Colour Theory and Abstract Painting

Blending theory and practice in this five-week introductory colour course, Amanda Bracken will guide you in exploring colour to develop your skills in abstract painting. You will learn about colour theory and experiment with colour mixing and application.

Over the 5 weeks, you will investigate the components of colour, hue, saturation, value and colour temperature and gain an insight into the colour usage within the inspirational works of Helen Frankenthaler.

You will work with a variety of mediums including watercolour, acrylic paint, and colour papers, and will develop practical skills in brush work and experimental paint handling, including staining, pouring and layering colour.

This course includes a group visit to the Helen Frankenthaler: Radical Beauty exhibition.

You will gain a more comprehensive understanding of colour, its applications and theories. You’ll increase your skills in selecting, mixing, and applying colour and improve your understanding to the effects of colour. You will come away having used this experience to create your own series of abstract artworks that demonstrate the varying effects and impact of colours.

All experience levels are welcome, including complete beginners

Amanda Bracken holds an MA in Fine Art gained at Central Saint Martins. She also has a BA in joint Art/Dance and a PGCE gained at Goldsmiths College London. Her practice stems from colour as a sense perception and a starting point for the imaginative and physical possibilities of paint. Bracken’s paintings, drawings and installations have been selected for exhibitions in London and internationally. She has also developed and led art projects for esteemed galleries, including the Serpentine Gallery, Hayward Gallery, and Victoria Miro Gallery.

Keeping everyone safe

We have a number of recommendations on the Visit Us section of our site to keep our visitors COVID safe. Particularly relevant to this event is that we are asking people continue to wear face masks to keep our staff and visitors safe.