The Science of Color Vision January 5, 2026

The Science of Color Vision

Ended

Required Book:

“The Secret Lives of Color”; Kassia St. Clair; Penguin; ISBN 978-0143131144

(All Books Can be purchased at Brewster Book Store)

Suggested Books:

  1. “Color: A Natural History of the Palette”; Victoria Finlay; Vintage/Random House; ISBN 978-0812971422
  2. “Interaction of Color: 50th Anniversary Edition”; Josef Albers; Yale University Press; ISBN 978-0300179354
  3. “The Secret Language of Color: Science, Nature, History, Culture, Beauty of Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, & Violet”; Joann Eckstut & Arielle Eckstut; Black Dog & Leventhal; ISBN 978-1579129491
  4. The Original Painters Color Diary: Travel, 6”x8”; HG Art Concepts
  5. Artist’s Color Swatch Book: 7.5”x5”; Tumuarta

Recommended Supplies:

Highly Recommended:

  1. Journal with watercolor paper (cold press)
  2. Soft pencil (HB, H, or #2) 
  3. Pencil sharpener
  4. Technical drawing pen
  5. Refillable brush pen
  6. Colored pencils (watercolor pencils work well)
  7. Watercolor set (Art Toolkit)

Optional:

  1. Clipboard or hard surface (if journal is softcover)
  2. Backpack or shoulder bag
  3. Binder clips
  4. Small ruler
  5. Small mixing palette
  6. Small sponge 
  7. Small rag 
  8. Small water bottle 
  9. Small water spray bottle
  10. Small syringe (no needle)
  11. White gel pen 
  12. Color wheel

January 5, 2026 – 10:00 - 12:00 am – The Science of Color Vision – Brewster Book Store

Description: Color feels intuitive when we paint or journal, yet it is rooted in fascinating science. In this session, participants explore how the human eye and brain work together to create the colors we see in the world around us. Designed for adult learners with an interest in watercolor and nature journaling, this workshop translates core concepts of color vision into practical insights that support artistic observation and expression.

We’ll begin with a gentle introduction to how light interacts with the eye, including the role of cones in color perception and why we see red, green, and blue as the foundation of vision. Participants will learn why colors change under different lighting conditions, why shadows are rarely just “gray,” and how context influences the way a color appears on the page. Through simple visual demonstrations and guided observation exercises, we’ll connect science to practice.

No science background is required—this session emphasizes curiosity, clarity, and creative application. Participants leave with a deeper appreciation of color as both a physical phenomenon and a personal, perceptual experience, enriching the way they see, paint, and record the natural world.

Topics Covered:

  1. Understand the basics of how the eye and brain perceive color
  2. Recognize how light, environment, and contrast influence color appearance
  3. Develop stronger observational skills for nature journaling