Colour mixing for painters

A concise study of colour usage. Investigate colour perception and how colour interacts. Explore a range of observational and expressive painting projects, relate colour theory to practice and develop confidence using colour in painting.

Choose a starting date

Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

  • Start Date: 17 Nov 2026
    End Date: 24 Nov 2026
    Last Spaces Left
    Tue (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
    Course Code: VH063
    Tutors:  Amanda Bracken
    Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £149.00
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  • Start Date: 12 Jan 2027
    End Date: 02 Feb 2027
    Tue (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
    Course Code: VH335
    Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £149.00
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  • Start Date: 23 Apr 2027
    End Date: 14 May 2027
    Fri (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
    Course Code: VM026
    Tutors:  Amanda Bracken
    Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £149.00
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  • Start Date: 06 Jul 2027
    End Date: 27 Jul 2027
    Tue (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
    Course Code: VM437
    Tutors:  Amanda Bracken
    Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £149.00
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Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

Book your place
In stock
Only 1 left
SKU
246881
Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £149.00

What is the course about?

Through practical exercises and experimentation, develop your sensitivity towards colour for more confident usage in general painting practice. Investigate the foundations of colour theory to mix and apply the colours you want. Taught using acrylic paint, coloured papers and painted swatches (theory and principles extend to oil painting).

What will we cover?

  • Develop skills and confidence in mixing observed colour - identifying hue, saturation and value in the process.
  • Understanding the colour wheel: mixing secondary and tertiary colours to build a comprehensive colour wheel for your further use.
  • Colour theory and the science of seeing: learn methods of colour control: how to subtly or radically change the way colours behave in combination.
  • Colour palettes: using coloured papers and painted swatches, explore colour interactions including temperature, analogous colours and complementary colours.
  • Relating theory to practice for painters: a range of observational and expressive painting projects, designed to consolidate learning.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

  • Analyse and mix any observed colour using your understanding of hue, saturation and value to obtain a match.
  • Identify basic colour interactions in a range of contexts, e.g., colour studies, artists' work, your own paintings.
  • Relate colour theories to practice and improve painting.
  • Take away a painted colour wheel and colour studies for future reference.
  • Present a small painting based on observed colour mixing.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Suitable for beginners and intermediates with some painting experience.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

  • Colour mixing and colour combining exercises
  • Group discussions - theories and practice
  • Individual tuition and feedback
  • Slide-selection of current and traditional examples by painters and colour theorists.

Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Basic materials and resources are provided as part of this course, including paint, brushes and paper.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Continue developing your usage of colour in a general context on Painting 1 or Painting 2. Alternatively, select a course with a colour-emphasis, e.g. Painting from plants and flowers.

Amanda Bracken Tutor Website See more See less
Mario Lautier Vella Tutor Website See more See less

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.