If you want to experience freedom with color, you're in the right place!
Most artists grab colors straight from the tube and call it a day.
Color temperature, bias, mixing that actually works—probably all a blur.
And the science behind it? Rarely explained.
You love to paint
You’re proud of how far you’ve come with your art but know you could do more.
You love to use color
But just because your palette looks pretty, doesn’t mean your painting does!
You know a bit about color
But you can’t seem to STOP MIXING MUD!
Color mixing doesn't have to be a mystery.
Once you get it, a whole new world of bold, original color opens up.
Finally understand color science and make your paintings work for you.
Musicians use the same 8 notes to compose every piece of music that’s ever existed – and yet for centuries, musicians have been able to create completely original music and probably will until the end of time.
That is the impact of the science of color. And once you understand it, you’ll open a door into color freedom you never knew you were missing.
This Could Be You...
“I now have the perfect foundation for pursuing my style."
"These classes added so much depth to my body of knowledge."
"Color theory is finally making sense to me."
"I now can create texture and colors that were impossible for me before Bold School."
"I am now more confident in my palette choices!"
"This is like a breath of fresh air to me."
THE COLOR PLAYBOOK IS A FIVE-PART FRAMEWORK THAT'LL GUIDE YOU TO TRUE ARTISTIC FREEDOM.
Color is beautiful when it’s done right – but can make you dizzy when it’s done wrong.
The study of color is detailed and has a lot of moving parts, but the color playbook breaks it down into a simple, easy to understand guideline that will serve you for years to come.
Question traditional color rules so you can decide what to keep and which to throw away.
WHAT'S INSIDE
Our core material is immediately available within our online student hub.
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5 Modules on BOLD color
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6+ hrs of self-paced lessons + Painting Demonstrations
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Beautiful, cinematic instruction guided by Charla Maarschalk
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Workbooks and painting demonstrations by Luzdy Rivera
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Bonus: Making a Color Wheel and so much more!
TWO WAYS TO ACCESS
The Color Playbook
Choose the plan that's right for you
★★★★★
"I have had formal training in an academy, but we never were taught this. Very interesting - all the classes of the color playbook! I have taken a lot of notes and now it is up to me to experiment with it all. Thank you!"
- Sibine Wienen
THE COLOR PLAYBOOK CURRICULUM
During this in-depth 5 class series, you’ll learn:
→ how to create multi-dimensional palettes,
→ dynamic color schemes,
→ the science behind light waves,
→ how to avoid muddy colors,
→ and how to mix warm and cool.
*See Full Descriptions below of the 5 main classes in the series.
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Learn the rules of color so you can decide which ones to keep
(and which ones to throw away)
Class 01: Bring Calm to Your Canvas
This color scheme is naturally soothing and cohesive, perfect for artists seeking balance and tranquility. Discover the surprising connection between light waves and color theory—how light shapes the colors you see and mix—giving you the control to create harmony, depth, and mood in your paintings.
"This is a great class. I wanted a more in-depth color theory training so I jumped into this class. It’s just what I needed. I'm quickly realizing that good paintings begin with understanding how to mix paints properly. Now I can go back to Bootcamp class and be smarter and more confident with my palette. Thanks!"
- Shari McNeill
Full Description
Class 02: A Multi-dimensional Palette with One Color
Create a multi-dimensional palette with one beautiful color. We'll take a deep look into values, major & minor keys, methods to use, and how to mix a rich monochromatic palette.
"I learned so much in this class. I always thought monochromatic meant one color mixed with white. This class has helped me understand values so much more, AND what neutrals can do."
- Lorrie Anderson
Full Description
Class 03: Opposites Attract but Need to Learn to Play Together.
Create a dynamic color scheme that will give you a unique canvas every time you paint with it. You’ll get an in-depth look at how this palette works and mix 3 unique palettes.
"Fascinating. There is so much to learn. I suspect that I will continue to return to the lessons as I move forward. It's fascinating!"
- Jacqui
Full Description
Class 04: Three Colors - a World of Possibility
A rainbow of colors on your palette doesn't always turn into a rainbow on your canvas! This series will give you a new reality > making art you love! This triad class is all about clearly defining this color harmony, how to avoid muddy colors, and how to mix warm & cool colors to create stunning, unique visuals.
"So informative - Thank you. This opens up a whole new world for me !"
- Ulla Abildgaard
Full Description
Class 05: Add Dimension with A Fourth Color
Feel your color confusion disappear as we will iron out the wrinkles in your understanding of multi-color palettes as we walk through the elements of a 4 color color palette - the Tetrad.
"This is one of the most informative and easy to learn courses on color theory I have ever taken. Thank you Charla! I've painted a lot in my studio and always confuse the color!"
- Diane Googins
Full Description
NEW
A Companion to the Color Playbook
These classes build on what you learn in the Color Playbook—taking color theory off the palette and into full portraits.
👉 Included with Bold School Membership.
👉 Not part of the standalone Color Playbook bundle.
👉 Available separately if you want to add them on.
Taught by Luzdy Rivera
Charla Maarschalk
Founder, Instructor
Luzdy Rivera
Instructor
The Color Playbook works. Here's proof:
"I am really loving this course. I have learnt so much already. I love Charla's presentation style. Her voice is soothing to listen to and she she shares so many useful tips.
I can't wait to continue with the classes."
- Deidre Heafield
"I just joined a few days ago and already feel like I've gotten my money's worth.
Such an organized and comprehensive program. I learned so much valuable information today.
I'm sure I'll rewatch this many times."
- Patricia Bowyer
"I learned so much in this class. I always thought monochromatic meant one color mixed with white. This class has helped me understand values so much more, AND what neutrals can do. Amazing, Charla! Thank you so much."
- Lorrie Anderson
"I wanted more in-depth color theory training so I jumped into this class. It’s just what I needed. I'm quickly realizing that good paintings begin with understanding how to mix paints properly.
Now I can be smarter and more confident with my palette. Thanks!"
- Shari McNeill
"This was a very helpful class.
I loved learning how to create all the values, and seeing them emerge as you added the tints and shades and complements. It I think values has been the hardest things for me to learn and see.
Thank you so much for sharing this information in such a clear and concise way."
- Beth Longline
"I have taken more color theory classes than I can count. Finally, finally, someone has explained it in a way that makes sense! Thank you, Charla! I planned to do Bootcamp a second time but I feel like I will be watching it with new eyes now that I have been through the Playbook class. Bravo Charla!"
- Temple Bolek
"This class is invaluable and will be a reference for me in the future!"
- Ann Saladino
"I have been painting for a long time but the Analogous Palette was a breath of fresh air for me.
Color concepts have always been a struggle, but this class unlocked concepts that were new to me and I loved it. Can't wait to try it!! Thank you."
- Rosana Halprine
"AMAZING amount of information! I feel like there are endless possibilities from a monochromatic palette that from its name alone sounds so limiting. Thank you encouraging me to explore!"
- Sienna Langstaff
Ready to turn your ideas into beautiful art?
You've Got Optons:
3 WAYS TO ENROLL IN THE COLOR PLAYBOOK
Start making art that's more like you!
Consumer Testimonials. As with any program, your results using The Color Playbook may vary from these consumer testimonials. Your results will be based on many variables, such as your level of effort, personal qualities, knowledge, skills, and a host of other factors. Since these factors differ for each individual, we cannot guarantee your success or results, nor are we responsible for your success or failure. Becoming a better artist takes time, effort, and dedication. We believe that we provide you a great toolbox to achieve your desired results, and our grads agree.
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