Beyond Colour Theory: Understanding and Applying Colour

Developed by David over the last 25 years for art and design practitioners and teachers as well as anyone just fascinated by colour. It consists of eight beautifully illustrated lectures that will interest students wanting a deeper understanding of colour itself as well practical guidance on applying colour in painting.

David’s lectures are given live on an online platform with time allowed for questions and discussion but can also be viewed outside class hours as video recordings. Students undertake the practical exercises outside class and can submit photos by email for feedback and discussion.

In addition to access to the video recordings, all participants receive a set of more than 500 slides from the lecture course, a mailout of a Munsell greyscale and hue circle, and ongoing access to David’s private online Illustrated Glossary of Colour containing illustrated definitions of about 200 terms related to colour and painting.

Art materials

Students who wish to do the practical exercises must supply their own art materials; please refer to the list of recommended oil painting materials below. Students who prefer to use other media can be accommodated but should enquire to discuss this with David via email before the course.

Oil paints including at least these colours (more if you already have them):

• Raw Umber

• Permanent Rose

• Any black, white, red, yellow and blue

Other:

• One tube Matisse Carbon Grey or Golden Neutral Grey No. 5 ACRYLIC paint (both dry to an exact middle grey ground for painting; please do NOT buy other greys like Payne’s Grey etc.)

• Small range of brushes from fine to large, in good condition

• Painting supports, either artists’ canvas (preferably) or sealed heavyweight card or paper

• Palette (wooden, or a small glass clip frame or plate of glass)

• Metal palette knife

• Linseed oil and odourless solvent (small bottles okay)

• Old rags and paper towels

Course Delivery

David’s online studio course is taught through an online platform. He is present in the online studio for the whole session, and he responds directly to student questions in live critiques and discussions.

We are also using Padlet in this course, Padlet is a web application that allows users to post information and images on a digital wall.

Students will be provided with a link to directly access the video conferencing platform and NAS Padlet. The links will be provided close to the date of course commencement. Please ensure you use the links provided to directly access the online platforms.

The course lecturer and NAS team will be able to provide some assistance to students in the initial session, in the event students experience any issues.

Student Home-Studio requirements

A computer, laptop or iPad with a good internet connection.

For those doing the practical exercises, a digital camera to submit photos for feedback.