Do you ever feel like colour should make sense… but somehow still feels confusing?

You’re not alone.  Many artists struggle with muddy mixes, unexpected results, and not knowing which colours to use—or why. This mini masterclass is designed to guide you through the foundations of colour in a way that finally clicks—without overwhelm, complicated jargon, or pressure to get it perfect.

Artists aren’t lacking skill, just the right colour system.

Here's The Problem

Most artists were taught a simplified version of colour theory that skips over how pigments actually behave. Without that understanding, mixing becomes guesswork—and muddy colour can quietly chip away at your confidence.

Learn The System That Actually Works

This course breaks down the Double Primary Colour System, warm and cool bias, pigment strength, and the real purpose of the colour wheel. It’s not about memorising rules—it’s about understanding the system underneath it all.

Learn Common Colour Mixing Pitfalls

Discover the common colour-mixing mistakes and learn how to avoid them—so your mixes stay vibrant, balanced, and exactly what you envisioned. 

Colour theory is often taught in a way that doesn’t translate well to actual painting.

You’re given rules—but not understanding. You’re told what to do—but not why it works. This course bridges that gap. It’s designed to help you see and understand colour as a painter, so you can make better decisions with confidence.

Hi, I'm Holly McWilliams!

I am an artist, educator, and colour mixing expert with over 24 years of teaching experience. I’ve helped thousands of students unlock their creativity and gain confidence with paint, and one of the most common struggles I see is with colour. That’s why I created this Mini Masterclass - to explain the essential colour theory basics. Because when there’s no structure guiding your colour choices, mixing turns into trial and error—and it’s hard to trust yourself when the colour on your palette doesn’t match the one in your mind. I believe in making learning fun, approachable, and deeply empowering—because every artist deserves to feel confident.

Understanding Artist Pigments

Understanding Colour Theory for Artists is a gentle but powerful introduction to how colour actually works. This mini masterclass focuses on clarity, not complexity—helping you make sense of colour without overwhelm.

Practical and Engaging Content

With this knowledge in place, colour mixing feels calmer and more intentional. You’ll approach your palette with understanding, not doubt—and future learning becomes easier, not harder.

What Makes This Course Different?

Instead of quick fixes or rules to memorise, you’ll learn the system behind colour—from the myth of the single primary system to understanding warm and cool bias, pigment strength, and why the colour wheel is a wheel, not a line.

The syllabus

4 Chapters · 21 Lessons

  1. 1

    Start Here!

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Start Here!

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome to Your Mini MasterClass

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      How to Come Back and Watch Anytime

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      The Best Way To View This Course

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Made for You - Learning in the Way You Learn Best

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction to the Art Supplies

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      The Essentials - Oil Painting

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      The Essentials - Acrylic Painting

  2. 2

    The Double Primary System ~ Warm and Cool Colours

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      What Are Primary and Secondary Colours?

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The Lie We're Taught - Single Primary System

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Warm vs Cool: Unlocking Colour Bias

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      The Artists' Colour Wheel

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Why it's A Wheel, Not A Line

  3. 3

    Practical Lessons for Artists

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      3 Important Tips for Mixing Colours

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Mastering Brush Techniques for Clean Colour Mixing

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Why Mixing Colour is so Hard

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      The Secret to Balanced Paint Mixes: Pigment Strength

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      A Helpful Reminder

  4. 4

    Thank You!

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Take Your Colour Mixing to the Next Level

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Thank you!

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Certificate of Completion

Take the first step toward confident, intentional colour.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or uncertain with colour, this is a gentle place to begin. This mini masterclass is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a strong foundation—without pressure. ✔ Self-paced access ✔ Lifetime foundational knowledge ✔ Supportive, easy-to-follow structure

$79.00

Sign Me Up!

Imagine how your painting could feel when colour finally makes sense.  Here's what you'll learn:

• Understanding warm vs. cool colours (colour temperature and bias) • How colour bias affects your mixing results • Why traditional colour theory often falls short for painters • An introduction to the Double Primary Method • How to think about colour using real paint—not just theory • How to place your paints on the artist colour wheel • How to better predict and understand your mixes This is about building real understanding, not memorizing rules.

Bonus Learning (What Most Artists Never Get Taught)

You’ll also gain access to additional lessons focused on common colour-mixing challenges: • Why mixing colour is so hard • 3 important tips for cleaner mixes • Brush techniques for better results • The role of pigment strength in balanced colour mixing These are the behind-the-scenes concepts that make a huge difference in your results.

Hear from others

Confidence You Can See in the Work

”
"The magic of Holly McWilliams is her ability to guide you to the artist you really are. Not the one in a textbook, not the one bound by this or that rule, the inner artist that is longing to find a voice. That is magic!"
Katie T.

Canada

"The encouragement, explanations and insights she provides fuels my confidence and full fills my geeky need to know why and how. I have learned so much so far and it is just the tip of the iceberg. The biggest learning to date is that it is ok to make mistakes!! Thanks so much!"
Dave G.

Canada

"Very easy to follow. Love having text to read and videos to watch. Makes it easier for my brain to understand!"
Colleen S.

Mexico

”
"All the information was presented in a clear and easy to understand way. It was also entertaining! Colour theory can be very dry and boring but Holly keeps the students engaged."
Nancy M.

Canada

Course Format

This is a relaxed, lecture-style course designed for clarity and ease. • Video lessons you can follow at your own pace • Clear written notes to support your learning • Simple, easy-to-digest explanations • No pressure, no overwhelm Perfect if you want to understand first before diving into more hands-on practice

$79.00

Enroll now

For Artists Seeking Confidence

Artists who feel unsure about investing in a larger program and want a low-risk way to begin

For Painters Tired of Muddy Colours

Beginners and early-intermediate painters who feel confused or frustrated with colour

For Creatives Wanting a Reliable System

Painters who want a structured, supportive starting point

What You’ll Walk Away With

By the end of this course, you will: • Understand how colour actually works for painters • Feel less overwhelmed and more in control • Have clearer language to describe and understand colour • Make more confident decisions while painting • Feel prepared to move into deeper colour study Most importantly… You’ll feel calmer, clearer, and more confident every time you sit down to paint.

Course at a Glance

✨ Duration:   A concise, beginner-friendly course you can complete at your own pace. ✨ Modules:   Step-by-step lessons that teach the Double Primary System, pigment bias, and professional mixing habits. ✨ Access:   One Year access so you can revisit techniques anytime your skills grow or your style evolves. ✨ Learning Focus:   Build confident colour-mixing skills while understanding how pigment temperature, strength, and bias truly work. ✨ Tools & Resources:   Pigment guides, beautifully designed graphics, and downloadable supply lists. ✨ Certificate of Completion:  Earn a certificate to celebrate your progress and growth as an artist.

Get Access to the Mini Masterclass TODAY!

Learning colour doesn’t have to feel confusing or overwhelming. With the right guidance, it can finally start to make sense. If you’re ready to feel more confident, more capable, and more in control of your painting… Start your colour journey today.

$79.00

Enroll Now