Deep Space: Building Depth with Color
Contributor:
Arkansas Tech University
PROJECT INFORMATION FOR EDUCATORS
Where?
Course level
Foundations, Color Design, Color Theory, 2-Dimensional Design
Why?
Conversation points for instructors
This project addresses many skills required for a Color Design Course.
First, students are introduced to non-objective design, expanding from representational modes of thinking. Using the elements and principles of design, we focus on creating depth using visual cues, via overlap, color juxtaposition and size. We also review geometric and organic shapes. (Many students take Color Design after 2-Dimensional Design.)
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Students learn the differences between representational, abstract, and non-objective art.
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Practice color mixing with a variety of tints, tones, and shades within a limited palette.
Traditionally, I teach this in-person, but it may also be adapted for hybrid or online classes.
PROJECT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
What?
Project Prompt / Challenge
Create a non-objective or non-representational painting using a monochromatic or analogous color scheme. Create the illusion of spatial depth.
How?
Strategy
Step 1: Make at least 4 different thumbnail sketches of your ideas.
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Keep these simple and quick.
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They should be drawn inside rectangles.
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Scale to the dimensions of your board. (for example, 2.25 x 3 in.)
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Include notes beside each sketch indicating how each sketch will depict spatial depth.
Play with:
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size (smaller shapes appear to be further away)
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color (warm, saturated colors advance, cool desaturated colors recede)
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and overlap
Step 2: Choose your favorite design and make a larger sketch of it in your sketchbook.
Photograph all 5 sketches (4 thumbnails and 1 larger sketch) and upload.
Consider the following:
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How have you created a sense of depth using only shape and hue
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How have you employed unity or variety? Rhythm? Composition?
Step 3. Choose a monochromatic or analogous color scheme.
If monochromatic, which hue will you use?
Step 4. Lightly draw a 1 inch border around the edge of your illustration board, creating a 9" x 12" rectangle.
Draw your design lightly and then begin painting. You may choose portrait or landscape format.
Optional:
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Tape the border with painter’s tape.
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At the end of each painting session when the paint is dry, remove tape (so it doesn’t adhere to the paper.)
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The border of your paper should be neat and free of paint.
Step 5. Upload your work.
Label your image in the description as either monochromatic or analogous and include which hues you used. Also, tag them: #deepspace
Materials:
11 x 14 in. Illustration Board
Acrylic Paints
Palette knife
Plates for mixing paint
Brushes
Cup for Water
Ruler
Pencil & Eraser
Sketchbook
And/or other drawing media: collage, colored pencils, watercolor, mixed media...
Timeline:
2 weeks
FURTHER SUPPORT INFORMATION
Student Examples:
Inspirational
Artists:
Joseph Albers
Yayoi Kusama
Ad Reinhardt
Bridget Riley
Vega Or
Victor Vasarely
Kenneth Noland
Karl Benjamin