Introduction to Color Theory

About the Class

Paul Cézanne, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Klee, and Georges Seurat are just a few of the painters in the Barnes collection who are known for their innovative use of color. What might appear to be simply a blue sky, a brown jacket, or rosy flesh tones are, in fact, made up of multiple hues. In this workshop, we will learn about basic color theory, approaches to color mixing, and the historical origins of pigments and binders. We will also look at some of the techniques and methods used by painters, including glazing, dry-brush, and underpainting. 

The class is online-only. More about online classes.

Barnes classes will:

• Increase your understanding of art-related concepts.
• Increase the ways you think critically about art.
• Improve your ability to communicate about art.
• Deepen your appreciation for cultures and histories outside your own.

Recent Barnes Class Testimonials

“[The] professor was highly engaging, facilitated excellent discussions, and [was] very knowledgeable. I learned a lot about teaching art history from watching her.” Course: Matisse and Picasso with Martha Lucy

“Every single second of the course was a productive, valuable, and interesting use of my time. The instructor's enthusiasm and reference to outside resources sparked a greater interest in me as a learner and resulted in me exploring even more on my own. I couldn't have enjoyed the experience more.” Course: Salvador Dalí: Surrealism and Beyond with Jonathan Wallis

“I am not an artist and prior to this course I had not thought about what an artist might be 'thinking,' as opposed to 'feeling.' I loved this course and plan to immerse myself in color theory.” Course: Visualizing Memory with Lucas Kelly

“This course is equal to or exceeds art history courses I have taken at several major universities in terms of syllabus and quality of instruction.” Course: The School of Paris with Joseph Tokumasu Field