Painting Using Color Schemes

Studio Art II – grades 10-12 – 9.1.10-12. C; 9.3.10-12. B, D, F 3 week project

ObjectiveStudents will gain knowledge of basic color theory including five different color schemes, the color wheel, and relevant vocabulary. Students will also learn how to utilize this knowledge to create artwork by choosing an image from a magazine to paint. The image will then be made black and white and students will translate a section of the grayscale image into their chosen color scheme. Students will also learn basic painting techniques in order to assist them in successfully articulating their image onto the canvas.

Anticipatory SetHave students complete pretest to determine student knowledge of color theory and specific needs to be addressed in lesson. Teach students basic color theory by discussing the color wheel, color vocabulary, and color schemes. Also demonstrate painting techniques such as blending, glazing, and dry brush.Vocabulary– Color Terms

Primaries- all other colors are made from these, cannot be created from other colors, only by natural things or chemical reactions - R, Y, B

Secondaries- created by mixing two primary colors - G, O, V Tertiaries- created by mixing a primary and a tertiary color - YG, BG, BV, RV, RO,

YO  (always say primary color first) Value- brightness or lightness, how dark or light a color is Intensity- strength of a color, vibrant, bright, etc Tints- a color plus white (made lighter) –sometimes referred to as pastels Tones- a color plus both white and black (“greyed down”) Shades- a color plus black (made darker) Hue- pure color without white or black (what’s on the color wheel) Saturation- how vivid and intense a color is, low saturation will be greyed

down/washed out, high saturation will be very bright and vivid Color Scheme (the choice of colors used in a design)

Monochromatic- different values (tints and shades) of one color Complementary- opposite each other on the color wheel, when next to each other

raises the intensity, when mixed together lowers the intensity Analogous- next to each other on the color wheel (typically seen in nature) Split-Complementary- a color plus the two colors adjacent to its complement Triadic- three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel 

Painting Techniques Blending- gentle and gradual transition from one color to another Glazing- layer of paint thinned with medium so it becomes somewhat transparent Dry Brush- brush used is dry, load with paint, and paint is put on top of other dry paint

and/or canvas  

-Second day – review color schemes by putting up color review quiz powerpoint – go over how to enlarge an image onto the canvas using gesture marks, loose

shapes, contour drawings, and grids

Essential QuestionsWhat are the primary, secondary, tertiary colors? What is color value? What are tones, tints, shades, and hues?How can you raise or lower the intensity of a color? The saturation? What are the 5 main color schemes? How can color be used to change the “mood” of a work of art?

Supplies16x20” Canvas BoardAcrylic Paint (primaries/secondaries)BrushesCups for WaterGel MediumPencil

Procedure1. Choose an image from a magazine to paint (may select only a specific section of the

image to create a fairly simple yet interesting balanced composition)2. Photocopy the image (enlarge the chosen section of the image if needed) to create a

grayscale version of the image –this is what students look at while painting3. Use a pencil to sketch the image on to the canvas4. Choose a color scheme (think about the “feeling” of the colors you’ve selected – do

they enhance or detract from your image?)5. Choose a specific section (fairly large) to be painted in the color scheme, the rest of

the painting will remain black and white – pay careful attention to value, although painted in color, the value of the image should remain the same as the original image

6. Draw a large shape of your choice onto to the canvas (this determines which portion will be in black and white and which will be in color) – the shape you select may also add meaning to your piece overall (ex: picture of the rainforest, the shape you choose may be a raindrop, etc)

7. Paint one section in your chosen color scheme and the other grayscale

OR

AssessmentCheck for the creation of a balanced composition, successful use of at least 2 painting techniques, effective use of a color scheme maintained throughout, a wide range of value variation, and overall neatness and adherence to directions. Use the attached rubric to grade projects. Students will also complete the attached self-assessment rubric to reflect on their learning experience.

ClosureHave students complete posttest (same as pretest) to assess effectiveness of lesson.