Students Watch Renowned Artist at Work

Eighth-grade art students at Lake Denoon Middle School had the opportunity to watch a renowned Wisconsin landscape artist and college professor Robert Tarrell create one of his paintings.

Tarrell is a Professor of Art at Edgewood College in Madison, where he has taught drawing and painting for 25 years. Denny Severin, art instructor at Lake Denoon, and Jessica Sobczak, Lake Denoon school counselor (and Mr. Tarrell’s daughter), coordinated this unique event for LDMS students. 

Early on a Thursday morning, Dr. Tarrell set up his French easel at the boat landing at Lake Denoon, which is located just southeast of the middle school.  In addition to watching him create a painting, students also had the opportunity to speak with and ask Dr. Tarrell about his personal background, artistic influences, and the inspiration and fulfillment he receives from painting Wisconsin landscapes.

In addition, students also were able to learn what college-level art classes are like and what future career opportunities are available in the field of art.

“I feel a deep connection with Wisconsin’s landscape and people. My subject matter comes from my immediate world. I don’t need to travel far to find interesting things to paint. My own backyard can be inspirational. I just walk out my door and it is all there. I paint in Wisconsin where I have spent the majority of my life. I paint the landscape that I know and understand best. As an artist, I’m continually inspired, energized, and challenged by the landscape," Tarrell said.