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Class 285: Exploring Color
This class is on a Sunday, so it has FREE parking
When: Sunday, 10 A.M.-5 P.M., January 15 only (one meeting)
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle
Course fee (tuition): General Public: $99
UW Students with current ID: $90
Sign up online now

In this class we'll spend the day painting and playing with color, working with paints, felt tip pens and colored pencils. You'll have fun and learn a lot, and end up with some beautiful color compositions, even if you've never painted before.  You'll learn about color theory, color wheels, warm and cool colors, tints, shades and color mixing.  It's a fun class based around exercises that will make the information clearer. Previous students have included artists, wannabees, a wedding planner, designers, and folks planning a remodel and wanted to make sure their color scheme would work out.  All levels are welcome.  It's not only a class for artists, but for anyone who's curious about color and wants to learn how to use it more thoughtfully in their lives. Nothing to bring or buy; all materials are provided at no cost by the instructor.

Questions & answers

Is this class only for artists?
Many of the people who sign up for it are artists, but it is for everyone who would like to know more about color. Artists will find it fun and useful, and so will anyone else who is curious about color.

Isn't color intuitive? Shouldnt you just trust your own feelings about it, and go with your instincts if you're an artist?
Yes and no. Color theory is intuitive, and it's great to trust your judgement when you're painting or designing in color. But there is also a great deal of knowledge and information that's been worked out over the years by artists (and scientists) exploring basics of color theory. An understanding of color theory can solve many problems and questions faced by artists and others, and make it easier to express what you are wanting to in your paintings and compositions. Once you know the basics, you can decide to break the rules if you want to.

Is it really possible to learn the basics of color theory in just one class meeting?
Yes, You can learn things in just one class that will transform your understanding about color forever. We'll not only learn about color theory, we'll get some practice painting, playing with and mixing colors, and learn how to paint washes, transparencies and glazes... fun!

Do I need to bring any materials with me, or buy them in class?
No, all materials are provided by the instructor.

Can you tell me more about the instructor?
Nils Osmar has made his living in the arts for over twenty years, working as a writer (short stories, stageplays & screenplays), illustrator (traditional and modern media), filmmaker and teacher. He currently teaches at the ASUW Experimental College, (a noncredit program of the Associated Students University of Washington) and the Wonder School of the Arts.

Student Comments about this class

I enjoyed this class very much and would take any classes that Nils Osmar has to offer. He was well prepared and held my interest the entire class time.  (comment submitted online)

I could not think of anything to improve, this was a perfect day for me.  (comment submitted online)

Students did not have to be experienced. This was purported to be a basic class, and it was. Instructor was patient and willing to help those who needed/wanted help, and he did not go to fast for the slowest in class (that would be me). Excellent intro to materials, ditto on the materials supplied.  (comment submitted online)

This was an interesting introduction for me to color theory. (comment submitted online)

Thanks for a wonderful, relaxing course. - Cheryl K., Seattle

I liked the hands-on opportunities to play with paints and color- it really helped to understand how the colors work with each other and what happens when you mix two colors together.

Lots of hands-on time to apply the concepts we learned about. The instructor seemed interested in everyone's experience and provided individual feedback and interaction. My favorite part, in addition to learning the content, was learning about this new medium, watercolor. 

It was great, I loved it. I'll be taking your class in painting flowers next. - Kathy J., Seattle

I'm amazed that we learned so much in one day, and it hardly felt like a class. It was just fun, trying different things, mixing colors, the guided exercises, seeing the really surprising things that happened. I loved the information about mixing colors with their complements to create earth tones... - Mickey L., Bellevue

The instructor was organized, kept things moving at a good pace, covered all of the basics about color and answered all of the students' questions. I would highly recommend his classes. - Terry L., Kent

The instructor seemed interested in everyone's experience and provided individual feedback and interaction. My favorite part, in addition to learning the content, was learning about this new medium, watercolor.  - E.V., Seattle

An inspiring session for me...just what I was hoping for, and more!  - unsigned

I walked away with a strong understanding and confidence on a subject that has eluded me for years. Great class!  I wish there were more classes such as this available, dealing with the real nuts and bolts of art and drafting.  - R.B., Kent

Nils Osmar is excellent both with beginning students and with students who have some experience.   - J.C., Seattle

I liked the hands-on opportunities to play with paints and color- it really helped to understand how the colors work with each other and what happens when you mix two colors together.  
Nils, Just wanted to let you know that I completed my application to the Game Animation Certificate program, and as of a week ago received notice of my acceptance. One of my portfolio pieces was a charcoal figure based upon one of the exercises from class - and of course, I'd never touched charcoal before meeting you. Thanks again for all the tips and encouragement! Your classes really helped polish my skills and boost my confidence a great deal. -- J.C. (Seattle)

UPCOMING CLASSES AT A GLANCE

ACTING CLASSES
CLASS 110: Beginning Acting
CLASS 300: Let's Make a Movie
CLASS 120: Actors workshop: Auditioning

ART CLASSES
CLASS 210: Drawing for Absolute Beginners
CLASS 220: Figure Drawing
CLASS 225: Drawing clothing and drapery
CLASS 230: Drawing Faces and Portraits
CLASS 240: Perspective drawing for artists
CLASS 250: Acrylic Painting for Beginners
CLASS 270: Cartooning for fun and profit
CLASS 285: Exploring Color
CLASS 290: Drawing in pen, brush & ink
CLASS 295: Fun with charcoal

FILM AND VIDEO CLASSES
CLASS 300: Let's Make a Movie
CLASS 310: Filmmaking 101
CLASS 320: Documentary Filmmaking
CLASS 550: Start writing your screenplay

SOFTWARE CLASSES: PHOTOSHOP
CLASS 400: Photoshop for Beginners

WRITING CLASSES
CLASS 510: Writing fiction & short stories
CLASS 550: Start writing your screenplay