This 7-day workshop introduces and expands upon the fundamental principles of color study and their practical application in painting. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, students will develop a deeper understanding of how to observe, interpret, and apply color relationships with greater sensitivity and accuracy—capturing the effects of light, the complexion of the model, and the surrounding environment.

While tonal relationships will also be addressed, the primary emphasis of the workshop is the effective use of a chromatic palette.

Instruction is tailored to each student’s individual skill level rather than following a rigid schedule. Although personalized guidance is central to the course, the workshop is best suited for students who have a foundational background in drawing.

A one-hour preparatory online session will be held approximately three weeks prior to the workshop (exact date TBD). The session will be recorded for those unable to attend live. During this meeting, the instructor will review essential materials, discuss common challenges, and assign foundational color exercises designed to help students prepare in advance of the workshop.

Course Content:
Students will explore the following concepts and their practical applications:

• Calibration of Color Relationships: Adjusting color to accurately reflect specific lighting conditions.

• Color Studies in Varied Lighting: Examining the same figure under different lighting scenarios to understand shifts in value, tone, and hue.

• Light Key: Establishing the overall color harmony determined by the dominant light source.

• Local Color vs. Color of Light: Distinguishing between the inherent color of an object and the influence of light on its perceived appearance.

• Tonal Study: Building form through both open and closed grisaille exercises.

• Material Handling: Understanding how paint application, surface quality, and texture influence color relationships.

• Application: Discussing how principles of color and tonal study can be integrated into longer, more developed paintings.

Pose Structure:
Model poses will range from 1 to 6 hours with the possibility of a 2 or 3-day pose toward the end of the workshop, at the instructor’s discretion, if it supports students’ development.

Skill Level:
This workshop is ideal for students with basic drawing experience who are ready to deepen their understanding of color.

What to Expect:
This workshop introduces and builds on students’ understanding of color theory and its practical application. An open mind and willingness to experiment with paint application and color mixing are essential in putting the theories and principles to practice and furthering one’s skillsets.