Experiments in Color
(AKA: approachable color theory)

Workshop Dates
3 Sundays, September 13, 20 and 27
10am to 12:30pm Pacific Standard Time / 1 -3:30pm Eastern Time

This workshop can be taken live, or completed on your own time via class recordings (available to view through the end of October, 2024).

About the Workshop

The class was designed for anyone interested in learning how to experiment with color in new ways, structured to convey the basics of color theory through hands-on practice, with a sequence of fun, approachable exercises in paint-mixing and collage. In-between art activities, slideshows offer visual examples and information on the biology of color vision, a breakdown of color properties, and the wondrous phenomenon of color relativity, with examples from early color theorists, textiles, folk-art, and work by contemporary artists.

By the end of the workshop, everyone will leave with a small set of color charts and collages, and fodder for a lifetime of future experimentation.

Open to absolute beginners, practicing artists, designers, and craftspeople alike.

What is Covered:

• Hands-on paint-mixing and collage exercises that demonstrate theory through experiential practice.

• The basic science of human color vision and perception, with some comparison to other animals.

• An overview of color terminology and vocabulary, with visual examples from textiles, folk art, and contemporary artworks.

• The nature of color relativity, uncovered by the early color theorists Johannes Itten and his student, Josef Albers.

• Prompts for continuing to experiment with color into the future, including how to develop palettes and color themes for projects across a range of mediums.

On MATERIALS: The basic materials list can be found below. In addition, a packet with paper templates for paint mixing exercises will be shipped via postal mail to all participants ahead of the start of the workshop. If you live overseas, PDF’s of the templates will be emailed to print independently.

Public school teachers, LGBTQ artists and BIPOC artists can sign up at a discount. Please contact me for info.

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Lena Wolff has taught color studies at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Pixar Animation Studios, Kala Art Institute, Disney Animation Studios, and independently in her studio in Berkeley, California for over a decade.

Cancellation Policy: online workshops can’t be cancelled but recordings are made available to everyone who signs up, along with detailed visual and written examples of all class exercises and slideshows.