Nature Collage and Mixed Media

Discover new ways of creating art by combining drawing media with collage.

If you can affix it to paper, anything goes in this class. Explore your relationship with the natural world by creating artworks that are abstract, representational, or somewhere in between. Pencil, pen and ink, watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and collage can all be elements of your work as you explore and push the boundaries of your creativity.

All experience levels are welcome.

This program meets in person at the Arboretum.

Instructor: John Fleck, artist

Age: 16 and older

Course number: A810

Instructor

John Fleck, artist

John Fleck is an artist and teacher based in Skokie, Illinois. 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.

Fleck 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 like Oregon and Maine, which have inspired many of his works. He exhibits in the Chicago area.

What to Know

This program meets indoors.

This program is open to all experience levels.

See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.

Suggested Supplies

Below is a suggested list of supplies. Students are encouraged to bring a variety of art supplies that they already own to the first class. If you do not own any supplies yet, they will be provided to you in class. During the first class, the instructor will review materials and suggest ideas for what students might want to purchase for the following weeks. Please reach out to education@mortonarb.org with any questions.

Paper

Paper should be heavyweight (180-lb or higher) so that it can handle all wet and dry media.

Drawing and Painting Media

Graphite and/or colored pencils
Water-soluble ink
Dip pens
Micron pens
Brushes
Watercolor, acrylic, or gouache paint
Pastels

Collage Materials

This could be anything, including your own previous drawings and paintings, colored paper, etc.

The instructor will also supply plenty of materials to collage with.

Collage Adhesives

Acrylic medium or glue such as Mod Podge or Lineco

Cutting Tools

Scissors
X-ACTO knife

Questions about Registration
630-719-2468
Registrar-ed@mortonarb.org
Weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Format
In person
Four Wednesdays, September 23, through October 14, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
A810
Cost: $180
Member cost: $153
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