Foundations 2: Color Theory

Welcome to Foundations 2: Color Theory! We're delighted you're here. You've taken an important step in your artistic journey. Whether you're just getting started with art or you want to gain more confidence, you are in the right place.

There are three quick things to know before you get started:

The key to this curriculum is follow-through. You will get the best results from completing each lesson thoroughly. Take all the time that you need; some will go more quickly than others. There's no need to keep up with the pace of the instructional videos. Pause as often as needed, and go at your own pace.
Go in order. These lessons were designed to do in order and build on each other, so resist the urge to skip around.
Have fun, and take heart knowing that all mistakes are fixable. Worksheets can be reprinted, and paint can be layered over. Art is meant to be enjoyed, so relax and enjoy the process!

Welcome!

Meet Laura, your guide to color theory in this course!

As you work your way through this course, Laura is here for you in video form, but she's also available to answer your questions via email at laura@thesketchingpad.com. Feel free to reach out at any time!

Learn the four primary types of color schemes that you can create using your color wheel. You'll be amazed at how much simpler this makes color selection!

What is a color composition exercise, and why is it important?

For this exercise, you're going to need the following:

The handout to the right. If you'd like to print extra copies, you can click on the image for a printable version of the file.
The paint and brushes from your kit
A cup of water and napkin

Let's try that again with another color scheme!

Be sure to grab the handout to the right for this exercise, as well as everything you used for your hot air balloon exercise.

If you'd like to print extra copies, you can click the image to the right for a printable version of the handout!

Each of the paintbrushes in your kit has a unique purpose and can create several different types of strokes.

In this lesson, Laura will guide you through the many uses of each paintbrush, so you can select the appropriate brush for each part of your projects with ease!

You've put in the practice, and now it's time for our first project!

Be sure to grab the handout to the right for this exercise, as well as everything you used for your color composition exercises.

If you'd like to print extra copies, you can click the image to the right for a printable version of the handout!

You've come so far, and it's time for project #2!

Be sure to grab the handout to the right for this exercise, as well as everything you used for your last project.

If you'd like to print extra copies, you can click the image to the right for a printable version of the handout!

Blending colors can seem intimidating until you learn just a few simple techniques to simplify the process.

Up until this point, we've been posterizing our colors and looking at each color individually. Now you'll learn to mix, blend, and layer colors to create more texture in your paintings!

Now that you've learned to blend, you can put it into practice on your final project!

Be sure to grab the handout to the right for this exercise, as well as everything you used for your other two projects.

If you'd like to print extra copies, you can click the image to the right for a printable version of the handout!

Congratulations, you've completed Foundations 2: Color Theory!

We hope that you feel much more confident moving forward with future projects. If you have any questions about these exercises, please reach out to laura@thesketchingpad.com - we're here to help!

We'd love to see how your paintings came out. Email a photo or send them on social media so we can cheer you on!