Looking at artists: colour and composition

What is the course about?

This is a practical course in which you will learn through a series of activities using a set of watercolour paints and discussion with the group. Over the course of these exercises you will learn about how to alter the appearance of a colour by surrounding it with other different colours, how to apply different types of harmony, and some key principles of abstract composition.
As we explore new ideas about colour, we will take a close look at artists who make extensive use of these principles in their work – such as Vuillard, Bonnard, Frank Bowling and Miyoko Ito.

By the end of the course you will have a greater insight in to strategies that artists employ to achieve compelling colour schemes. You will have made a series of colour tests of your own which you will share and discuss with the group and keep for future reference.

As we explore new ideas about colour, we will take a close look at artists who make extensive use of these principles in their work – such as Vuillard, Bonnard, Frank Bowling and Miyoko Ito.

By the end of the course you will have a greater insight in to strategies that artists employ to achieve compelling colour schemes. You will have made a series of colour tests of your own which you will share and discuss with the group and keep for future reference.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

- how to choose, mix and arrange colours successfully
- approaches to harmony and composition
- small scale watercolour exercises
- Artists: Vuillard, Bonnard, Frank Bowling and Miyoko Ito.

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

• Mix colours using the nine point colour wheel
• Combine colours using a range of principles of colour harmony
• Place colours in different contexts to alter their appearance
• Identify the games that artists play with colour when you view paintings.

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

• Ideal for beginners and also students who have experience in painting and drawing but want to bring more rationale to their use of colour.
• You should be computer literate
• You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.
• You will be invited to take part in group discussions.

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

• You will be taught online with short presentations, demonstration and group discussion.
• You will need a space to carry out the watercolour exercises.
• Your tutor will suggest some books and exhibitions to progress you studies after the course.

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

• A set of watercolour paints which should include red, crimson, lemon yellow, warm yellow, ultramarine, Prussian blue (or turquoise) as well as black and some earth tones. Most starter sets of watercolour will be well suited, though the more colours the merrier!
• Several sheets of A4 card or cartridge paper
• Soft bristle nylon brushes for watercolour, small to medium in size.
• Some water and tissue or paper towel
• A pencil or pen for taking notes.

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

• This course would be an ideal companion to Looking at Artists – Focus on Drawing and Mark Making and Looking at Artists – Focus on Landscape.