The Art of Colour with Rachel Cohen (Jan-Mar)

This course introduces a range of techniques for working with colour, including acrylic paint, pastels, coloured inks, collage, and printmaking. We take inspiration from both historical and contemporary artists, exploring representational and abstract approaches to colour.

Starting with the colour spectrum, you will learn how to identify, mix, and use different colours with confidence. We will work from observation using still life in the studio, as well as drawing on location in the museum or park. From there, we will move on to explore more expressive and decorative uses of colour.

The course is suitable for students with prior experience, including those who have taken the Experimental Drawing course with Rachel, as well as beginners.

All materials are provided for studio-based sessions. For the outdoor session, students will need a sketchbook and some portable drawing materials. Guidance on what to bring will be given at the start of the course.

Sample exercises include:

• Creating a colour wheel by mixing from three primary colours using acrylic paint
• Using collage to explore colour relationships and how to express emotions
• Drawing in the park and designing a decorative lino block based on these observational sketches
• Working from a still life using oil pastels and soft pastels
• Creating Abstract Expressionist paintings inspired by 1950s artists, accompanied by a jazz soundtrack

Student comment about the tutor: 'I’ve really enjoyed your drawing course this term. As a self-taught beginner, I’ve never had chance to explore techniques or other materials or drawing styles, so it’s been great to try out new things with your thoughtful guidance. I’ve really appreciated how much thought and care you put into the sessions, and I can see my own drawing at home has developed and I’m enjoying a wider range of expression in my own sketch pad.'

Photograph by Phoebe Wingrove

Costs: £235

Days: 10 Friday mornings

Times: 10:00 - 13:00

Dates: 16 January - 27 March (no class 20 February)

Location: Red Room

Maximum: 8

studied Art History (BA) at Sussex University and Fine Art (PG Dip) at Brighton. She has an MA in museum and gallery education from Institute of Education, London. She learned printmaking at a private college in Treviso, Italy and at Kensington and Chelsea Institute in London. Rachel works with wide range of techniques and materials. She creates objects, site-specific installations and participatory events.

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