This six-week course is for anyone interested in deepening their connection to color and content in landscape as a subject matter.
Rooted in direct observation, the class weaves together concepts from ecology, perception, material studies, and relevant art historical examples. Each week blends guided demonstrations, independent work, and reflective group critiques designed to support creative growth in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Working in wet and dry media, participants will explore color relationships through plein air (outdoor) and studio-based exercises. Throughout the series, students will develop their skills in understanding color’s temperature and application: mixing, hue, value, and mark-making.
We will also examine how artists throughout time have used color in service to content in various movements.
This course welcomes all experience levels. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your creativity, explore the world through a reinvented chromatic lens, or refine your color technique, you’ll find a welcoming space to learn, explore, and be inspired.
See What to Know for a list of required supplies to bring.
This program is open to all experience levels.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Kate Perryman, art educator
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A354
Instructor
Kate Perryman, art educator
Kate Perryman has exhibited works in Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Seattle, and New York City. Perryman’s exhibition record includes Roman Susan Gallery, Co-Prosperity, Zhou B Art Center, and Hoofprint Editions in Chicago. Perryman studied painting and sculpture, earning her BFA from Kansas City Art Institute and MFA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She continues advocacy for local wildlife and urban green space through volunteer work, and started her role as stewardship specialist with The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative in December 2024.
What to Know
This program meets indoors and outdoors. Check the forecast and dress for the weather.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and plan to walk more than a mile on uneven terrain.
This program is open to all experience levels.
Supply List
Students will apply a range of portable wet and dry media to support experimental approaches when building form and expression in observation of the landscape. All wet media will be water-based.
Required Supplies
Suggested Supplies
Learn about the difference between watercolor brushes and acrylic painting brushes.
Students are welcome to bring their own watercolor brushes or sketchbooks, and are encouraged to bring any materials they already own that are suitable for expressive drawing and painterly effects.The instructor can help determine if these materials will work well for the course on the first day of class.
Please note that colored pencils are not recommended, as they tend to limit the range of marks, hues, and ability to play, which is core to the objective of this class.
If you have questions regarding the required supply list or if purchasing supplies is a barrier to your participation in the course, please contact education@mortonarb.org for assistance.
The following supplies will be provided in class:
- Rembrandt toned mixed-media paper
- Canson Mi-Teintes colored paper
- Drawing gum (liquid frisket) for resist techniques
- Kneaded erasers for lifting and blending
- PVA or Elmer’s glue for collage and mixed-media work
Program Schedule
This program meets the following six times.
Thursday, June 18, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 25, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 2, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 9, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 16, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 23, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
