Artists use color to create an array of symbolism, emotions, and socio-political meanings within the context of the time period in which they created their works of art. Additionally, artists utilize their knowledge of color to portray mood, light, depth, and point of view in a work of art. In this course, we discuss a variety of paintings throughout art history to understand the artists’ intention and the stories behind the paintings. We will also discuss the various histories of color, their meanings in various societies and cultural contexts, and materials and processes used to make colors.

Eleanor Schrader (M.A.) is an award-winning educator, lecturer, and author. She lectures worldwide on art and architectural history, and leads art and architecture tours throughout the world. She has been named a Distinguished Instructor at UCLA Extension, where she teaches history of architecture, interior design, furniture, and decorative arts. She is also Professor Emeritus of Art and Architectural History at Santa Monica College. She has done graduate work in fine and decorative arts at Sotheby's Institute in London and New York. She has served as a Design Review Commissioner for the City of Beverly Hills and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the John Lautner Foundation.