A WebQuest exploring the exciting aspects of color.

designed by Kathrine Thompson and Stephanie Robinson 

From left to right: Matisse, Jazz Series; Kandinski, Schweres Rot; Rothko, Number 8, 1949.

COLOR LINKS

INTRODUCTION

Color is a property of light, and the element of art to which we are most sensitive. We react immediately to color, and aren't expected to rationalize our feelings about it. Harmonious combinations of colors satisfy our aesthetic desires. The scientific nature of color sets it apart from the other elements of art (line, shape, form, texture, value, space). In this webquest you will explore the scientific aspects of color, combine color to create harmonious compositions, and examine several artists' creative use of color in a variety of their works.

TASK

You and your team members are a committee of art experts in charge of creating an art display to showcase the many aspects of color, including the science of color, its formal qualities, and its emotional qualities. Though the display is to be a collaborative effort, each member is responsible for the following work:

1. Fill out a color wheel.
2. List the 3 primary, 3 secondary, and 6 intermediate colors.
3. Define the following terms:
   • harmonious
   • aesthetic
   • composition
   • hue
   • value
   • chroma
   • intensity
   • tint
   • shade
4. Give one example of a set of colors for each color scheme:
   • triad color scheme
   • analagous color scheme
   • monochromatic color scheme
   • complementary color scheme
   • warm color scheme
   • cool color scheme
5. For each of the following colors, list an emotion(s) or word(s) that immediately comes to mind:
   • red
   • yellow
   • blue
   • orange
   • green
   • violet
   • black
   • white
   • gray
   • brown
6. For each of the following emotions/words, list a color(s) that immediately comes to mind:
   • hot
   • sad
   • sleepy
   • happy
   • cold
   • peaceful
   • scared
   • excited
   • angry
   • confused
   • bored

Process

Brainstorming Session

After completing the worksheet, meet with other team members to discuss your answers. Decide how you are going to apply what you've learned so far to your project. Each team member will use information that specifically pertains to their role in the assignment. After each member has chosen a specific role from the following list, he/she will surf the links provided and collect any information (text or graphics) to create your display.

The Project

Choose one of the following roles:

Scientist: Find examples of color mixing, color theory, and color interaction, and create a poster using the information and visual examples that you find.

Historian: Surf the links and find examples of artists and artwork, from a variety of time periods and cultures, that will be used in the display. Include a description of the color scheme used by the artist, and a brief explanation of that artists' color theory.

Artist: Explore the links provided, and create a design for each of the color schemes. Your artwork may be in the style of particular artists you have studied.

Psychologist: Find examples of how artists use color expressively. Use the color analogy quiz you took above to make a survey to give to 10 people. Create a visual aid that displays the results of your findings for each of your tasks (include visuals, text, and survey results).

Curator/Web-Page Creator: Organize the materials gathered from other team members to create a web page that you will later use to create a harmonious display in an assigned space. Acting as a museum guide, present your display to the class.

CONCLUSION

Now that you have explored the scientific, formal, and emotional aspects of color, you are more likely to recognize its uses in your surroundings and its effects on society. Hopefully you are more aware of the infinite number of choices you have when creating your own art, and the environment in which you live.