Color Theory: The Mechanics of Color | The Gnomon Workshop

Beginning with some thoughts on how we define the concept of color, Richard explains various methods people in history have used to systemize color. These systems include the additive and subtractive color wheels, which are addressed as metaphorical maps of color. The basic vocabulary we use to describe color - hue, value and saturation - are explained through illustrative and graphic means. The majority of this lecture is concerned with color harmonies and contrasts, with references to over 350 paintings. This lecture is intended to do more than spend time defining this list of terms - advice is offered about how to best use these "Mechanics of Color" to your advantage, and a few traps to avoid.

4 Lessons

01Defining the Concept of ColorFree

This workshop by Aaron Blaise explains the evolution of color theory. Understanding color requires recognizing it as a complex interaction among light physics, object properties, and human perception, rather than as a simple property of objects. Artists discover that different color systems serve different needs, making it essential to understand both additive and subtractive color models.

Duration: 14m 27s

Defining the Concept of Color

02Hue, Value and Saturation

This lesson explores the three axes of color, value, saturation, and hue, and is essential for artists and designers to communicate visually. Artists learn that while value provides fundamental structure, saturation adds intensity, and hue offers narrative possibility. Aaron shows that by manipulating these independently, one can guide the viewer's attention and tell compelling visual stories as the masters have done.

Duration: 27m 5s

Hue, Value and Saturation

03Color Harmonies

Color harmonies provide essential tools for analyzing and creating visual art, though these systematic categories are relatively modern concepts that don't represent how all historical artists worked. Aaron emphasizes that successful color harmony often depends on dominance rather than using all colors equally.

Duration: 34m 55s

Color Harmonies

04Color Contrasts

In this final lesson, Aaron stresses that understanding color contrasts rather than merely color harmonies provides artists with practical compositional tools for creating effective paintings. Artists learn that color relationships are contextual and that value contrast remains the foundation for all other interactions.

Duration: 42m 52s

Color Contrasts

Skills Covered

Who’s this Workshop for?

This workshop is ideal for artists and visual creators who want a deeper, conceptual grasp of color beyond basic definitions. It suits intermediate practitioners in traditional and digital media, including painters, illustrators, graphic designers, and concept artists — who are ready to strengthen the theoretical foundations that inform effective color use. Through Richard Keyes’s historical and visual exploration of color systems, artists will gain insight into how hue, value, saturation, harmonies, and contrasts operate in practice and how these elements influence composition and visual impact. The lecture also benefits art students and professionals seeking to avoid common misconceptions about color and build stronger visual communication skills.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this workshop, artists will:

Understand historical and practical frameworks for defining and organizing color, including additive and subtractive systems and the role of metaphorical color wheels in artistic practice.
Use the fundamental vocabulary of color: hue, value, and saturation with confidence by recognizing how these attributes interact and influence perception.
Identify and apply principles of color harmony that support compelling palettes and balance in compositions.
Recognize types of color contrast and how they shape visual emphasis in artworks.
Analyze historical and contemporary paintings to see how successful color choices enhance narrative and form.
Avoid common color theory pitfalls by understanding traps and misconceptions that can undermine artistic intention.
Build a personal approach to color that supports intentional decision-making across both representational and expressive work.

Instructor Richard KeyesDigital Artist

Richard Keyes (1939–2012) was a highly respected graphic designer and educator. He graduated from Art Center College of Design in 1987 with a degree in graphic design and began his career designing corporate identities and annual reports in Palo Alto, California. He later returned to Southern California and built a successful freelance career, working with clients including Warner Brothers Records, Guess Jeans, the Los Angeles Housing Department, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and serving as a color consultant for Empire Berol, BIC, and Avery Dennison.

Richard dedicated decades to teaching, beginning at Cal State L.A. in 1988 and later instructing at Valley Community College, UCLA Extension, and Art Center College of Design, where he specialized in color theory, graphic design, and narrative structure. He also taught workshops at Disney Studios, leaving a lasting impact on generations of designers and artists.

Often color can be a mysterious subject for artists to fully understand. Whether you are a beginner or an old pro, Richard will help you to make sense of the use of color in your artwork. Through explanations about the physics of it all to the symbolic use of color, your knowledge of this subject will be greatly enhanced by the content of this lecture, brought to you by one of the world's most insightful lecturers on the subject.
- Scott Robertson
Product Advisor at Vizcom

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