Colour

Continuation of the introduction to key elements of art and design. Looking at how different media can be used only this time exploring ideas about colour in both theory and practice. Every sheet in this unit can be treated as a standalone piece of work, equally they can be incorporated around an observational drawing project focusing on colour.

Depending upon duration of individual lessons this project can run up to 7 weeks. I find that this unit and the initial line and tone one cover the first term of secondary school very well (this is always the longest half term).

Colour theory including; primary and secondary colours, complementary and contrasting colours, hot and cold colours, colour mixing, harmony and balance, tones and tints. Ideas explored in a range of media including paint, pencil, coloured chalk and pen. Opportunities to introduce contextual ideas too; for example, Seuret’s ‘Pointillism’ when working in pen and the general tradition in painting of the Still Life.

Consumerable resources: Paint - primary colours and black and white. Coloured chalk, pens and coloured pencils. A4 - A2 paper including heavier sugar paper.
Non-Consumerable resources: Paint brushes, mixing pallettes / water pots.
Objects used for observational drawing (I prefer to use peppers as in the examples in this book but any strongly coloured (but nuanced) objects will be fine.

Assessment of overall understanding and progress is made on the basis of the work produced. Differentiation by outcome with students demonstrating understanding through both practical work produced and discussion of the theoretical ideas.
A series of colour observational work using a range of media to demonstrate both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. These sheets can be treated as individual, standalone exercises or incorporated into a larger project. The emphasis throughout is on the use of colour as an expressive tool as well as the students growing confidence in handling a range of media.

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