Recorded Live Classes
References
Curated Color Diagrams
6 Assignments
REQUIRED:
Oil Paints (37ml tubes):
Quinacridone Magenta (PR122)
Cadmium Red (PR108 – if choosing a “cadmium-free” alternative, please make sure it is opaque)
Cadmium Lemon or Bismuth yellow (PY35 or PY184)
Green-Gold (PY129)
Phthalo Blue (PB15)
Cobalt Teal or Turquoise (PG50 or PB28)
Ivory or Mars Black
Titanium White
Oil painting supplies:
Odorless paint thinner (Gamsol, Turpenoid, etc.)
Linseed or walnut oil
Metal or glass vessels for paint thinner and oil
Rags or shop towels
Palette knives
Durable palette (glass or wood is best)
Brushes of your choice
Sketchbook / notebook for palette planning
Supports:
6 Canvas boards: 11” x 14”
OPTIONAL:
Additional paints from your collection
Additional supports if desired for sketches / color studies
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The color temperature concepts demonstrated will apply to all paint media. However:
Demonstrations in this course will be done in oils, because extended drying time is required for the methods of palette preparation that will be modeled. Beginning painters are therefore encouraged to use oils in this course.
For more advanced painters choosing to pursue the course using other media (watercolor, gouache, acrylic), alternate techniques may be employed at the students’ discretion (layering washes, stay-wet palettes, etc.) but will not be demonstrated by the instructor. So, if you are confident and experienced, feel free to pursue this course in your preferred medium.
Peter Donahue is an artist and designer on a mission: to make science-based color theory accessible. His short-form videos on color theory topics have earned him millions of views on social media. Peter’s free color tools and graphics have been adopted by university professors, make-up artists, opticians and other professionals, hobbyists, and students around the world. When he’s not making videos or painting in his studio, Peter teaches art fundamentals and other design classes at Morristown-Beard school in New Jersey. He has delivered keynotes and workshops on color theory for a variety of institutions, including the Inter-Society Color Council, Rhode Island School of Design, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, and Contemporary Arts Memphis. Peter has also done freelance graphic design work and color theory consulting for universities, tech start-ups, fashion brands, and a major crayon manufacturer.
Course Content
Course Includes
- 6 Lessons
About the instructor
Peter Donahue
Peter Donahue — Instructor, Color Theory Peter Donahue is an educator and content creator whose teaching brings clarity and accessibility to one of art’s most misunderstood subjects: color. Best known for his online presence as @color.nerd on TikTok (480,000 followers) and @art.pete.repeat on Instagram (400,000 followers), he has helped hundreds of thousands of artists, designers, and educators build a stronger understanding of how color really works. His approach combines art history, science, and hands-on practice, breaking down complex theories into practical tools that students can immediately apply in their work. Beyond social media, Peter creates courses, printable resources, and videos that are used by artists and educators around the world. Peter’s expertise is also sought by companies and institutions looking for deeper insight into color. He has consulted with clients ranging from glass manufacturers to luxury textile brands, filmmakers, and major art supply companies, advising on everything from product development to visual storytelling. As a lecturer and workshop leader, Peter has spoken internationally on the teaching of color theory, delivering keynote addresses for organizations such as the Inter-Society Colour Council and lectures at schools including RISD and Chapman University. His workshops have been hosted by museums, universities, and arts organizations, including the NSU Art Museum, Fort Lauderdale and Contemporary Arts Memphis. Whether online or in person, Peter’s goal is the same: to give artists confidence with color by replacing myths and formulas with understanding, curiosity, and play.
