Considered to be the oldest drawing material on earth, charcoal is both boldly expressive and very forgiving. Charcoal is a malleable, inexpensive drawing medium with a rich heritage and a pleasing tactile quality. It makes an ideal entry medium to drawing and also offers deeper possibilities as experience is gained. Charcoal used in conjunction with a kneaded eraser offers an additive and subtractive way of working that is efficient and intuitive.
Over the course of this class at The Morton Arboretum, students will draw from nature both large and small, using specimens from the Arboretum’s collection as well as photo references to render broader landscape views. Each week, create a new drawing practicing techniques demonstrated by your instructor, including additive and subtractive methods of rendering using a kneaded eraser, and applying various ways of shading for different effects.
Foundational drawing skills are required. See What to Know for a list of supplies.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: John Fleck, artist
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A822
Instructor
John Fleck, artist
John Fleck is an artist and teacher based in Skokie. His past career was as an illustrator for children’s educational publishing. Now he focuses on fine art through drawing, painting, and teaching. He received his BFA from Columbia College in Chicago in 2001. He is primarily inspired by the natural world in his artwork and enjoys wandering in the woods, fields, or along the lakeshore, looking for a weathered tree full of character, a unique view, or a light effect that fascinates him. He works in oils, acrylics, gouache, pen and ink, and various drawing media. He can often be found at The Art Institute of Chicago or The Field Museum of Natural History, sketchbook in hand. His travels around the Midwest and to places such as Oregon and Maine have inspired many of his works. He exhibits in the Chicago area.
What to Know
This program meets indoors.
Charcoal drawing materials are generally inexpensive, so bring any supplies you already have to the first class. You can acquire new supplies as needed.
View a list of recommended supplies.
Program Schedule
This program meets the following eight times.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Classroom E, Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
