John is an artist and teacher based in Skokie. He began his artistic career as an illustrator for children's educational publishing. He currently focuses on fine art through drawing, painting, and teaching, and he finds his inspiration principally in the natural world.
I am primarily inspired by the natural world in my artwork.
I enjoy wandering in the woods, looking for a weathered tree full of character, a unique view, or a light effect that fascinates me.
Having drawn all of my life, I began doing illustration work in the 1990s. I contributed art for many children's non-fiction educational books among other types of clients. In recent years I have studied drawing and painting more traditionally and intensely, working from the figure and still life setups. I love painting and drawing outdoors (en plein air).
I paint and draw daily, study art books, and visit galleries as much as possible. I have a great appreciation for nineteenth through early twentieth century art, including landscapes and portrait paintings. I work in oil, acrylic, gouache, charcoal, pen & ink, pastel, pencil, and watercolor.
Artists I admire include: Sargent, Hassam, Moran, Sorolla, Kollwitz, Zorn, Trost-Richards, Kensett, Inness, Rembrandt, Fantin-Latour, Rousseau, Daubigny, and Watteau.
Education:
Columbia College-Chicago - B.F.A.
Media:
Oil and acrylic paint, gouache, pastel, pen and ink, pencil, charcoal, markers
Areas of focus:
Landscape, still life
Website:
http://johnfleckart.com/
Exhibition Highlights:
January 2022, "EAC Faculty Exhibition," Evanston Art Center, Evanston, IL
January 2022, "In View," The Art Center, Highland Park, IL
January 2022, "A Fresh Start," North Shore Art League Winnetka, IL
December 2021, "Inchworks," North Shore Art League Winnetka, IL
June 2017, Duo Show (with Anita Miller), Danon Gallery, Evanston, IL
Other interests and inspirations:
Music & food/cooking
Publication highlights:
"The Benefits of (and Strategies for) a Reduced Palette," Artists on Art Magazine - March/April 2018
Drawing and painting blog “Look twice, draw once” (since 2010)
http://looktwicedrawonce.
John's teaching style:
He has gained a lot of knowledge himself from the wonderful instructors he’s had, and wants to pass that knowledge along to his students. His goal is for them to gain skills and inspiration to keep them going on their artistic path. He is always learning too, and sees the process as a shared journey of discovery.
John loves EAC because . . .
He enjoys talking about and making art and the sense of community that develops in a classroom. The questions that students ask are eye-opening and allow for a richer experience in class for all. The discipline of having to teach and explain concepts allows for him to grow with the students.
