Learn to use pen and ink on toned paper to create drawings inspired by the look and feel of nineteenth-century nature artists. Ink on toned paper is reminiscent of the work of early western naturalists. In this four-week intermediate class, participants will:
- Create drawings that are both modern and classic, using natural tones of pen, ink and paper,
- Learn rendering techniques, such as hatching and ink wash, and
- Use white–colored pencil, marker, gouache, or watercolor–to add vibrancy and dimension.
Each week will include demonstrations from your instructor and time to work on your pieces, with one-on-one feedback. We will work from plant specimens in the classroom as well as from photographs
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: John Fleck, artist
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A160
John Fleck, artist and teacher
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 class will meet indoors.
Bring the following supplies:
- Pens: Speedball Sketching Project Set (available at Dick Blick, Michaels, or online)
- Ink: Tom Norton Walnut Drawing Ink or Higgins Brown ink
- Paper: Stonehenge Kraft Drawing Paper Pad, either 9″ x 12” or 11″ x 14” (a Strathmore Toned Tan Sketchbook will also work, but is slightly less robust paper and more likely to buckle)
- Pencil and eraser
Optional—if you have the following supplies already, bring them as well (loaners will be available, so no need to purchase them):
- Two synthetic round watercolor brushes, one large and one small, and one medium flat brush
- Rag (such as an old t-shirt)
Gouache, water and ink containers, and drawing boards will be provided.
Program Schedule
This program meets the following six times.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Cudahy Room, Administration and Research Center (parking lot P-1), West Side
