The theory of colour - part 1
with EDWARD BULMER
Lesson 11 of 24
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Based on your knowledge of the history of colour and the 12 essential pigments, Edward breaks down some of the core theory he uses to choose colour.
From the Lesson Workbook
The Theory of Colour - Part 1
With an understanding of the history of colour and the components within paint, we can begin to explore how this impacts our use of colour today.
The Twelve Pigments Palette
Let's revisit the palette of what I consider to be the essential pigments that underpin the grammar of colour.
Earth pigments
- Yellow Ochre
- Red Ochre
- Raw Umber
- Raw Sienna
- Burnt Umber
Mineral pigments
- Violet
- Prussian Blue
- Ultramarine
- Chromium Green
- Lemon Yellow
- Lamp Black
- Titanium White
The Strength of Colours
In my experience, every paint that I have ever needed in a room scheme comes from these twelve pigments. Pigment only makes up 5-10% of a paint, and you'd be surprised at the variation you can achieve with this palette by changing the strength of the pigment. You may have noticed the absence of strong, bold pigments - such as a strong red for example. The reason for this is that I simply don't think that these shades should be applied to a wall.
The main job of a wall colour is to know its place, and to be a backdrop to the other elements within a room. What you put on the wall in terms of art, and what you put in front of it in terms of furniture is what matters - your wall colour should be a supportive element to these.
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Your Instructor
Edward Bulmer
Award-winning interior designer, architectural historian, paint expert. House & Garden Top 100.
Edward Bulmer is one of the UK’s leading interior designers and architectural historians, specialising in the restoration and decoration of historic buildings. After studying History of Art at university, Edward trained under legendary designer David Mlinaric CBE, as well as working for Alec Cobbe, and Gervase Jackson-Stops OBE, who was architectural advisor to the National Trust. Alongside running his own paint company, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, Edward has led a highly successful design team for over 30 years, working on some of England’s greatest country houses as well as a range of private and commercial projects including Goodwood, the Tower of London, Chequers and the Arts Club.
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