Drawing course : Color Theory

2+ hours of courses

15 video courses

Supports and exercises

Access this course now and gain unlimited access to 300+ more video courses, tutorials, and exercises - everything included in your Dessindigo subscription.

Full access to course

No commitment

100% Flexible Learning

Access to all courses

Learn how to master color theory to enrich your illustrations, assert your style, and better communicate your ideas visually. Designed for artists and illustrators of all levels, this course takes you on an exciting journey, from the history of color to its contemporary uses, through harmonies and traditional and digital techniques. Guided step by step, you will understand how to choose your colors, harmonize them, and use contrasts to convey your emotions in your drawings. A complete course to transform the way you see and use color in your creations.
Chloé Pouteau

Chloé Pouteau

Chloé Pouteau is an illustrator and concept artist passionate about visual storytelling. On Dessindigo, she shares her passion through fun and inspiring courses: from gouache to digital through fantasy worlds, Chloé will guide you step by step to develop your creativity.

Course Plan:

1
1

Introduction

1 min
Welcome to this training dedicated to color theory! This introductory module gives you an overview of what you will explore throughout the course: from the scientific understanding of color to its role in visual storytelling. You will discover how this training will help you to use colors with intention, to better compose your illustrations, and to convey strong emotions through your palette. Ready to see color differently? Let's get started!
2
2

Origins and Science of Color

26 min
Before creating harmonies or evoking emotions, it is essential to understand what color is. This module looks back at its history, explains the physical principles, the key parameters (hue, saturation, brightness), the colorimetric systems, and concludes with a practical exercise to fully integrate these fundamental concepts.
3
3

Harmonies and Nuances

38 min
In this central module, you will learn how to create balanced, expressive, and rich palettes. Through clear explanations and guided exercises, you will explore the main color harmonies (complementary, analogous, triadic, etc.), the differences between warm and cool colors, and how to achieve rich colors by playing with undertones. A true guide to composing coherent and impactful images.
4
4

Contrast and Perception

26 min
Understanding color is also about playing with perception. In this module, you will learn how to use contrasts (values, hues, saturation) to enhance the readability and depth of your images. You will discover atmospheric depth, visual illusions related to color, and their emotional impact. All this, with tips applicable in both traditional and digital drawing.
5
5

Traditional Techniques

58 min
Master color with traditional techniques. This module teaches you how to harmonize your palettes and enhance your illustrations using concrete methods suited for painting, markers, or colored pencils. You will learn how to mix pigments, layer shades, and create subtle contrasts for rich and coherent results, regardless of your medium.
6
6

Digital Techniques

17 min
In this last module, apply digital color theory. This module guides you in using layers, blending modes, and coloring tools to enhance your digital illustrations. Ideal for artists working on Procreate, Photoshop, or any other application, you will learn to structure your shades and become more efficient in your creations.

Discover the course

Discover a historical and cultural perspective on color to enrich your view
Learn about the properties of colors through exercises
Understand how to use warm and cool colors and how to harmonize them to convey your emotions.
Implement different techniques to make your illustrations more lively

Who is this course for?

To beginner or self-taught illustrators wishing to enhance their mastery and understanding of color
To artists who want to give more strength to their images
To drawing enthusiasts wishing to explore all facets of color, both theoretically and practically

This course includes

+2h of video
15 video lessons
7 practical exercises
27 downloadable resources
16 reference images

Necessary materials

Gray pencils and colored pencils
Paper and eraser
Markers or gouache (optional)
Computer or graphic tablet for digital work
Access to graphic software for digital exercises (such as Photoshop, Procreate, Krita...) if working digitally

2+ hours of courses

15 video courses

Supports and exercises

Access this course now and gain unlimited access to 300+ more video courses, tutorials, and exercises - everything included in your Dessindigo subscription.

Full access to course

No commitment

100% Flexible Learning

Access to all courses

OUR OTHER TRAININGS

Drawing Basics

Followed by 7.5k

Drawing Fundamentals guide you to adopt the right habits from the start. Understand how drawing works, integrate its principles, and progress at your own pace with comprehensive exercises. Develop the artist within you right now!

15 hours of courses

50 course materials

Access this course

Manga

Followed by 3.9k

Learn the codes of Manga style to create your own characters and bring them to life. Alternate between theory and practice to progress at your own pace and move from the rank of Genin to Hokage!

11 hours of courses

20 course materials

Access this course

Digital Painting

Followed by 2.9k

Digital Painting Course: Dive step by step into the infinite universe of digital drawing. From support in choosing and mastering your equipment, to creating a complete illustration, you will be guided from A to Z to discover and progress in this 2.0 art form.

10 hours of courses

20 course materials

Access this course

Comic Book

Followed by 3.1k

With this course, you will discover the different aspects necessary to create your own comics. Bring your characters to life, work on your settings, write your scripts and become the next Hergé!

12 hours of courses

20 course materials

Access this course