Are you ready to look at color in a whole new way? In this class from our partners at Artists Network, join artist Danielle Donaldson for an in-depth exploration of color, including how to discover your own ideal color palette. You’ll create your own color reference with tiny illustrations that are charming, functional and suitable for framing!
Class Sessions
Introduction
2:13
Meet watercolor illustrator Danielle Donaldson and learn about the supplies you'll be using: watercolors, watercolor paper, a palette , watercolor brushes, a heat tool and common household supplies.
Study
5:39
Start with a quick exercise to learn about color palettes, particularly the difference between warm and cool palettes.
Prepare
6:59
Further expand your understanding of warm and cool palettes by exploring the colors you documented in the previous lesson. You'll discover your true colors to make your paintings uniquely your own.
Project Setup 1: Tiny Rainbow
9:18
Capture your true colors in your project, beginning with a tiny rainbow. Learn the importance of setting constraints for you illustration, how to position your hand and blend your colors. Add salt to create a "bloom," and hand-lettering to identify your colors.
Project Setup 2: Starting Large
21:53
Begin with larger drawings to practice the concepts and identify what parts of your illustrations will translate well to smaller versions. Danielle demonstrates how to lightly sketch a succulent, goldfish and glass of lemonade, then bring them to life with your true colors.
Project Setup 3: Microdrawings
9:11
Turn your larger illustrations into microdrawings. Danielle shares her inspiration and how she chooses what to draw. Brainstorm your own illustrations and start sketching.
Project Setup 4: Add True, Warm & Cool Colors
18:40
Set up your palette with your true, warm and cool hues to begin coloring your microdrawings. Add glazing and labels, too.
Project Setup 5 & Final Thoughts
22:22
Refine your illustrations with more details, including shadows that incorporate all the colors of your palette and which add dimension. Create visual tension with some final pencil work and paint-pen highlights to complete your personal color reference chart, suitable for framing!
Your Instructor
Danielle Donaldson
Danielle Donaldson has walked a creative path for as long as she can remember. With a degree in graphic design, she became a regular participant in the scrapbook industry, publishing her art in magazines and how-to books, creating products for several companies and teaching at a national level. More recently, she has rediscovered a love of watercolors and graphite work, and the act of combining them with other mediums and techniques. Danielle shares her process through social media, online classes and in-person workshops. You can learn more about Danielle at danielledonaldson.com.
Bonus Material
Class Materials
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
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