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Showing posts from September, 2016

Colour theory in art - my thoughts on colour

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"Is colour too subjective to teach?"

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We are all taught the basics of the colour wheel and about complimentary colours etc. but should we be overly influencing art students in their choice of colours?  Years ago when I first began attending short courses in drawing and painting, I went to one local class that really put me off going to any again. The tutor had us copying step by step a painting that he produced and didn't allow for any deviation. He told us exactly which colours to use and what ratio to mix them. I was incredibly frustrated as I had a full range of newly bought colours that I wanted to try. I also wanted to be shown how to create my own painting, not copy his! Needless to say, I didn't return. Skip forward a few years and I am now the one doing the teaching. I am happy to explain about basic colour theory, mixing greens, the impact of complimentarys etc. but I never complete a full demonstration painting or say which colours to use. I would hate it if someone told me whi