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Year 11 - Art and design

Revisiting colour theory: the science and emotion of colour

Fine Art

Unit Summary

This teacher-led unit deepens pupils' skills within endorsements. Through short workshop activities, pupils further explore a range of materials and techniques. They develop studies focused on the elements and principles of art in practice.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use the principles of colour theory for technical and expressive purposes.

Key Notes

  • The core concepts of colour theory include: hue, saturation, value, temperature and harmony.
  • Colour has psychological and emotional effects which can evoke mood, tension, and atmosphere.
  • Using colour with purpose to create a painting that communicates a specific feeling, idea, or concept.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • hue: the pure colour itself, like red or blue
  • saturation: how intense or vivid a colour is
  • colour: what we see when light hits an object
  • tone: how light or dark a colour is

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may think that colour has universal meanings.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

The core concepts of colour theory include: hue, saturation, value, temperature and harmony. Colour has psychological and emotional effects which can evoke mood, tension, and atmosphere.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'hue'

the pure colour itself, like red or blue.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Pupils may think that colour has universal meanings. Correction: Remind pupils that colour has different symbolic meaning around the world.

More Lessons In This Unit

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