Color Theory In the visual arts, color theory is a body of practical guidance to color mixing and the visual effects
of a specific color combination. There are also definitions (or categories) of colors based on
the color wheel: primary color, secondary color and tertiary color.
Color is an element of art that is derived from reflected light. Colors stand for ideas and feelings. http://www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory
Inquiry: Survey ten people your own age and ten adults to discover their favorite color. Does age
affect color preference? Report your findings to the class.
Words to Learn
Analogous colors
Color
Color Spectrum
Color Wheel
Primary Colors
Warm Colors
Complimentary Colors
Hue
Intensity
Monochrome
Secondary Colors
Cool Colors
Pigments
Shade
Tint
Tone
Tertiary Colors
Triad
Objectives: The student will learn the concept of color. The student will learn the concept of color theory. The student will learn the concept of color schemes. The student will learn how to effectively use the color wheel. Materials: Tempera paint, Water Color Paper, colored paper, graphite pencils, compass, rulers, round head fasteners. Create: A color wheel using the three primary colors separated by the three secondary colors.
Add rings for tint, tone and shade. Create a cover and use a pin so the cover will spin.
Teacher demonstrates the process. The teacher will present the concepts of color theory including the color wheel, color values, and color schemes. Students will paint a color wheel, and complete color theory worksheets. The teacher will then introduce the assignment. Rubric:
_____/5
_____/5
_____/5
_____/15
Investigation: Journal entries of Words to know in Sketchbook
Craftsmanship: Understanding of line color and balance in the use of materials.
Effort: Time evident on task
Total Points possible
Put Your Color Wheel to Work
Students will bring in objects that they would like to use in their artwork. If the student fails to bring in
objects, the teacher may choose to assign objects to students. The student will draw the object from
observation. The teacher should encourage the student to draw the object from many different
angles and try to create the illusion of space on the surface. The student will then divide the paper
into three sections. The student will then paint the different sections with a different color scheme of
their choosing. The teacher should encourage the students to use a full range of value in their
artwork. When finished, the student should write the specific name of the color scheme
(monochromatic, analogous, etc.) used on the back of the paper.
Monochromatic Still Life
Complementary Color Still Life
Triad Still Life
Natural colors
Reflection: Write a summary of your experience with color theory.
Describe the item you chose and your choice of color scheme. Analyze the elements and principles
that were used in your composition by pointing out the location. Interpret your meaning of the colors
you chose. How did the color affect the mood of the painting?
Rubric:
______/5
______/5
______/5
______/5
______/5
______/25
Investigation
Craftsmanship
Artist Statement: Describe, Analyze, Interpret, Judge
Reflection
Self Evaluation
Total Points possible