Complementary colors (across from each other on a color wheel) create energy and vibrancy when next to each other. Placing a red object in front of a green background will make a bold color contrast. Painting a red apple over a green underpainting can add beautiful, subtle energy from the contrasting green peaking through the red.
Some artists allow contrasting colors to show through with loose marks or brushwork. Others create a subtle luminosity to show through, like a pale orange glow underneath a blue sky or a green underpainting that adds life to the warm flesh tones of a portrait. Whether your style is loose and expressive or tight and representational, working over compliments is an exciting way to add richness and energy to your artwork.
Instructor Demos
Participant's Work
Meets: Thursday Mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Dates: Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13 & 20
Location: B.Marie's Atelier & Gallery, located in the Bring's Historic Building,
236 S. Scott Ave., Suite 300, Tucson, Arizona 85705
Instructor: Lisa Larrabee
Format: Lecture & demonstration, studio practice with individual feedback, and one-on-one instruction.
Level: Beginners with some prior experience, intermediate, or advanced, are welcome!
Medium: Oil, acrylic, or pastel
Technique: Opaque painting with traditional local colors over complementary base colors.
Materials: The instructor will email the materials list before the first day of class. Some materials will be provided. Painters must use drop cloths over tabletops.
