“Fight for a just cause, love your fellow man, live a good life”–this is not only the motto of Filoli but where it got its name, taken from the first letters of this oft repeated saying of its founder, WB Bourn II. I think it is pretty good advice.
I thought I would give you a quick overview of my trip to the San Francisco area of California last weekend to attend the Artists Reception at Filoli, where I have 2 paintings in their Annual Botanical Art Exhibition. Here are some glimpses of the surrounding countryside to give you a sense of place, some photos of the estate, the reception and the exhibit which extends through June 7th.
Looking over a cliff to a view of the California coastline; an heirloom apple orchard with the gently rolling hills surrounding Filoli in the background; one of the many fragrant Eucalyptus groves in the area
The Visitors Center where the reception and exhibition were held, which is nestled under towering mature oaks; one part of the sixteen acre formal English garden; the Georgian style house
Artists Reception at Filoli with a bouquet from the gardens and hors d’oeurvres ; the distinguished judges, Pat Jonas from the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in NYC and the talented artist and teacher Denise Walser-Kolar from Minnesota, and the curators, who are also both talented artists and teachers, Catherine Watters and Lee McCaffree; the guests enjoying the artwork
The exhibition–my wild ginger, cabbage, and the beautiful work of other artists. The paintings were displayed well, being pleasantly grouped with plenty of space around each piece.
As you can see, the exhibit space is lovely and the gardens and surrounding countryside are beautiful, so it is well worth a visit if you are ever in the area.
This blog is about my journey as a botanical artist--what I am learning, what inspires me and what I am currently drawing or painting. My desire is to continually hone my skills to better express my wonder and gratitude for the beauty of the creation around me in the Pacific Northwest (USA).
Hello Janene,
Congratulations on having two of your lovely paintings accepted at Filoli. It’s great that you were able to visit Filoli and attend the Artist Reception. The estate and grounds look beautiful, as does the exhibit. And thanks for posting the photos. I was thrilled to see my watercolor of Jack-in-the-Pulpit hanging above your Wild Ginger. Thanks for an informative blog!
Edna, So nice to be in contact with a fellow participant! I hope you received the photo I sent you of our paintings side by side. I was pleased to have my ginger next to such a beautiful painting as yours. They both are plants with a lot of character so I think they went well together. Thanks for commenting!