Color Theory

Color Theory

Class | Available

All Levels Welcome
9/13/2025-10/11/2025
10:00 AM-1:00 PM PDT on Sat
$375.00

Color Theory

Class | Available

This course is designed to transform the way you perceive and utilize color in your creative work. You’ll learn to train your eye to see color not just as it appears, but as a dynamic element influenced by how you observe and interpret it. We’ll explore the science and psychology behind why objects appear certain colors and how to effectively translate these observations onto your canvas. A key focus will be mastering color schemes, including complementary, analogous, and triadic arrangements, through hands-on exercises and projects that teach you how to create harmonious and impactful compositions.  

  • Please bring your oil painting supplies to the first class. 
  • Oil Paints: 
    The palette:

    Titanium White
    Cad Yellow Pale /light
    Cad Orange or Yellow Orange
    Cad Red Light
    Alizarin Crimson
    Ultramarine Blue
    Cerulean Blue
    Viridian Green or Phthalo Green


    Brushes: Bristle flats and or filberts, ranging from a ¼ inch to ½ inch in size.

    I recommend Robert Simmons bristles, but any moderately priced bristle brush will do.


    Surfaces:

    We will be doing lots of exercises in this class,
    (5) 12 x16 canvas panels or gessoed hardboard
    or (10) 8 x10 canvas panels or gessoed hardboard which ever size you prefer


    Other Supplies:

    Palette or palette paper. (the larger the better)

    Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits

    Metal Brush Washer/container

    Paper towels or rags to clean brushes. Viva or Scott brand

     

    Optional supplies:

    Vine charcoal


Young, Ben
Ben Young

Ben Young has studied at Watts Atelier for the past seven years. He has worked as a freelance illustrator and conceptual designer. Clients include Sony Entertainment, Reflexive Entertainment, Upper Deck and Blizzard. Ben is currently working towards a career in fine art. View more of Ben's work at www.benmyoung.com