This is an opportunity to develop focused observation and access a step-by-step method to accomplish a drawing. It’s a foundation for beginning students and a refresher for those interested in sharpening their skills. You will be drawing from life, using a variety of still life subjects ranging from basic geometric shapes to organic subjects. Learning to translate 3D to 2D is absolutely essential to all visual prob­lem solving in drawing. There will be many demonstrations using a variety of media and surfaces, including graphite, charcoal, ink pens, brushed washes and white pencils to achieve heightened effects.

Drawing is central to all artistic endeavors. It represents thinking, planning and communicating ideas, as well as experimentation and expres­siveness. Learning to draw increases our ability to closely and critically observe the world around us. It’s an integral part of the human experience. Your initiative to learn this skill can result in an enjoyment that could last the rest of your life! Drawing is a learnable skill like any other, not something exclusive to a lucky few. Learning to draw an object or build an entire composition can be incredibly rewarding.

John is passionate about drawing and is looking forward to working with you both individually and as a part of the group! John will contact students prior to class.

John Ribble has been drawing since his earliest memory, and it has contributed to virtually every artistic endeavor in his life. Upon earning a bachelor’s degree in fine art, he embarked on a 12-year career as a graphic designer, art director and illustrator. In 1982, he joined the staff of the Graphic Design and Illustration Department at Madison College and taught there for 32 years, retiring in 2014. Approximately 30 years ago, he became a plein air landscape artist and is currently represented by the Abel Contemporary Gallery in Stoughton, Wisconsin, participating in multiple group and one-person shows. His years of teaching were the most rewarding of his life. They gave him the opportunity to daily engage in interactions with students and faculty and learn to employ skills using a great variety of materials, techniques, conceptualizations, compositions and critiques. He learned more about being an artist as a teacher than from all of his previous educational and professional experiences combined! He is grateful and excited for the chance to teach in such an exquisite environment and historic institution as The Clearing.

Level: All Levels