MIXED MEDIA: COLOR CHART
NAME:_______________________
LESSON FOCUS:
This lesson focuses on creating a color, value and intensity chart using black, white, and
the primary colors only.
VOCABULARY:
Color: An element of art that is derived from reflected light. The sensation of color is
aroused in the brain by response of the eyes to different wavelengths of light. Color has
three properties: hue, value, and intensity.
Color wheel: the spectrum bent into a circle.
Complementary colors: The colors opposite each other on the color wheel.
Hue: The name of a spectral color. Hue is related to the wavelength of reflected color.
Intensity: The brightness or dullness of a hue. A pure hue is called a high-intensity color.
A dull hue (a color mixed with its complement), is called a low intensity color.
Intermediate color: A color made by mixing a primary color with a secondary color.
Red-orange is an intermediate color.
Primary color: The primary hues are red, yellow, and blue; they are called primary
because they cannot be made by mixing other hues together.
Secondary color: The secondary hues, made by mixing two primary hues, are orange,
violet and green.
Value: The art element that describes the darkness or lightness of an object. Value
depends on how much light a surface reflects.
PROCEDURE:
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Divide a piece of 6”x 12” oak tag into three 2” sections vertically and write your
name and section on the back.
Next, divide the three sections into twelve (12) 1” sections horizontally.
The first section will focus on the color spectrum.
o Start with one of the primary colors and work your way through by mixing
all of your colors using the three primary colors only.
o If needed, identify the color in each section before you begin so you know
which color goes where.
o ONLY USE THE PRIMARY COLORS ONLY to mix all of the colors in
the spectrum.
The second section will focus on value.
o Begin with white at the top and add a drop of black before painting the
next section and continue to do so for each of the sections below.
o You will continue to gradually get darker until you have created a range of
values from white to dark grey.
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The third section will focus on intensity.
o Begin by painting the first section with one of the primary colors.
o You will then add a drop of its complement and paint the next section and
continue to do so for each of the sections below.
o You will continue to gradually get duller.
o If you add equal amounts of the primary and its complement, you will
achieve a neutral color (a dull, brownish color).
MATERIALS:
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1 – 6”X 12” piece of oak tag (WRITE YOUR NAME ON THE BACK)
Ruler
Pencil and eraser
Red, blue, yellow, black and white tempera paints only
Water container
Brushes
Paper towels
Newspaper (to protect the tables)
Color wheel for reference