KCPA 112: COLOR
FALL SEMESTER 2012
TUESDAY/THURSDAY 12:30-3:20/3:30-6:20
INSTRUCTOR: TOM POST
EMAIL: post11@ferris.edu
COURSE SYLLABUS:
WEEK ONE: Tuesday, August 28/Thursday, August 30
Introduction.
Discuss materials, in-class projects and outside assignments.
Explanation of achromatic grey scales, tint scales, color intensity
scales and chromatic grey scales. In-class work on Color Notebook Project.
Homework Assigned: Color Notebook Project: Part One due: Tuesday, September 4.
WEEK TWO: Tuesday, September 4/Thursday, September 6
Discussion and review of scales.
Explanation of the double primary color system.
Explanation of the role of temperature in color.
Explanation and discussion on value, contrast, and intensity.
Focus on double primary system, Munsell color value system, pigment characteristics
and color relationships.
Discussion and presentation on RGB, CMYK, and RYB systems.
In class work on Color Notebook Project: double primary color wheel, trichromatic color
mixing, chromatic grey intensity scales and color value scales.
Homework Assigned: Reading: “Art Fundamentals” p. 184-190 “The Characteristics of
Color” through “Neutrals”. Complete painted charts and descriptive notes for each
system.
Color Notebook Project due: Tuesday, September 11.
WEEK THREE: Tuesday, September 11/Thursday, September 13.
5” x 7” Watercolor cards are needed Tuesday, September 11.
Introduction to Watercolor Card (constant still life) Project:
Discussion and demonstration on constant still life assignment; includes: achromatic,
monochromatic, analogous, complimentary, split complimentary, triad, and tertiary
palettes.
Introduction to relative color temperature, cast shadow value and observing reflected
light and color.
In-class work on seven still life compositions.
Homework assigned: Drawing of seven constant compositions completed, work out
color combinations for each composition, based upon given palette criteria. Reading:
“Art Fundamentals” p. 190-199 “The Physical Properties of Color” through “Warm and
Cool Colors”.
Watercolor Card Project due: Tuesday, September 25.
WEEK FOUR: Tuesday, September 18/Thursday, September 20.
In-class work and project adjustments.
Final group critique: Thursday, September 20.
Project Due: Tuesday, September 25.
Homework assignment: Find a digital black and white reference image (5” x 7”) of a
landscape, including defined foreground, middle ground, background, and sky. Image
may be a photograph, or painting reference, as long as it meets the above criteria. Choose
at least three images, we will discuss and choose your specific reference image for the
Landscape Project on Tuesday, February 9. Reading: “Art Fundamentals” p. 200-203
“Simultaneous Contrast”.
WEEK FIVE: Tuesday, September 25/Thursday, September 27.
Discussion on Landscape Project reference images.
Introduction to Landscape Project:
Format: 22” x 30” 140# Cold Press Watercolor Paper.
Adhere B/W reference image and paint three thumbnails, using color + compliment (your
choice). Thumbnails must be accompanied by two color intensity scales (employing
your color choices) and follow given criteria for temperature, value and chroma.
Focus on value, chroma, and temperature to create atmospheric perspective through color
application and use of chromatic grays.
Thumbnails will be used to create one final 12” x 12” painting, employing a triad color
palette.
Landscape Project due: Tuesday, October 9.
WEEK SIX: Tuesday, October 2/Thursday, October 4.
In-class work on Landscape Project.
Small group critique: Tuesday, October 2.
Final group critique: Thursday, October 4.
Project Due: Tuesday, October 9.
Homework assignment: Finish adjustments on final Landscape painting. Find a digital
black and white photo reference of cityscape, image must include buildings, cast shadows
and sky. Look for a defined foreground, middle ground, background and sky. Find at
least three 5” x 7” reference photos for discussion on Tuesday, October 16.
WEEK SEVEN: Tuesday, October 9/Thursday, October 11.
Project Due: Tuesday, October 9.
Discussion and introduction to Chromatic Lighting Project.
Discussion on transitional chromatic light and chromatic cast shadows.
Discussion on cityscape images.
Begin Chromatic Lighting Project:
This project consists of two 12” x 12” paintings. The first features transitional chromatic
light on a static geometric form with a defined base plane, horizon line, and chromatic
cast shadow. The second is a cityscape employing chromatic lighting with cast shadows
in atmosphere on architectural forms.
Focus on use of opposing contrast, hue, contrast and value, influence of color temperature
and atmospheric perspective.
Part I: Use of geometric forms to introduce formal concepts of cityscape project.
Part II: Apply techniques learned from geometric form painting to create a cityscape
painting.
Chromatic Lighting paintings: One 12” x 12” geometric form still life painting and one
12” x 12” cityscape painting.
Project due: Tuesday, October 23.
Homework assignment: Continued work on Chromatic Lighting Project.
Reading: “Art Fundamentals” p. 206-216 “The Role of Color in Composition”,
“Color Balance”, and “Color and Variety”.
WEEK EIGHT: Tuesday, October 16/Thursday, October 18
In-class work on Chromatic Lighting Project.
Small Group Critique: Tuesday, October16.
Final Group Critique: Thursday, October 18.
Project Due: Tuesday, October 23.
WEEK NINE: Tuesday, October 23/Thursday, October 25.
Project Due: Tuesday, October 23.
Introduction to Dominant Hue Still Life Project:
Composition must be drawn first, minimum of 8-10 objects.
Project includes three 5 x 7” studies: graphite value study, achromatic value study and
dominant hue study. Each of these must be slightly different compositions.
Final painting must be 12” x 12” on 140# CP Watercolor Paper,.
Homework assignment: Three studies of 8-10 still life objects with base plane, horizon
line, transitional chromatic light source and chromatic cast shadows.
Homework Due: Tuesday, October 30.
WEEK TEN: Tuesday, October 30/Thursday, November 1.
In-class work on Dominant Hue painting.
Final Group Critique: Thursday, November 8.
Project Due: Tuesday, November 13.
WEEK ELEVEN: Tuesday, November 6/Thursday, November 8.
Small Group Critique: Tuesday, November 6.
Final Group Critique: Thursday, November 8.
Project Due: Tuesday, November 13.
Homework assignment: Adjustments made to paintings based upon critique.
WEEK TWELVE: Tuesday, November 13/Thursday, November 15
Dominant Hue Project Due: Tuesday, November 13.
Introduction and discussion on Final Project: Observational Still Life with Local Color.
Project includes: One graphite value study, an achromatic value study, and two different
local color studies of different compositions. Final painting will be 12” x 12”, employing
a slightly different composition from each of the studies. Painting may be on 140# CP or
HP Watercolor Paper, single sheet, studies on left side, final painting on the right. Studies
must be completed prior to beginning work on final painting.
Focus on: Using 10-12 constant still life objects, changing composition for each
study/painting. Use of constant light source, base plane, horizon line, cast shadows,
and local color for each object.
Final Project Due: Tuesday, December 6.
Homework assignment: Complete drawing study, achromatic study, and two local
color studies using different compositions/constant objects for each. Reading: “Art
Fundamentals” p. 216-221 “The Evolution of the Color Wheel” through “Color
Computer Printing”.
WEEK THIRTEEN: Tuesday, November 20/Thursday, November 22: NO CLASS
THANKSGIVING RECESS
In-class work on Final Project.
Homework assignment: Continued work on Final Project.
WEEK FOURTEEN Tuesday, November 27/Thursday, November 29.
In-class work on Final Project.
Small Group Critique: Thursday, November 29.
Final Group Critique: Tuesday, December 4.
Final Project due: Thursday, December 6.
Homework assignment: Continued work on Final Project.
WEEK FIFTEEN: Thursday, December 6, LAST DAY OF CLASS
Final Project Due: Thursday, December 6.
CLASS PROCEDURES:
GOALS
Students will gain an understanding of practical application and verbal communication in
color mixing, employing the theories contained in the RYB double primary system. A
number of exercises and projects designed to explore and facilitate these skills, using
scales, still life and landscape elements, will be presented in gouache on watercolor
paper. Projects are designed to not only develop and refine visual presentations in
applying color, but to reinforce basic design and drawing skills as well.
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to be on time and prepared to work the full class period. A strong
work ethic and a good attitude is expected at all times. Three excused absences are
allowed for legitimate reasons, after which any additional absences will result in the
lowering of the final letter grade by a full letter for each additional absence. Missing
five classes results in an automatic failure of the course. Arriving tardy (15 or more
minutes late) for class three times equates to one absence. Extenuating circumstances will
be considered on an individual basis.
ASSIGNMENTS/PROJECTS
All projects and assignments given during the semester are due on the designated day.
Late work will be lowered one full letter grade for each class period after the assigned
due date. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis.
CRITIQUES
Students are expected to fully participate in scheduled group critiques. Assigned work
must be complete for consideration in critiques. Incomplete work will not be accepted for
group critiques and will affect final letter grades. Time will be allotted for adjustments
between critiques and final due dates. Informal, small group critiques will be held
periodically throughout the semester to help acquaint students with the process of critical
analysis and to help develop skills in verbally communicating terms introduced in the
classroom. These small group critiques are designed to allow for peer discussions while
projects are in process, and to help facilitate proper application and use of materials for
each assignment.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Mix and paint colors based upon specified criteria for value, hue and intensity.
• Indicate an understanding of color temperature relationships.
• Apply color as value as it relates to observed still life objects.
• Visually distinguish specified color palettes.
• Produce colors that indicate salient or receding visual planes.
• Produce colors that indicate a direct light source and the resulting chromatic cast
shadows.
• Organize and unify color in a composition by applying a dominant color theme.
• Distinguish the differences between arbitrary, heightened local and local colors.
GRADING POLICY
A letter grade will be assigned for each project, based upon the students’ facility in
material applications, the ability to translate an understanding of the assignment visually,
creativity and individual improvement. These grades will be averaged together to
determine both the students mid-term (verbal) and final (documented) grade. Final grade
determination also takes into consideration the following: attendance, participation in
discussions and critiques, preparedness and a positive attitude. Each project will be
assigned specific criteria, to be used in both critical analysis and grading. These criteria
may include, but are not limited to, presentation, craftsmanship, use and application of
materials and the student’s aptitude for the assigned work.
READING/HOMEWORK
Students will be given reading assignments from the required text as it pertains to in-class
work and assigned projects. Students may be asked to document how the assigned
reading pertains to a specific project. Participation in class discussions and proper use of
terms and vocabulary is essential and is part of the final grade. Quizzes may be given at
any time on assigned readings and will be part of the final grade.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students are asked to turn off cell phones during the class period. Please notify me in the
case of a potential emergency. iPods and other personal listening devices are not allowed
in class during lectures or critiques. No audible music is allowed in class at any time. No
laptops may be open during lectures or critiques. Being a Foundation course, the student
will find all information given during the allotted class time pertinent to his or her artistic
and academic growth.
DIGITAL IMAGES
Digital images may become necessary to complete outside class assignments. Still life
objects that are set up in class may not be always available for observational painting due
to classroom usage throughout the course of the week. Digital reference images will be
allowed upon my approval, and must meet the criteria of color, value, contrast,
composition and other formal requirements of the assignment. Students will be
encouraged to use iPhoto and PhotoShop to adjust contrast and color as it pertains to each
individual assignment.
SUPPLY LIST:
1. Holbein Artists’ Gouache Paints
• Double Primary Mixing Set (available at Service Reproduction Co.)
• Individual tubes may be purchased in lieu of the set. Required colors:
• Cool: Lemon Yellow, Alizarin Crimson, Prussian Blue
• Warm: Permanent Yellow Deep, Flame Red, Ultramarine Blue
• Achromatic: Large Permanent White, small Jet Black
Winsor and Newton Artists’ Gouache may be substituted for Holbein colors, however
Winsor and Newton’s Reeves Gouache are not acceptable.
2. Winsor and Newton #995 Aquarelle Brushes, ¾” Flat and ½” Flat
3. Cotman Brushes #4, 6, 8 Round
4. Blue Painters Tape or Drafting Tape ¾”
5. 12” x 16” 140# Cold Press Cotman Watercolor Pad
6. Package of ten 5” x 7” Watercolor Paper Cards
7. Multiple Grid Plastic Watercolor Palette (Round or Rectangular)
8. Graphite Drawing Pencils HB, 2H, 4H, 6H
9. White Plastic Eraser
10. Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Black Marker
11. 12” Cork Back Straightedge
12. Quiller Wheel
13. Artbin or other similar toolbox
14. Plastic Margarine-style tubs for water
15. 24” x 36” (or larger) Carry-style portfolio (waterproof is recommended)
Sheets of 22” x 30” 140# Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper will be needed further into the
semester. Students will receive notification of when additional paper is needed and
specifics (brand options) of paper prior to the project being assigned.
Supplies listed in bold type are needed for the first week of class.
OPTIONAL SUPPLIES
1. Derwent Watercolor Pencil Set of 12
2. Recommended additional gouache colors: Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Raw
Umber (earth colors).
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
“Art Fundamentals: Theory and Practice 11th ed.” by Otto G. Ocvirk
RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTAL TEXTBOOKS
“Exploring Color” by Nita Leland
Supplies should be acquired immediately and students should come to the next class
session prepared to work. Students are expected to have all necessary supplies for the
first week by the second class session. Exceptions due to extenuating circumstances may
be considered on an individual basis. Additional supplies may be required, and asked for
in advance, throughout the course of the semester. Students may be asked to leave class
to acquire adequate materials past the second full week of classes.
Supplies may be purchased at the Kendall/Ferris bookstore (lower atrium), T-Square
Art Supplies, Service Reproduction Co., with limited items also available at Hobby
Lobby and Michaels Arts and Crafts.
If there are any questions regarding supplies and/or materials for this class, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
I reserve the right to make any amendments/adjustments to this document as needed at
any time throughout the course of the semester.