Workshop Dates

Saturday and Sunday, April 18th & 19th, 2026
11am to 2pm

Location
Lena’s studio in central Berkeley. Address provided upon registration. (Limited to 7 participants )

About the Workshop

This workshop was designed for anyone interested in both expanding and refining their use of color through guided experimentation with nuanced chromatic themes and motifs. 

On the first day, we’ll complete a set of color charts that demonstrate specific color contrasts and harmonies rooted in the fundamentals of color theory, creating vivid visual examples to take home that can be referred to for a lifetime of exploration.

The second day will be spent developing palette samples that match personal color references, with prompts to help each participant hone in on arrangements that are unique. 

Over the weekend, everyone will begin to put together their own “color reference library” that can be used for projects in other mediums down the line, for example, as inspiration for a body of ceramics, a quilt, a series of paintings, etc. Alongside art exercises, a brief slideshow will be presented to augment the class, with ideas about how to continue to work with color in new ways into the future.

The material in this workshop is designed to be helpful to everyone, from those who are relatively new to art to practicing artists, designers and craftspeople alike.

On Materials

Participants can choose to work with a range of possible materials for this workshop, including colored pencil, watercolor and / or gouache (no acrylic, please).

Materials Provided in the Studio:

• paper

• colored pencils

• palettes

• a small selection of brushes for water-based media

Materials to Bring

• a notebook or sketchbook + pencil or pen to take notes

• a set of watercolor or gouache paint if choosing to work with these mediums.

• brushes, if you have them

• an apron, if using paint

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A portion of spaces are available at a reduced rate for BIPOC and / or LGBTQ artists, or for those who work in the public sector. Please contact me for info.
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Lena Wolff has taught color studies at Pixar Animation Studios, Kala Art Institute, Disney Animation Studios, and independently in her studio in Berkeley, California for over a decade.