John Nobel

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The Art of John Nobel

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John and Susan Nobel

About the Artist ...

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in December 1938. John studied at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. While there he was influenced by a group of young artists and teachers to concentrate on art as a major. He moved to Los Angeles and continued his schooling at the Otis Art Institute as a scholarship student majoring in printmaking.

After leaving Otis, John was caught up in the free spirit life style of the 60's. He traveled and worked odd jobs and continued with his art. During this time he participated in art shows from the West Coast to the Chicago area. On a visit to Spokane, Washington, John had a one-man show that grew into a partnership in an art gallery. This was a period of intense creativity where he developed a style that continues today. During this same period he illustrated two volumes in a series of music instructional workbooks for children: "Sound Inprints." He was also accepted in several area juried shows winning awards and recognition.

After years of traveling the Northwest art circuit, John sold his interest in the gallery and moved to the San Francisco Bay area where he and his wife Susan lived until just recently. John maintained a studio in Livermore, California where he was a member of the Livermore Art Association and the Alamo Danville Art Association: groups dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the arts.

John moved back to the Northwest in May of 2002 and currently resides in Spokane, Washington

About his Art ...

"As I developed as an artist, animals became my primary subjects. My finished pieces are drawn from my own photographic sketches, concentrating on three basic characteristics; Humor, curiosity and correspondence.

I'll portray the subjects as if they are posing, caught off guard, in conversation, contemplating the unusual
(such as a hippo and hummingbird nose to nose) or perhaps a Rhino observing his observer

I try NOT to caricaturize them or give them human qualities, but to draw them as realistically as my technique and personal limitations allow.

Graphite, pastel, a razorblade, sandpaper and Fun are my primary tools. I work on a Masonite panel with multiple cross applications of gesso sanded between coats.

After blocking in the basic composition, I apply graphite to develop the textures and detail that define the work. The process by itself creates the variations in texture. The detail develops by intent.

I avoid erasers. I use a single edge razor blade to bring out the highlights, add texture and fine tune details. As my attention is on the subject, the backgrounds are often undefined pastel landscapes somewhat out of focus.

Or, for impact, I'll layer dozens of hand rubbed applications of vine charcoal to produce an inky black that will put the subject in your face" ... John Noble