Color Techniques for Drawing with Cleo Papanikolas

Cleo Papanikolas

Add Dynamic Color Combinations to your Drawings

Color Techniques for Drawing
  • 17 video lessons
  • 2 hours and 42 minutes of class content
  • Streaming access on desktop and mobile browsers
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
Are you ready to work with color on your drawing but overwhelmed by all the possible options? In this class, professional painter & illustrator Cleo Papanikolas shares fun, beginner-friendly color application techniques that can turn anyone’s drawings into vibrant finished pieces.
In this class Cleo will teach you 8 different color styles ranging from spot color techniques to using metallics with illustrations.
You'll also learn how to:
  • Load and Apply color with your brush 
  • Use different mediums: watercolor, gouache, brush pens and colored pencil 
  • Create harmonious color palettes
With your finished color pieces, Cleo will show you how to move your drawings out of your sketchbook and out into the world. Learn how to display your drawings on gallery walls and onto physical products, from iPhone cases to large scale tapestries, with sites like Society6.  
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Course Instructor

Cleo Papanikolas

Cleo Papanikolas

Cleo Papanikolas is a painter, author, illustrator, and maker of Cleomade products. She has a BFA in printmaking from California College of Arts (and Crafts), and an MFA in painting from the University of California at Berkeley. She is the author and illustrator of Cook Until Desired Tenderness (North Atlantic Books). She illustrated The Comfort Queens Guide To Life (Random House) and a line of over 100 licensed products based on the book.

See instructor's classes

  • Aru A. Feb 6, 2022

    I disagree with some of the other comments here. This class was fun to watch and inspiring for a beginner like myself. Cleo seemed like a friendly tutor. I learnt many different tips and tricks throughout her class. :)

  • Loann S. Mar 27, 2021

    The instructor was nervous in the beginning of the class, but then relaxed as the lessons progressed. This class is a great overview for beginners on different color techniques. The most frustrating part was the camera work. Too many times the camera was focused on the teacher and not on what she was demonstrating. And the camera stayed on her for long periods of time. One time she said, "If you look closely...you can see what I'm saying..." And the camera STILL stayed on her. It's as if the camera person zoned out and wasn't really paying attention.

  • Hilary L. Feb 7, 2021

    I agree with the reviewer who noted that Cleo does start off a bit awkwardly. Having never done a live demo myself, I can't imagine how nerve-racking it is. But her natural talent shines through, and in the end, she wins us over with her unmistakable passion for sharing her art (tips, tricks n' all) with the world.

  • Dianna D. Dec 5, 2020

    Clear, concise and fun instruction on how to use different media and techniques for creating colorful illustrations.

  • marcelle G. Apr 20, 2020

    I love this class!!! Cleo is such a natural, enthusiastic and funny teacher. She shares her ideas very freely and makes learning so much fun. She likes to explore her materials by experimenting and also making charts. In art school I always thought this was a little boring, but Cleo makes it fun. It is a good way to warm up and prepare to draw and then begin paint. I have learned to enjoy this process so much by taking this class. I would recommend this class to both beginners and experienced artists.

  • Jessica . May 6, 2019

    Wonderful class for beginners.

  • H. Jun 6, 2018

    Cleo does start quite nervous, and not very clear in her explanations. Thanks to the guy asking the questions throughout the class…I guess he was as confused as us in the beginning. BUT…the class does get better!! She gets more confident and does give good examples to take your simple drawing to a colorful piece of art you can sell on products or share on social media. I really enjoyed later lessons. And I always say-if I can get a least ONE good advice or trick – then it was not a waste of my $20.

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