Our Creative Journey

Seven years ago, we started with a simple belief – that understanding color could transform how people see and create art. What began as late-night discussions about why certain combinations work has grown into a comprehensive learning platform.

From Idea to Impact

The milestones that shaped our approach to teaching color theory

2018

The Beginning

Started as weekend workshops in Birmingham community centers. We noticed people struggled most with color relationships – not techniques, but understanding why colors behave the way they do together.

2020

Digital Transition

Moved online during lockdown and discovered something unexpected – students learned color theory better through structured digital exercises than traditional methods. This changed everything.

2022

Curriculum Revolution

Completely rebuilt our teaching approach based on cognitive science research about color perception. Started focusing on practical application rather than historical color wheels.

2024

UK Expansion

Established partnerships with art colleges across England and Wales. Our evidence-based approach to color education gained recognition in academic circles.

2025

Future Forward

Launching advanced programs in environmental color psychology and digital media applications. Our next chapter focuses on color theory for emerging creative technologies.

How We Teach Differently

Most color education starts with Newton's color wheel from 1666. We start with how your brain actually processes color information in 2025.

Our methodology comes from cognitive research and real student struggles. We've found that people learn color relationships better through contrast exercises than memorizing complementary pairs. Students practice with actual materials – not just theory.

Here's what makes us different: we teach color as a problem-solving tool, not an artistic rule book. When you understand why warm colors advance and cool colors recede, you can make intentional choices in any medium.

We also focus heavily on individual color perception differences. What looks vibrant to one person appears muted to another – and both perspectives are valid starting points for learning.

Students practicing color theory exercises with various art materials

Evidence-Based Learning

Every technique we teach has been tested with real students. We track what works, what doesn't, and constantly refine our approach based on actual learning outcomes rather than artistic tradition.

What Drives Our Work

These aren't corporate values posted on walls – they're principles that emerged from years of watching students discover their creative potential

A

Accessible Learning

Color theory shouldn't require expensive materials or years of art school. We design exercises that work with whatever supplies students have available.

P

Practical Application

Every lesson connects to real creative work. We skip the academic theory that doesn't help you make better color choices in your actual projects.

I

Individual Differences

Everyone sees color slightly differently. Instead of fighting this, we help students understand their unique color perception and work with it.

Meet Our Founder

Marcus started teaching color theory after years of frustration with traditional art education. His background combines fine arts training with research in visual perception – an unusual combination that shapes everything we do.

"I spent too many years learning color 'rules' that didn't work in practice. Now I teach the principles behind the rules, so students can adapt to any situation."

Before founding Quivara, Marcus worked with museums on color restoration projects and taught continuing education classes for graphic designers. He holds certifications in color science from the Royal College of Art.

What sets his approach apart is the focus on troubleshooting. Instead of just teaching what works, he helps students understand why certain color combinations fail – and how to fix them.

Marcus, founder of Quivara, working on color theory materials

Marcus Whitfield

Founder & Lead Instructor

Our Teaching in Action

Real student work and classroom moments that show how color theory comes alive through practice

Color mixing exercise with warm and cool palette exploration
Temperature Studies
Advanced color harmony project showing complementary relationships
Harmony Projects
Digital color theory application in contemporary art practice
Digital Applications

These images represent different aspects of our curriculum – from basic temperature relationships to advanced digital color work. Each project builds practical skills while reinforcing theoretical understanding.