Topic title: Colour Theory

Year group: 7

When taught: November – December

What are we learning?

Understanding how colours are created what effect they have on artwork. The colour wheel (primary, secondary and tertiary colours), complementary and harmonious colours, monochrome, tints and shades. How things have colour (scientific theories). Mixing colour. Artists who use colour in different ways to create meaning/emotion.

Why is this important to know?

Understanding how to use colour in artwork is vital and needs to be taught early on in Year 7. Colour is one of the formal elements which are fundamental for artists’ ability to create and control visual artwork.

Where does this link into our past and future learning?

Colour theory is a key basis of knowledge that features heavily in almost all future projects. It is referred back to consistently in future projects. Colour Theory sequences directly into the next project in Year 7; Colour Landscapes. It also builds on the understanding of line and shape established by the previous Typography project.

How will we be assessed on this topic?

Students will be assessed throughout the project in selected tasks including the colour wheel and tints and tones ladders. Pupils’ sculptural skills will also be assessed for their extended creative 3D colour wheel homework

What makes a strong piece of work in this topic? What are teachers hoping to see?

Strong work in Colour Theory should include the following;

· Correct theory in colour mixing

· Skilful brush work or pencil shading in colour

· Vibrant colours mixed

· Creative risks taken with materials

What key words are there in this topic?

· Hue

· Primary

· Secondary

· Tertiary

· Complementary

· Analogous

· Warm

· Cool

· Tint

· Shade

· Tone

· Saturation

· Monochromatic

· Contrast

· Palette

What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?

· Try mixing colour paint if you are able, whenever possible

· Try drawing from life (objects or landscapes perhaps) using only colour crayons (no pencil or black crayon)

What wider reading can be done on this topic?

· The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair