"Color is a plastic means of creating intervals... color harmonics produced by special relationships, or tensions." — Hans Hofmann
Color is both structure and sensation. In this class, students will study color relationships through a series of focused painting exercises that sharpen perception and refine sensitivity to hue, value, and temperature. Participants will learn how color interacts to create light, space, and emotional tone—building a painter’s understanding from direct experience.
Projects will include perceptual still life studies, color transcription, and experiments with harmonies and contrasts using limited palettes. Instruction will emphasize not only technique, but how to see color relationally and their effects upon one another and eventually the overall image.
Through guided discussions and critiques, students will connect their discoveries to broader art historical contexts and develop a more intentional, resonant use of color in their own work. Open to all levels, this course is ideal for painters seeking to strengthen their foundation or refresh their approach to seeing and composing with color.
JPA To-Go Policy: In person classes can now be substituted for 30 minute virtual meetings at alternative times and with personalized projects. If you know you will miss a class or live outside of St. Louis but still want to work with us, please give at least two weeks notice via email before the date of the class that will be missed. This is only available for our regular drawing and painting courses.
Supplies needed (Please check in with us if you need alternative arrangements /ideas for supplies):
Brushes* (Have at least 2 or 3 brushes ranging in size and shape)
Rags
Paint (Oil paint set)
A purchased paint set will work well for this class, or if you already have paints that is fine. We recommend having at least a black, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and ultramarine Blue. Any paint set that remotely resembles this list or includes additional colors is enough to get started.
Medium (Linseed oil and gamsol/mineral spirits)
a 5×7”, 9×12”, or 11×14” value pack is a good start
2 glass jars with lids
Paint scraper
Rubber gloves
Easels, palettes, and drawing boards will be provided at the studio.
For your convenience, paint and tools can be loaned at a $25 fee (canvases not included).
"Color is a plastic means of creating intervals... color harmonics produced by special relationships, or tensions." — Hans Hofmann
Color is both structure and sensation. In this class, students will study color relationships through a series of focused painting exercises that sharpen perception and refine sensitivity to hue, value, and temperature. Participants will learn how color interacts to create light, space, and emotional tone—building a painter’s understanding from direct experience.
Projects will include perceptual still life studies, color transcription, and experiments with harmonies and contrasts using limited palettes. Instruction will emphasize not only technique, but how to see color relationally and their effects upon one another and eventually the overall image.
Through guided discussions and critiques, students will connect their discoveries to broader art historical contexts and develop a more intentional, resonant use of color in their own work. Open to all levels, this course is ideal for painters seeking to strengthen their foundation or refresh their approach to seeing and composing with color.
JPA To-Go Policy: In person classes can now be substituted for 30 minute virtual meetings at alternative times and with personalized projects. If you know you will miss a class or live outside of St. Louis but still want to work with us, please give at least two weeks notice via email before the date of the class that will be missed. This is only available for our regular drawing and painting courses.
Supplies needed (Please check in with us if you need alternative arrangements /ideas for supplies):
Brushes* (Have at least 2 or 3 brushes ranging in size and shape)
Rags
Paint (Oil paint set)
A purchased paint set will work well for this class, or if you already have paints that is fine. We recommend having at least a black, titanium white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and ultramarine Blue. Any paint set that remotely resembles this list or includes additional colors is enough to get started.
Medium (Linseed oil and gamsol/mineral spirits)
a 5×7”, 9×12”, or 11×14” value pack is a good start
2 glass jars with lids
Paint scraper
Rubber gloves
Easels, palettes, and drawing boards will be provided at the studio.
For your convenience, paint and tools can be loaned at a $25 fee (canvases not included).
