An Inspiring Review of the, “Color Theory & Practice,” Course at Tallahassee Community College
I recently completed the painting, “Wakulla Springs Beauty Berries” in TCC’s Color Theory and Practice class, led by Professor Ljiljana Obradovic-Edmiston. This is a wonderful online course for those who want to build upon their understanding of the science of color, and how it can be applied to create engaging gouache paintings.
Gouache Painting Technique
Students were required to paint a subject in gouache using only one or two colors, which could be combined with black or white, but the two colors could not be blended. Gouache paint is typically used by illustrators or for small paintings. It is similar to watercolor in texture, but thicker due to the addition of chalk, and with much richer pigmentation.
Gouache dries fast, which can make it difficult to blend, and to work with in general. However, it can be layered, which can create a beautifully luminescent texture, similar to the affect achieved when oil paint is layered. It took some trial and error to get comfortable with the medium. I ultimately found that less paint on the brush, and keeping the brush and paint wet were key factors in creating the textures and affect I was seeking.
Painting Florida Beauty Berries
This painting was based on a photo I took in TCC’s Photography course in Fall 2021, at Wakulla Springs State Park, just inland from the Gulf of Mexico on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Beauty berries are common in Florida but new to me, coming from a northern climate, and I am always happy to spot them in Tallahassee and on the college campus.
Since I was limited to two colors, I chose a deep red for the berries and warm yellow for the leaves. Interestingly, the black paint included with our recommended kit had a green undertone, similar to Mars Black, so this mixed well with the yellow to create a greenish hue. I liked the contrast of the rich, ruby berries against the muted yellow foliage.
Conclusion – Recommended Course!
This was one of my first original gouache paintings and I really enjoyed the medium, and continue to paint in it. Color theory was one of my favorite art classes at TCC and I highly recommend it. Professor Ljiljana Obradovic-Edmiston is a caring and creative professor who gave extremely helpful, and encouraging feedback. My best regards to her and my talented classmates who were also a continued source of inspiration!
