Color Theory Painting

Project
A color challenge!

Objectives
Students will be able to understand
basic color theory and color mixing
Students will be able to mix primary
colors to create secondary and
tertiary colors
Students will be able to create a
composition that interests them that
relates to the color wheel and
demonstrates their knowledge.

Color Wheel
Primary
Colors
Secondary
Colors
Tertiary
Colors

Complementary Colors
Opposite
each other
on the color
wheel

Split Complementary
A color and the
two colors
directly next to
its
complementary
color

Triadic Color Schemes

3 colors evenly
spaced apart on
the color wheel

Analogous Color
2 to 4 colors
next to each
other

Color Schemes

-Complementary
-Split-Complementary
-Triadic
-Analogous

Color Theory Worksheet

Fill out this
worksheet using
only the primary
colors, white, and
black.
Do WELL- these
sheets will go on
each of the tables
as a reference to
other classes as
well as yourself!

Your CHALLENGE
Incorporate the color wheel in a
creative composition.
Guidelines:
- Use Acrylic Paint, must use Primary
Colors, black and white ONLY
- Must demonstrate color mixing and
the color wheel, but it does not have
to be in a circle form.

Choice 1: cut away from the

wheel
Come up with a
RADIAL SYMMETRY
composition ( think
flower or snowflake)
You can cut out a
snowflake to come
up with the design,
then lay it on your
paper and draw it.
Use TAPE to get
sharp, clean lines
between colors
You can write words
about color theory
in the white spots.

Choice 2: design a new

wheel

Design a NEW color

wheel that
demonstrates
Primary, Secondary
and Tertiary Colors in
a different way than
just a circle!
Design the shape,
then color behind
the shape black.
Use primary colors,
white and black.

Choice 3: Incorporate the

wheel
Draw several sketches in
your sketchbook of different
compositions where you
insert a color wheel. If need
be, look for inspirational
compositions online.
Draw the composition out
onto your paper lightly
before painting. You can use
pens for small details after
you are finished painting.

TIMELINE
Day 1 & 2: Draw at least 3
composition sketches/plans of what
you will do
Day 3: Draw out and prepare your
surface, begin painting
Day 4-8: Paint!
Day 9: Critique
Day 10: Turn in

Rubric: 100 pts total

Plan (20 pt)
3 sketchbook compositions,
research, etc

Create ( 20 pt)
unique and creative composition

Technique (40 pt)

High quality, clean lines, professional
Demonstrates knowledge of color mixing
Demonstrates primary, secondary, tertiary and tints and shades

Reflect (10pt)
CRITIQUE
SELF EVALUATION

Participation (10 pt)

Attitude
Time management

References
http://www.artrageous.net/ComplexColorWheels.ht
ml