Painting: Colour

About this course

Sessions and projects examine a particular colour-related skill, technique or theme, drawing on observation, imagination, photography, text, media and other artists. Participants explore practical colour theory, mixing and varied ways of using colour, including subjective, expressive and abstract approaches. Teaching combines visual demonstrations, verbal explanations, handouts, individual guidance and group discussion. Learners develop work through practical activity, reflection and discussion of their own and others’ work, with examples from artists used where relevant.

What you'll learn

• Apply basic principles of colour mixing using a basic palette
• Develop painting techniques using colour
• Work with acrylics, collage and mixed media
• Use colour from observation, subjectively, expressively and towards abstraction
• Explore colour in a personal context
• Discuss and analyse colour in their own work, fellow students’ work and artists’ work

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels, including adventurous beginners and those with existing experience of colour media. It involves individual work alongside group discussion, practical experimentation and reflection. An interest in visual phenomena, art and design, and a willingness to take risks with materials and approaches are supported by the course.

• Suitable for learners with varied levels of experience
• Includes both individual guidance and group discussion
• Learners are expected to experiment with different approaches

Before you go

• Bring a sketchbook and any completed homework to the workshops.
• Students must bring their own basic artist toolkit, including drawing materials, charcoal, masking tape, craft knife, palettes, water containers and suitable acrylic brushes.
• An apron or old shirt is requested for working in.
• Students should bring their own 250ml bottle of white acrylic paint and a personal selection of acrylic paints and other colour media.
• Acrylic paint is provided for workshop use, but materials and equipment cannot be shared between students.
• Students are encouraged to keep a sketchbook, notebook or scrapbook and collect materials for collage and mixed-media work.