Create a prairie drawing or painting in this intermediate art class at The Morton Arboretum. The Schulenberg Prairie is a sea of color in the summer months, with native grasses and flowers in full bloom. This class will explore the broad, sweeping landscape, and engage in an up-close study of the prairie’s elements. With a mix of classroom and plein air sessions, students will learn to compose and create images of these inspiring surroundings. The instructor will
- share principles of scene selection, simplification, and process in creating landscapes.
- invite participants to find a still life in nature by zooming in on a single coneflower or the trunk of an oak in its natural context.
- demonstrate various drawing and painting media.
- provide one-on-one guidance as students complete their own drawing or painting.
Students will develop a drawing or painting using the medium of their choice. Over the course of the program, the close observation of the landscape will reveal the subtle ways the prairie changes from week to week. When the sun gets too hot, the classroom will provide a cool refuge to continue working.
This program is open to any drawing or painting media and is appropriate for intermediate to experienced artists. Foundational drawing skills and familiarity with your medium of choice is required. Spend time in nature while actively creating some beauty of your own.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: John Fleck, artist
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A189
