Color

Overview/Objective
Color is an important element in the vocabulary of design. Understanding the properties and qualities of color as well as the impact color has in a given context gives the designer control over this important element of visual communication. By the end of this unit you will be able to identify and make distinctions between color properties and color systems. This project will focus on various elements of color including:

• Hue
• Value
• Intensity
• Temperature
• Color Systems
• Contrast
• Emotional/Symbolic Color

Materials

Supplied

• Cutting Mat
• 11 x14 inch masonite board
• Dry Bond adhesive
• Paper palettes

Needed for Preliminary Work and Final Project

• Paper
• Cutting Tools
• Blades
• Adhesives
• Straight Edge/Ruler
• Pencils
• Eraser
• Brushes
• Masking tape and/or staple gun and staples
• Sketchbook
• Tracing paper
• Bristol Board
• Pens
• Gouche (a variety of colors)

Reading/ Quiz

Stewart: Chapter 2

Research

On a minimum of two pages, collect images and information about an artist, architect, or designer with work that demonstrates a use of color that has been discussed in class or covered in your book including hue, value, intensity, temperature, color systems, contrast, emotional/symbolic color. Include authorship citations on all collected examples.

Conceptual Development/Design Development

Add to the complexity of your 2D black and white composition by including the new shape created in your 3D assignment in a new 2D design.   Think about which palette from the color systems in your text (2-10 through 2-12) and the work done in the in-class assignments when developing your final design. You must use one color system from the text for your final design.   Sketch five final design ideas in your sketchbook (one per page).

Project Development/Preliminary Critique

You will have an in-progress critique on the development of compositional ideas for this project. For the presentation you will need to have the following:

• 2 composition ideas complete and refined on your Bristol board
• A typed half page statement on the development of your idea and how you are using the design elements of hue, value, intensity, temperature, color systems, contrast, and emotional/symbolic color

Final Project Production

Create a final composition on 11"x14" masonite (provided) that uses your two shapes and one color system from your text to reinforce the communication of your concept. As you are working on this project please keep in mind your use of line, shape, value, and texture. You will be graded on the use of these design elements as well as your use of color.

Final Project Presentation

For your final presentation your work needs to be well crafted and ready to present at the beginning of class or it will be considered late. A one page typed discussion of your work must also be turned in with your final project or the project will not receive a grade. The writing should address the concept you used to develop your shape, how you used hue, value, intensity, temperature, color systems, contrast, emotional/symbolic color within your final work, how you used these to communicate your idea, and finally an analysis of what you thought you did well and at least one area of possible improvement in the final piece.

Unit Assessment

Designs will be assessed on the application of color principles as well the concept. Color and visual elements should support a concept. Refined assignments as well as the finished project will also be assessed on the quality of the craftsmanship. Participation will be assessed during critiques as well as during in-class work time. The following unit components will be given the following amount of points:

Finished Project - 50 points                               

Process/Research/Preliminary Studies - 20 points     

• 2 sketchbook pages on artist, architect, designer
• 5 composition sketches in sketchbook      
• 2 in-progress Bristol board compositions
• 1/2 page statement

In-Class Exercises - 15 points 

• 2 refined Bristol board studies

Reading/Quiz - 10 points

Participation - 5 points

• Critique contribution
• Use of class time         

Total Points Possible - 100 points