The New England Society of Botanical Artists (NESBA) works to promote public appreciation of the art and science of botanical art and illustration in New England. The Society educates individuals and organizations about botanical art and illustration through exhibits, lectures, workshops, and outreach programs. NESBA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and proud Chapter of the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA). Learn more about NESBA.

Field Notes

NESBA Annual Meeting - In case you missed it, the slide deck and video from the NESBA annual meeting is posted in the member portal under Member Documents. You can also review recent Board Meeting minutes.

“Rory McEwen: A New Perspective on Nature” runs through December 15 the Davis Museum at Wellesley College. The tour by Ruth Stiff is FULL. Even if you are unable to join, the tour we would encourage you to see the exhibit. Be sure to check the museum website for Thanksgiving holiday hours. If you would like to learn more about Rory McEwen and his influence on botanical art, you might enjoy this 15-minute video (which is shown at the exhibition) or this 1-hour art history lecture by Rebecca Albinani. The exhibit catalog is available at the Davis Museum or online from Oak Spring here.

2024 Festival of Trees runs at MassHort Nov 29 to Dec 29. NESBA is participating this year with a botanically-themed tree decorated with YOUR donated cards.

Botanical Art Classes at MassHort: Eileen Sprague, Botanical Program Assistant, sends out regular emails to announce new classes or events and to note upcoming classes with space available. If you would like to keep up with the program, email Eileen and ask her to put you on the distribution list.

Upcoming Events

Featured
Beyond the Brush with Carol Woodin
Dec 4
Beyond the Brush with Carol Woodin

NEW DATE Carol will share here insights on the Rory McEwen exhibition and her experiences working with watercolor on vellum.

Holiday Festive Foods Potluck Party
Dec 14
Holiday Festive Foods Potluck Party

Sarah Roche has graciously offered to host a Holiday Party Potluck at her home in Hingham MA on Saturday Dec 14th from 11:00am - 2:00pm.

BTB with Rebecca Davies
Feb 19
BTB with Rebecca Davies

Join Rebecca Davies for a discussion of her work in watercolor, gouache and graphite.

Read the Latest Blogs

Featured
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Rory McEwen - Art and Books

NESBA member Bobbi Angell is an ardent admirer of the artwork of Rory McEwen. She first saw her work in 1982 at the Staempfi Gallery in New York. She was so impressed by his paintings on vellum that she asked for his address and wrote to him. He wrote back....

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Plant Life: Botanical Sketches of Leonardo da Vinci

Learning to keep a nature journal led me to discover botanical painting, and a sketchbook is still an important and enriching part of my artistic process. When it came time to pick a subject for my botanical art research paper, my interest in the origins of the sketchbook led me on a deep dive into Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci…

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A Report from NESBA's First Weekend Retreat

It was a chilly March weekend on Cape Cod when a group of talented artists gathered to enjoy a weekend of creativity, workshops, camaraderie and food.  NESBA had its first weekend retreat in Harwich in a light filled space at 204 Sisson. 

Nasturiums and Pansies by Elizabeth Rush

 

Click here to access the Member Portal where you will find Beyond the Brush videos, NESBA documents and Board Meeting minutes, current and past newsletters.

Please contact NESBA if you need a password to member-only content.

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JOIN NESBA

Membership in NESBA is open to all members of the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA). It is not necessary to reside in New England.

Explore our diverse member benefits and support our cause.

JOIN NESBA

The New England Society of Botanical Artists is proud to be a chapter of the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA)