The primary focus of this workshop will be painting landscapes, beginning with on-location sketches and photographs and then moving into the studio to complete them. We’ll explore the advantages and limitations of using a camera as a part of the process of creating landscape paintings. We’ll then move into the studio and, following a traditional 19th century painting process, we’ll come to a clearer understanding of how a successful painting is structured, leading to a finished work.

This class will take participants through the entire process of painting: from building an effective composition to working tonality and color and to finishing with sensitively chosen details. Participants will hone their observational skills while coming to a clearer understanding of how a successful painting is structured. An emphasis will be placed on proper seeing–looking closely at the existing color and tonal relationships–and on understanding and manipulating what is seen. We will be working with the basic elements of painting, seeing them anew and in ways that can improve the craft of your painting. Through demonstrations and individual critiques and instruction, participants will be encouraged to assimilate what is learned in class with their existing techniques and artistic vision.

John attended Washington University in St. Louis where he received a BFA in 1979. Following college, he attended a four month intensive printmaking workshop at the Institute for American Universities in Avignon, France. Returning to the States, he received an MA degree in drawing and painting from Purdue University in 1982.

For nearly thirty years, John worked as both a freelance illustrator and landscape painter. He has won awards from Print Magazine as well as having work appear in the Society of Illustrators annual show. He now paints full time. He is represented by several galleries and his paintings are held in private and corporate collections throughout North America.

He is certified through the Creativity Coaching Association as a creativity coach and brings his coaching experience to his workshops.