Color, Light, & Space (Online Course) Summer 2025 w/ Nicole Santiago

June 7 to July 5 (Saturdays), 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Eastern Time

**All sessions are live and will be recorded, students do not have to be present. All recordings will be available to students for 3 months after the final session, after 3 months the recording will be deleted.

Please check your email spam/junk folder for your Zoom invite.

DEMO: https://youtu.be/9_GXNPsNZQs

Course Description

This course, designed for all painting levels, will explore the intricacies of color, light, and space through the subject of the interior. Emphasis will be placed on color mixing, color relationships, capturing light, spatial illusions, and the complexities of constructing compelling compositions. All workshop demos will be completed in oil paint; however, participants can also choose to work in acrylic, watercolor, gauche, etc.

Course Outline

Week 1 – Color Relationships & Mixing

Week 2 – Light & Color

Week 3 – Compositional Structure

Week 4 – Special Concerns

Week 5 – Bringing it all together!

Course Materials List

Paint Colors

Quinacridone Red or Alizarine Crimson

Cadmium Red Light or Cadmium Red Medium

Cadmium Yellow Lemon or Cadmium Yellow Light

Indian Yellow

Viridian Green or Pthalo Green

Ultramarine Blue or French Ultramarine Blue

Cerulean Blue or Sevres Blue

Titanium White

Ivory Black

Optional Oil Colors

Permanent Green Light or Cadmium Green Light

Pthalo Blue

Dioxazine violet or Egyptian Violet

Burnt Sienna

Raw Umber

Brushes -

A mix of filbert, flat, and round bristle brushes ranging in size from 2 –10.

Palette Knives -

We will work with palette knives to mix, scrape down, and add paint to the canvas. I recommend a few trowel-shaped knives in small and medium sizes.

Surfaces -

I’m not picky about the painting surface. However, make sure it is prepared properly for paint. If unsure, buy primed canvas, canvas board, or canvas paper.

Sizes & Quantity:

3-4 small surfaces for one-day paintings. Suggested size range between 8” and 16”

1-2 medium surfaces for a two-day painting. Suggested size between 12” and 24”.

Spot Screen -

We will be using a spot screen to help identify colors. This is something you can make at home. It’s simply a credit card-sized paper painted or printed grey with a small hole cut into the center.

Solvents -

Use your preferred solvent. However, be aware that many solvents, including odorless mineral spirits (OMS) emit toxic volatile organic compounds (VOC). If working in an unventilated area, consider non-toxic alternatives like Turpenoid Natural or Linseed oil to clean your brushes. Another alternative is Gamsol, which is OMS but has a slower evaporation rate than the average OMS.

Turpenoid Natural: https://www.utrechtart.com/products/weber-turpenoid-natural/

Gamsol: https://www.utrechtart.com/products/gamblin-gamsol-odorless-mineral-spirits

Mediums -

I like to use Gamblin’s Solvent-Free Gel Medium, but use whatever is familiar to you.

Keep in mind that many mediums need adequate ventilation to be used safely. Please read the labels carefully.

Gamblin Solvent-Free Gel Medium: https://www.utrechtart.com/products/gamblin-solvent-free-oil-mediums/

Gamblin Solvent-Free Fluid Medium: https://www.utrechtart.com/products/gamblin-solvent-free-fluid-medium/

Palette -

I prefer wooden palettes, but glass or disposable palettes are also acceptable. Keep sizes to around 12” x 16” or larger. You need room to mix!

Misc Supplies

Easel

Gloves

Rags or paper towels

Solvent jar with lid. I like Silicoil Jars: https://www.utrechtart.com/products/silicoil-brush-cleaning-tank/