COLOUR PLAY : Explore the fascinating world of pigment (online course)

Based in London,Katie Rose Johnstonis an illustrator, designer and watercolor painter. Using traditional media to tackle subjects both classic and modern, her often playful designs are informed by a characteristic sense of humor and a love of bold color.Read an article about Katiehere:

Katie Rose Johnston

This playful 6 week course will explore a new pigment each week through practical painting exercises with teacher Katie Rose Johnston.

From burnt sienna to ultramarine, carmine to cerulean: the history of pigment is fascinating. Each class will be filled with anecdotes, science, symbolism about colour and of course lots of watercolour painting. You will end up with a composition every week that celebrates each colour/colour group.Your teacher Katie will paint live on screen so you can follow along, ask questions and engage with others in the group. All pigments will be detailed in a printable course guide so you can prepare the correct materials, but you will also need basic watercolour supplies (materials list below).When are the sessions?All classes will happen live every Tuesday on zoom 7-8.30pm between the 16th Jan - 20th February but are recorded so you can also learn in your own time if you prefer.What will I learn?<ul><li>where pigments came from</li><li>symbolism and story of colours</li><li>how to mix colours</li><li>which colours compliment or contrast each other</li><li>how to build a composition (from landscapes to flowers - each week will focus on the stories of the colours to create a playful watercolour composition)</li></ul>Course structureWeek 1 - R ed - from Carmine to ScarlettWeek 2 - B lue - from Ultramarine to Prussian blueWeek 3 - Yellow - from Ochre to CitrineWeek 4 - Green - from Sap to Hookers greenWeek 5 - Black - from Mars to Paynes GreyWeek 6 - Brown - from Burnt Sienna to Sepia. Materials ListYou can get a starter kit with materials hand picked by the teacher <a href="https://www.katierosejohnston.com/shop/watercolour-starter-kit" title="https://www.katierosejohnston.com/shop/watercolour-starter-kit" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a>.Once you have purchased your ticket you will be added to the mailing list and sent a full materials guide, but for an idea see below:- A set of decent paint brushes. Try to get a selection fo flat headed and pointed brushes. Katie uses a size 5,6 and 8 by a brand called Da Vinci.- Watercolour Paper (at least 280gsm thickness, A4 or larger is best - you can buy these in pads)- A watercolour palette tin set, or a set of watercolour paint tubes.- A water glass and some kitchen roll or toilet roll.- Masking tape - its recommended to use Washi tape as its less likely to tear your paper.Who is my teacher?Katie's aproach is playful, bright and contemporary, and offers an alternative way to look at watercolour paint that pushes the boundaries of its pretty reputation.<a href="https://www.katierosejohnston.com/" title="https://www.katierosejohnston.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">"Katie Rose Johnston</a> is an illustrator and watercolour painter based in London. She has been painting with watercolour for as long as she can remember, and teaching others how to use it for over 4 years. With a MA from the Royal College of Art she has illustrated for clients including Penguin Books and taught classes across London in venues such as The Design Museum and The V&A. She also has her own book on watercolour called <a href="https://www.katierosejohnston.com/book" title="https://www.katierosejohnston.com/book" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Paint Play</a>."Praise and testimonials about previous courses:'What a fantastic watercolour course you created for us. I really enjoyed every class, both for having the time to paint with other people and for providing techniques that meant I ended up with some super paintings I didn’t know I could do.’‘I have been trying to paint with watercolours for a while, often in either a very detailed controlled way, or in a loose messy way that always seems to lack depth and interest. The way you paint showed how you can showcase the looseness and spontaneity, through strong shapes and colours. ‘