School of Colour UK

Teach with the School of Colour

The teaching of colour in fine art, craft and design

Colour is an elusive subject, as anyone who has ever attempted to teach it will testify. This is due to a variety of factors, not least the retention of unworkable ideas from the past. Yet it is a vital subject for anyone involved in fine art, craft or design.
Students in these creative fields need an understanding of colour harmony, colour contrast, colour mixing and the basics of colour theory if all round progress is to be made. Yet what generally happens is that they end up confused and frustrated.

As one student put it: 'When I asked my teacher how to mix a certain brown she suggested that I mix everything up on my palette and hold my breath" I can understand the frustration of the student but also the approach of the teacher. For much of the previous century the colour theorist concentrated on impressing others in the field instead of helping the actual 'end user'. Many books on the subject are based on 'pet ideas' which simply add to the confusion. Yet it is an unnecessary confusion as all aspects of colour understanding and use can now be taught with ease.

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This is where the School of Colour can help

Over the past 20 years we have re-examined every aspect of colour understanding and use. We found that the accepted 'Three Primary System' was heavily flawed, (in fact it was unworkable) - that artists were using paints which faded or otherwise deteriorated, (paints offered by 'reputable' manufacturers who knew that they would spoil the work of the painter) - that our ideas on colour harmony and contrast were at odds with nature - and so it went on.
Our findings have changed the way that countless people use colour in their leisure time and at work. From the watercolour beginner to the conserver of priceless paintings, from the interior designer to the quilter, from the printer to the silk painter, practices are changing; and changing fast. Colour has, for the very first time, been brought under total control. That control and understanding should now be passed to others - and there is a great demand for it.

This is where you can help

We have not only researched the subject in great depth but have also concentrated on finding ways to explain each aspect with ease. We have now finalized our initial range of teaching aids and courses and are ready to fully cooperate with those teachers who wish to help their students to a full understanding in this vital area, from the early student to the more advanced.
We have also formulated a structure whereby teachers (or their students), can benefit from a range of discounts designed to make the teaching and understanding of colour both enjoyable and profitable. There are ways in which we can work together to bring understanding to all who use colour in their creative work; from the artist to the designer, from the craft worker to the interior decorator.