How Colour Works: An Interactive Workshop

Presentation Description:

Understanding how colour works requires that we dip our brush into it to reveal what it has to communicate to us. Starting with the primaries, we will work with you to discover the results generated when colours are mixed. Next we will demonstrate the differences between warm and cool versions of the same colour(s). Finally, we will look at how the colour of natural and man-made light influences how colour looks, both alone and in combination with other colours. What colour communicates is largely determined by how it is organized. Colour can be hard to pin down because it is influenced by, and influences, everything around it. This workshop will give you the knowledge and confidence to make colour selections that are relevant to the situation.

In this workshop, you will learn to:

• recognize the formulation of a colour(s)
• adjust colour according to the situation
• identify the colour of light
• predict how the colour of light will influence the appearance of a colour(s)
• prepare visually balanced and satisfying colour relationships

Outline – Part 1: How Colour Works

• Mixing colour
• Exploring Colour Contrasts

In Part 1, we will mix colour, beginning with primary colours, to achieve secondary and tertiary colours. Colour contrasts will be explored with exercises that will sensitize your ability to see colour, and to determine which contrasts to use to achieve your desired results.

Outline – Part 2: How to Work Colour

• Exploring colour relationships
• Identifying how the colour of light (natural and man-made) influences the appearance of colour

In Part 2, we will look at a painting, and at a room, to explore how the colour was composed in each, what worked, what didn’t, and how the solution can be made to work better with the slightest adjustment. We will also explore the colour of natural and man-made light, and the influence the colour of light has on the character of the colour(s).

Whether you are working on a canvas or a fresco, or something in between, you are welcome to bring your current colour challenges to work up a solution. Starting from wherever you are, your skills in creating and composing colour designs will improve.

• Watercolours: SAR8416, Sargent Art Supreme Watercolour Set (16 cakes of colour)
• Flat Brush: C260112, Curry’s Series 2601 Flat 1/2”
• Watercolour Pad, S360111, Strathmore Series 300 Watercolour Pad, 11″ x 15”, 140 lb.

Bring watercolours, 1/2” brushes, 12 x 16 watercolour paper pad and a current challenge.
Note: Watercolours need to include 2 yellows, 2 reds, 2 blues and 2 greens, (a warm and cool version of each) plus white and black.

To register, contact:

Cheryl Spina Dudley
IACC Certified Colour Designer
ARIDO Registered Interior Designer
President-elect, IACC Canada (International Association of Colour Consultants)
cbsdudley@icloud.com
613-728-6653

Please note: registration closes on Friday, March 18, 2022. 

Workshop Presenters:

Edda Mally, M.A., Director, Professional Colour Designer, Director, IACC Salzburg Seminars
Cheryl Spina Dudley, IACC, ARIDO, IDC, Architectural Colourist, Interior Designer, President-elect, IACC Canada Seminars