ART 2205C COLOR AND COMPOSITION SYLLABUS

RATIONALE:
Color can affect our thoughts, moods, actions, and emotions. Throughout history of art, artists have utilized certain color properties to create particular visual effects in their works of art; colors also become symbols. During the twentieth century, color in art gained major importance. During this semester, we will explore the theory of color, as well as color relativity in regards to optical sensation; composition as related to color, and the psychological impact of color. This knowledge will provide the student with the basic understanding of color and composition and, from this base, the student may direct his/her knowledge toward a career in any aspect of visual arts or design technologies.
GOALS:
This class will introduce you to the basic knowledge of color theory and composition, so you may continue your level of commitment or transfer to another institution for further development.
You will become familiar with the theory of color, composition, and the technical knowledge of manipulation of color pigments correctly to achieve the desired results. You will also begin to develop a personal color palette, and gain an appreciation and understanding of different art forms that utilize color.
During this class you will learn about the following:
Color Theory
Dynamics of color
Correct use of different painting materials
Composition and color; color and space
Interaction of color and its color effects
Exploring your creativity
RESOURCES:
Slides or video
handouts that accompany assignments students in your class
exhibition at local museum or gallery your professor
college library
FORMAT:
This class is one in which the student progresses at his/her own rate through various assignments.
The professor will be responsible for explaining the different assignments to the students and demonstrating different techniques or approaches as the course progresses. At various times, the professor well conduct criticism of work, and the students are expected to take an active part in this process.
At the end of the semester the student will turn in a complete portfolio for final grading (all assignments, signed and dated and the sketchbook): 50% of the grade.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
The student is expected to attend classes: three absences are allowed; four absences will result in grade reduction by one grade; more may result in withdrawal. Six or more late arrivals will result in grade reduction by one or more grades.PROFESSOR’S ROLE:
The student is given freedom to develop his/her abilities along determined lines of growth. It is the responsibility of the professor to correctly manage that direction based on her understanding of the aesthetics and the creative process of design. The assignments will be carefully planned to support class and individual student growth.
The criticism process is an important developmental tool, and the professor will conduct regular critiques, during which the students will be called upon to help in the self-evaluation process.
EVALUATION PROCESS:
Several partial grades will be given during the term and the final grade will be based on the following:
1. Improvement over entering skills.
2. Partial grades for each project given during the semester.
3. Record of attendance.
4. Record of carrying out student maintenance responsibility.
5. Completion of assignments.
6. Taking part in classroom activities and critiques.
7. Complete portfolio grade at the end of the semester (50% of the grade).
8. Cooperation. The student that will repeatedly disturbs the class routine and become a
nuisance will be withdrawn from the class by the professor. The student is expected to
turn in her/his work for grading on the dates specified by the professor; late work will
not be acceptable.

COLOR AND COMPOSITION PROJECTS
All projects will be explained by the professor. Unless specified, the technique is hard edge.
1. Color wheel based composition. Materials: acrylic paint on mat board or canvas.
maximum intensity: 60%, add white 40%, geometric shapes.
2. Value: geomitric design, black, white and six values.
3. Value + color: 1 color in four variations and 6 values, including white and black. Materials: acrylic paint on mat board or canvas. Chioce of geometric or biomorphic design.
4. Complimentary colors study: acrylic on mat board or canvas: one pair, 60% full intensity, 40% add black, geometric and/or biomorphic design.
5. Monochromatic composition: 6 values, 3 intensities. Materials: acrylic on canvas, min. size 18” x 24”
6. Analogous colors (pick 4 adjacent colors of the color wheel); use black and white to create values. Acrylic on canvas, 18” x 24”.
7. Warm and cool color, same image, two parts: acrylic on canvas. 12 colors of each.
8. Op art project: acrylic on canvas, size 18”x 24” or larger. Complimentary pair or two pairs. Values: 10, 50% of the composition. Geometric design.
9. Arbitrary colors project. Biomorphic design, minimum of 20 colors, including tints
and shades.
10. Illusion of Transparency: three or more opaque geometric and /or biomorphic
shapes placed in overlapping positions, with their shared areas painted in other color
which suggests that they are transparent.
11 . Use combination hard edge and blending techniques, approximately 50-50%; special
theme project.
12. Express emotion and/or tension with color: acrylic on canvas size
18” x 24” or larger.
Other assignments may be added to this list.

SUPPLIES:
Acrylic Paints (Liquitex or Golden)
Red: Napthol Crimson, Cadmium
Yellow: Cadmium Medium
Blue: Cobalt, Ultamarine
White: (large tube) Titanium or Zink
Black: Mars Black or Ivory Black
Violet: permanent, prism, or dioxazine
Additional colors are optional; you will be allowed to use them for some of the assignments.
Gesso; sponge or sponge with handle to apply gesso.
Medium: (matte or gloss)
Spatula or knife
Brushes: minimum of 3: one small (size 0.1 or 2); one medium (size 4 or 5); one large (size 8 to 10); note that brish sizes vary considerably according to each brand.
Palette or disposable palette; box for paints
Glass or plastic jars with lids
Spray Bottle
Assorted rags and newspaper for cleaning purposes
Sketchbook, 9"x11" or somewhat larger
Ruler, preferably metal, 24” or 36"
Other supplies may be required

TEXTBOOK: Color by Paul Zelanski and Mary Pat Fisher

Dr. Kyra Belan’s office hours:
12:00-1:30 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; 12:00-1:00, Tuesday and Thursday, 12:30-1:30, and by appointment.