off the six week gala event with a reception from 10 AM to 4 PM Saturday, May 17th at the Sands Ring Homestead, a Cornwall historical site located on Main Street in the center of the walk and across from the Cornwall Town Hall parking lot. Roberta Rosenthal's art will be sponsored by Merritt Florist, 275 Main Street, Cornwall, NY 12518, (845) 534-2551. You can see her art in the florist's shop and on Saturdays outside of the shop too. Giclee prints and mini print cards will be available for sale.

Working on a new watercolor orchid and finishing several other botanical paintings that were started last year. I am hoping to be outdoors painting oils in May. Come join me on Sundays for plein air botanical landscapes in any medium at Squirrel's Nest Art Studio, Bloomingburg, NY

Spring - March 21, 2008 - News from the Nest

2008-03-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

I was in sunny Florida for a week. I painted at the Morikami Gardens and Museum for two days. Sumi-e bamboo, plum blossom and a landscape. I strolled South Beach, did a watercolor at the Metropole Hotel while visiting with family at the outdoor veranda. Other highlights included sketching at Haulover Beach, painting an orchid and ixora by the pool at my cousin's home in Hollywood. On my last night went to Hollywood Beach for a free Brazilian samba music concert under the stars by the boardwalk.

I will scan in my new paintings soon.

Art workshop classes have started at Squirrel's Nest. Please check out the days and times on my web site www.robertarosenthal.com. By popular request I have extended the Sunday, July 6th Peonies workshop to continue on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for a full four day workshop. This gives plenty of time to do detailed botanical studies of three different varieties I have been growing. Stay at the Hudson Valley Spa and Resort in Kerhonkson if you are coming in from out of town.

Exhibitions:
Wurtsboro Art Alliance
Spring Art Show and Sale
March 22, 2008 - May 22, 2008
Reception on Friday, March 28th from 6 - 8 pm.
Hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am - 4 pm.
I will be at the gallery most Sundays from 2 - 4 pm.
Please come to see this varied group show. I am exhibiting four sumi-e paintings and my new botanical series of 6 giclee prints. Papavar, Rosa, Rhododendron and Amaryllis.
The Gallery is located at 73 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro, NY 12790.
Phone 845 -888 -5955
I was recently voted in as President of WAA. Please join our art organization. WAA has many art demonstrations, poetry readings and exhibits planned for the rest of the year.

The Basha Kill - A Quiet Treasure continues until March 27th. at Orange Hall in Middletown, NY, SUNY Orange

John's Gallery in New Windsor, NY continues till the end of of March and then goes into his Asian paintings back room gallery for another month. He will be making two new giclee prints of Big Begonia 1 and 2.
(845) 534-3349, 2330 State Rt 32, New Windsor NY 12553

At the Studio:
I am currently completing a new series of botanical watercolors. As soon as the weather warms up I will be starting a new series of plein air oil paintings. Contact me at rozenart@aol.com if you are interested in seeing my new work for exhibition or sale.

February 11, 2008 Valentine's Day is Coming

2008-02-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

As Valentine's Day gets closer I am reflecting upon my heart. First I must acknowledge and pay homage to a fellow artist, illustrator and designer the late John Alvin. Only a year older than myself it is humbling to lose one of our own. Those of us who are dedicated full lifetime artists, who have appreciated their corporate commercial clients, know only too well their true creative genius, talent and need to pay bills. His doing so allowed his wife, Andrea, the freedom to create photo realistic paintings. I was not close to him professionally but I am sure we must have past each other in the halls of the Society of Illustrators. Cause of death "Heart Attack".

Was I so ashamed of the fact that I designed a Disney Poster, scarves and licensed art for an industry where you needed a magnifying glass and detailed instructions to find hidden initials or name? The images are not on my web site. You can't buy the posters or scarves since they sold out years ago. Maybe I should put it in the miscellaneous category as a potential cause of impending death of copyrights for artists. I supported the writers strike. As for us traditional pen, brush, or digital pens persons This is just off the wire and open for posting:

FROM THE ILLUSTRATORS' PARTNERSHIP
You are cordially invited to attend an important industry-wide open forum

Protecting Our Rights Collectively
An Evening with Bruce Lehman
Thursday Feb 21 6:00 PM
Society of Illustrators
128 East 63rd Street
Admission will be free
Evening lecture, followed by Q & A
Following the event the Society’s bar will be open

With the Orphan Works Bill due for resurrection, with Getty slashing prices for stock imagery, with millions of dollars of illustrators' reprographic royalties going unaccounted for, six artists groups have banded together as a new organization to take action. Purpose: to create an industry-wide mandate to protect artists rights and to speak as an industry with one voice.

This new organization The American Society of Illustrators Partnership (ASIP) brings together the following groups:

The Society of Illustrators
The Illustrators' Partnership of America
The Association of Medical Illustrators
The American Society of Architectural Illustrators
The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators
The San Francisco Society of Illustrators
Six other groups are pending members and other groups are invited to join.

On Feb. 21 ASIP will introduce itself at the Society of Illustrators, hosting An Evening with Bruce Lehman

Mr. Lehman is one of the world’s leading experts on intellectual property: Principal author of the 1976 Copyright Act, principal author of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, former US Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks. In 1997, the National Journal named Lehman one of the 100 most influential men and women in Washington. Mr. Lehman was keynote speaker at the first Illustrators Conference in Santa Fe, 1999. For more about Mr. Lehman, go to http://www.iipi.org/nav_about/boards.asp#Honorable_Bruce_A._Lehman

This event is timed to coincide with the Society of Illustrators Editorial and Book Gala Feb 22. So if you’re planning to attend the opening, please attend this important open meeting the day before. Bring your questions, socialize with your colleagues and learn what steps we need to take next as an industry.

The American Society of Illustrators Partnership is a non-profit organization, incorporated October 25, 2007. Executive Director is Terry Brown. The Board is composed of representatives from each of the six Founding organizations.

If you are a member of one of the above groups, you are automatically eligible for joint membership in this new alliance. If you are not affiliated with any current group you’re welcome to join ASIP independently. There is no membership fee.

For more about this new alliance for protecting artists’ rights, listen to Steven Heller’s interview with Brad Holland:
http://www.core77.com/blog/
broadcasts/core77_broadcast_brad_holland_on_intellectual_property
_interviewed_by_steve_heller_6714.asp

An Evening With Bruce Lehman is sponsored by the Society of Illustrators and the American Society of Illustrators Partnership.

Have a Heart and Happy Valentine's Day,
Roberta

January 21, 2008

2008-01-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

After reading last Sunday's New York Times front page article on Cell Phone novels I learned that this is not blog land but the blogosphere. Where have I been for the past seven years? Twiddling my fingers on an iMac rather than writing and sending text messages from my cell phone. Who knew that junior high school girls were tapping out novels on their Nokias, uploading to a web site and winning the chance to be published in hard cover. While all that time I learned to use Apple works on a '99 iMac writing my first novel, "Millennium Blue Test", sending chapters to online amateur writing rooms and to friends who lived at least 3000 miles away. So far I have not published my novel which still needs to be edited. A daunting task not unlike bookkeeping and taxes. I better clean my paint brushes.

You would imagine that a painter would most likely be posting new images but right now convalescing with this broken femur I can't concentrate on painting but finding recovery through tapping on macally keyboard. Hoping that a potential art buyer or two
might want to buy some prints or paintings so I can get a new mac power book. A 15" would be adequate and if a few more paintings sold the 17" model is even better. It's as though none of my other immediate household bills didn't matter. Go be an artist you'll see where your priorities are.

If I knew anyone was interested in reading a few excerpts from the novel I would put it on the blog. In the meantime I am still trying to figure out if anyone actually is interested in reading blogs. One friend of mine said he used his blog as a web site. This is free and really easy to edit.

I will have my new schedule for classes that I will teach at the New York Botanical Gardens and for Squirrel's Nest Art Studio on this blog by the end of this week. No plans to over commit myself this year.

As I usually start off my new year with new goals ( I teach this in my Professional Business Practices and Marketing for Artists course at NYBG and SNAS).

Short Term Priority

3 months

Heal broken leg - physical therapy /swimming?
Meditate- as often as possible
Continue watching scary new global-trashy blood movies like Hostel & Touristas - it will definitely make me be grateful for not being morally and socially unconscious
Send out brochures of my art classes and exhibits - snail mail, e-mail & blog

6 months

Fix decks and roof
Spend time on the garden this spring and summer - plant more bulbs, clean up fix Japanese Garden enclosure - consider a hot-tub/jacuzzi and fix door screens
Teach
Paint

9 months

Keep painting
Don't forget to take a vacation with the plane ticket I didn't use for Florida.
Don't have a solo exhibit this year - paint
Paint like my life depended upon it.

12 months

Take one day at a time
Be grateful for the simple things that come and go
Don't let the little fish get me down - I can swim upstream, in the ponds, lakes, oceans, in a small pool or a jacuzzi.
Smile even when it hurts

Roberta Rosenthal at Squirrel's Nest Art Studio

2008-01-18T07:49:00.000-08:00

A New beginning and my first blog

2008-01-17T18:51:00.000-08:00

Hello Web Surfers and Friends,

My first big toe into blog land. I started the new year off with breaking my femur bone on my right leg. I fell on the ice going into my house. It was one way for me to slow down so I could catch up on paperwork and filing. I am hoping to use this blog as a way to let you know about my latest creative endeavors, artworks, exhibitions and maybe a few thoughts about art and the environment around the Hudson Valley and Catskill area of New York State. I hope you will check in now and then to see my progress, failures, successes, surprises and perhaps I will remember to use spell check along the way.

My web site: www.robertarosenthal.com is currently being updated, by Chris Rusu, my web master. It should be back to full working order by mid February including new images and prints for sale.

Last year I devoted most of my time consulting on the development and implementation of a local gallery and art school. The process was educational and enlightening. I curated their first two exhibits, put art instructors in place and sold a substantial amount of art for the exhibitors. Once the gallery was on its way to success it earned an award for best renovation by the county's Real Estate Board for the owners. It was time for me to return to Squirrel's Nest Art Studio. The Nest Studio is my home. I always know when a job is completed by letting go with detachment as a necessary passage to the next big thing. What ever that is. For me it is usually new clients, painting, teaching art at the New York Botanical Garden and catching up with paperwork.

Although my leg is broken I know it will heal and the upcoming physical therapy will do me a world of good. I will give you updates as I progress with getting back into shape.

The first exhibition of my work this year will be in a two person exhibit with: Garin Baker and my Asian brush paintings. I will be showing nine watercolor and ink paintings that were part of my last solo exhibit at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Newburgh, NY. Garin Baker is an enormously talented painter and muralist.
at John's Framing Shop
2330 State Route 32, New Windsor NY 12553
(845) 534-3349
Dates for the exhibit and reception to be announced in February.

On February 20 - March 27, 2008 I will have several landscape paintings at:
Orange Hall Gallery, Middletown, NY (OCCC)
The Basha Kill - A Quiet Treasure

Reception: Sunday, March 2, 2008 2-4 pm.

********************************************

BTW - I will only be teaching at Squirrel's Nest Art Studio locally in Bloomingburg. Classes include drawing, botanical watercolor or sumi-e Asian brush painting classes. Classes will be small with up to 4 students and I will be offering private classes too.

For detailed information, registration and schedule please e-mail rozenart@aol.com or call me at (845) 733-1848. I will post the schedule soon.

I will teach botanical art certificate courses at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx for the Spring/Summer/Fall 2008 seasons. Go to www.nybg.org for information and registration.

I hope you will want to read more of my blogs and that you will want to comment on contents, feedback or what ever people do on blogs.