Colour Theory and Psychology Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This immersive short course on colour theory and psychology explores how colour influences perception, evokes emotion and elevates design. You will learn to craft harmonious colour palettes, explore the psychological and emotional dimensions of colour and apply these principles to personal and professional creative projects.
Through engaging lectures, hands-on activities and collaborative group discussions, you will experiment with optical illusions, delve into colour relativity and create your own custom colour wheels.
Focusing on sustainable and ethical design practices, the course promotes eco-conscious approaches to working with colour in innovative and impactful ways.
By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation in colour theory, a sketchbook showcasing your personal work, practical tools to enhance your creative endeavours and a deeper understanding of mindful, sustainable colour practices to enrich your artistic or design journey.
Who this course is for
This course is ideal for creative professionals in graphic design, fashion, interior design and branding looking to refine their use of colour, as well as beginners and hobbyists who want to develop a strong foundation in colour theory.
No previous experience of colour theory is required, but familiarity with basic creative practices (e.g. sketching, painting or design work) would be helpful.
Key information
Topics covered
- Foundations of colour theory and historical context
- Colour harmony and palette development
- Psychological and emotional impacts of colour
- Colour perception and contextual applications
- Sustainable practices and final project development
Learning outcomes
- Understand foundational principles of colour theory, including primary, secondary and tertiary colours as well as colour harmonies
- Develop cohesive and impactful colour palettes that reflect personal style
- Recognise the psychological and emotional impact of colour and its application in design and branding
- Experiment with colour perception, creating optical illusions and exploring relativity
- Create a small sketchbook or portfolio of work showcasing new knowledge and skills including personal colour palettes
- Develop sustainable and mindful approaches to working with colour in creative projects
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- Notebook and pen for notes/sketching
- A set of coloured pencils or markers
- Any portable paints (e.g. watercolours, acrylics) you prefer to use
Tutor
Maria A. Formisano
Maria A. Formisano is an innovative artist, designer, and educator with expertise spanning fashion design, art therapy, and textile design. She holds a Bachelor's in Fashion Design, a Master's in History of Art, and a Master's in Textile Design from the University of the Arts London (UAL).
With a rich and diverse background in creative practice and education, Maria seamlessly blends artistic intuition with technical precision. Her work explores the profound relationships between movement, balance, colour theory, perception psychology, and the human experience. She draws inspiration from renowned theorists and artists such as Goethe, Delaunay, Newton, and Kandinsky.
As a textile designer, Maria specializes in material innovation and sustainable practices. Her design philosophy integrates art, science, and wellness, with a strong focus on eco-consciousness. She carefully selects biodegradable and sustainable materials, blending structural accuracy with a commitment to environmental responsibility.
During her recent studies at UAL, Maria conducted speculative research into textile-based methods to track and explore the effects of electrosmog, particularly non-ionizing radiation (NIR) from mobile phones and artificial sources. This work highlights her dedication to creating socially responsible and forward-thinking design solutions.
Maria’s holistic approach emphasizes the transformative power of art in fostering well-being. She organizes art therapy sessions for adults and children, with a special focus on children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). By incorporating mindfulness-based art therapy, Maria helps children explore diverse materials, stimulate their senses, and regulate emotions in a nurturing environment.
Driven by the belief that creativity fosters confidence, emotional balance, and personal growth, Maria is dedicated to empowering individuals through her practice. Whether through textile designs or mindful art therapy, she aims to inspire self-expression and a deeper connection to personal and social well-being.
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