Colour in Practice: Mixing & Harmony

Show & Culture

A practical 4-week course exploring colour mixing, harmony, observation and atmosphere through guided exercises and colour studies led by artist Alvira Ferreira. Colour is one of the most expressive — and often most difficult — aspects of creating art. Throughout my years of artistic practice and work in art restoration, colour accuracy and observation have become central elements of my practice. In restoration work in particular, the slightest change in hue, temperature, saturation or value can completely alter the result, requiring an exceptionally trained eye for colour mixing and harmony. This course is designed to help students better understand how colours truly interact, shift, neutralise, harmonise and create atmosphere through practical experimentation and observation. Rather than relying on pre-mixed colours straight from the tube, students will learn to intentionally mix and control colours through practical exercises focused on harmony, temperature, value, saturation and atmosphere, using a limited palette. Although the course demonstrations and exercises primarily use paint, the principles covered apply to a range of artistic techniques, including painting, coloured pencils, pastels, illustration, mixed media, and much more. Topics covered throughout the course include: colour mixing and colour relationships primary, secondary and complementary colours warm and cool colour temperature harmony, contrast and balance saturation and muted colours coloured shadows and reflected light colour matching through observation creating atmosphere through palette choices working with limited palettes Suitable for both beginner and intermediate artists. Course Programme Lesson 4 Harmony, atmosphere and final study Putting into practice the concepts explored throughout the course through a final colour-focused study based on intentional palette choices, atmosphere, balance and harmony.