Probably dumb question...

[LifeWontWait]

Hey,
This is probably a stupid question but figured I would ask anyways since I am curious.

I am thinking about taking a few classes at a community college this coming January and was wondering if you think it is important to take "Color Theory" before taking "Painting". I was suprised to see that color theory was not a prerequisite.

Once again, I apologize if this is a dumb question...

-Life

[Grief]

yeah i'm kind of surprised it isnt a prerequisite...

take it, you'll be that much more educated and prepared when you do start painting.

[Seedling]

Not a dumb question at all. It's a great idea! Or take both at once. Either way you'll learn good stuff.

[Flake]

I am thinking about taking a few classes at a community college this coming January and was wondering if you think it is important to take "Color Theory" before taking "Painting".

I'd say, no. You can start painting before you begin to worry too much about colour.

For hundreds of years paintings were commonly done in monochrome and colour would be glazed over later.
Good drawing and values are more important than colour theory.*
*many posters will disagree with this, it's only my opinion.

If you have the option though, do both.

[Ilaekae]

I agree with Flake's comments on values and drawing, but I disagree with his answer that leaves you with the impression that it isn't IMPORTANT.

Take color theory BEFORE you take painting...

Take color theory WHILE you take painting...

DO NOT take it AFTER you take painting...

It doesn't matter that one of the methods is monochromatic with glazing. There's no guarantee that you will be doing this in class.



Sorry, Flake. I gotta hose you for clarification sake on this one. No offense...

[Flake]

Sorry, Flake. I gotta hose you for clarification sake on this one. No offense...

Hey, none taken.

I should probably have mentioned in my post that I'm slightly colourblind meaning my colour choices are always going to be "unconventional" anyway so for me colour theory is lower on the "things to worry about" list than for most people.

As long as I get the value right noone ever seems to notice the hue being a bit off.

Actually I suppose he'll need to take the colour theory class to learn what hue/saturation/value etc all mean so yeah, go take the course.

[Bowlin]

I don't see what you've got to loose by starting to paint and taking the class too. I'd also like to recommend this book (http://www.amazon.com/Enjoyment-Use-Color-Walter-Sargent/dp/048620944X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195681728&sr=8-1).
And one of the best sites for color theory (http://www.handprint.com/HP/WCL/wcolor.html).