Color Mixing in Oil Paint

This 8-week introductory course explores the fundamentals of color mixing in oil painting through a structured progression of practical exercises and guided projects. Beginning with value—the foundation of all successful painting—students will develop an understanding of how light and dark relationships influence color. From there, the course introduces limited palettes, complementary color relationships, triadic color schemes, and warm and cool color temperature, with each concept building on the last. 

Through a variety of color mixing exercises, master copy paintings, and a final still life project, students will learn to mix clean, harmonious color, make intentional palette choices, and observe color more accurately. Emphasis is placed on building confidence, maneuvering paint, and achieving your target color mixtures. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in oil color mixing and a practical framework for continued painting in oil.  

Course Objectives: 
- Navigate color space using value, hue, and chroma in oil paint. 
- Mix harmonious color using limited, complementary, triadic, and warm/cool 
palettes. 
- Apply intentional color schemes to create unity, contrast, and atmosphere. 
- Accurately observe, mix, and adjust color from life. 
- Create an oil painting demonstrating confident color relationships and palette 
control. 

Each class meeting will include:
- Instructor demonstrations 
- Guided studio practice 
- Individual feedback and assistance 
- Group discussion or informal critique 

SUPPLIES: Students will need to purchase basic oil painting supplies. If you have questions, feel free to wait and ask on the first day and the instructor can help you find the right products. Some supplies will be available to students from teacher stock. 

Supply List: 
- Oil paints (limited palette): titanium white, ivory black, cadmium yellow medium, yellow ochre, cadmium red medium, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue 
- Brushes - filbert hog bristle sizes 2 and 4 
- Painting surfaces- primed canvas sheets in a pad will work great for this course 
- Palette - wood, glass, or neutral grey disposable sheets 
- Palette knife - trowel shape 
- Solvent and/or solvent-free mediums - linseed oil is sufficient 
- Rags or paper towels - blue shop towels preferred (can get at auto shops) 

SAFETY: Proper studio safety will be emphasized, including safe handling of solvents and 
materials, ventilation awareness, and appropriate cleanup procedures. Wearing an apron or old clothing is recommended but not required.

This course is appropriate for Beginner/Intermediate level students. Some previous oil painting experience is recommended, but not required.