Controlling Color: A Master Level Workshop Focusing on Color and Light for Representational Oil Painters
-Establish a terminology that will help you to better identify colors.
-Learn about useful color-space and color wheel models.
-Learn the principles behind mixing color, based on the interaction of light and form, to create more convincing modeling.
-Develop strategies and tactics for laying out palettes for specific subjects.
When I first started painting my color skills were frankly very weak. I didn’t know how to clearly identify the colors I observed. I didn’t understand why I saw certain colors and consequently subtle colors appeared to change from moment to moment. Often it was a struggle to mix what I wanted and if I happened to get the color I needed I wasn’t confident I could make it again. When I did learn to see subtle color nuances, such as the darkening of skin as it fell into shadow or the glow of reflected light, my mixtures failed to capture the essence of the experience. Even worse, as I consulted books, videos and instructors there seemed to be so much conflicting advice as to how to overcome these challenges.
Over a decade later none of these are problems any longer. Over the years there were many key turning points; pieces of information from books, websites, videos, instructors and even my own experiments that allowed me to solve the puzzle of color. But here’s the thing, it doesn’t have to take years! In this four-day workshop I’m going to share as much as I can possibly squeeze in on the subject of color allowing participants to quickly gain confidence and success with the subject.
We will spend time on theory to build the framework it took me over a decade to put together but we will also engage in specific exercises designed to overcome particular obstacles and see how we can put our knowledge into practice. For the seasoned artist this workshop should help fill gaps they find missing as they finally see all of the puzzle pieces fall into place. However, this workshop is perhaps even more important for the painter that is earlier in their journey because it will lay a frame work for them that can save years of struggle.
All of this will be accomplished in a focused but friendly atmosphere. I’m looking forward to working with everyone who can attend!
-Douglas Flynt
