Loon Drawing on Toned Paper 

Thursday, August 7, 2025
10 am – 1 pm
First Floor Classroom
$50

Join Dr. Donna Murray-Tiedge on a technical and creative journey of learning how to draw with confidence and precision in realistic representation by using the grid method (a time-tested technique utilized by master artists, including Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh) on toned paper featuring an iconic Northwoods subject.

Drawing on toned paper simplifies the mechanics of drawing realistically because the paper color provides the mid-tones of the value scale (from the darkest blacks to the lightest whites, with varying shades of gray in between). This saves time because the artist doesn’t have to develop a full range of values. Strong contrast and visual interest is created by focusing on the darks and lights- accenting the deepest shadows and brightest highlights. Shading shadow tones with a dark charcoal pencil and tinting highlights with a white pencil adds depth and dimension. Working from the middle of the value scale and gradually building light and dark tones encourages subtle transitions in a full range of value, which is essential for any level of realism. Popping white pencil off the page can create drama, thus toned paper can also help create a sense of atmosphere. In both instances, the mid-tones provided by the paper help to create a unified drawing.

This class is open to beginners and all levels. Prior drawing experience is optional. This one-room schoolhouse model mentors students at their unique levels. All supplies provided.

Teaching Artist Bio:

Donna began drawing early in life, and art was one of her favorite subjects throughout her K-12 experience. She won a national drawing award in high school. She studied industrial design in college before computer-aided design (CAD) replaced the drafting table and T-square. Creating technical drawings by hand demanded technical precision as well as artistic flair. She learned CAD on the job as a professional product designer. Still, she benefitted greatly from her experiences with pre-AutoCAD design due to its tactile quality, which carried a sense of craftsmanship while honoring the creative process as much as the final product. After twenty-five years of working in industry and running entrepreneurial businesses, Donna returned to academia to gain teaching credentials. She has a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in art and design and a PhD in aesthetic education (teaching through the arts). She has taught at the University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Stevens Point, and online for Kent State University and Boston University. She dabbles in diverse mediums, including drawing, painting, photography, and woodworking. She has been vacationing in Land O’ Lakes since 1969 and became a permanent resident in 2015.

Please be aware:

• If you would like to pay with cash or check, please call LOLA Arts at (715) 547-3950 to reserve your spot in class. Your spot is not guaranteed until we receive payment.
• If a class is canceled a full refund will be issued. 
• Refunds will not be issued after the registration date closes.
• Students who request a refund prior to the registration deadline will be given the option of receiving the full amount in the form of a gift certificate for future classes OR a refund for the balance minus a $5.00 service fee.

Once registered, please fill out this release form online.