Course Outline for Art 25
Color Theory

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 11/08/2021
Catalog Description:

ART 25 - Color Theory

3.00 Units

A study of the principles, theories, and applications of additive and subtractive color in two dimensions. Topics will include major historical and contemporary color systems, production of projects in applied color, and the elements of design as they apply to color.
1013.00 - Commercial Art*
Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 2.00 36.00 72.00 108.00
Laboratory 1.00 72.00 0.00 72.00
Total 3.00 108.00 72.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. create aesthetically complete designs and images that demonstrate a working knowledge of color systems;
  2. apply individual aesthetic decisions and judgments related to their own artwork;
  3. use skillfully a variety of artistic materials, techniques and tools;
  4. produce finished color assignments that demonstrate an understanding of color theory and principles in the history of art;
  5. comprehend and describe how color is perceived culturally, and symbolically;
  6. understand color usage in contemporary art and design.
Course Content:
  1. History of color
    1. development of the color palette
  2. Color systems 
  3. Color organization
  4. How color is perceived
    1. light
    2. vision and the brain
  5. Color Mixing
    1. value
    2. hue
    3. intensity (chroma)
    4. color temperature
  6. Materials
    1. pigments
    2. palettes
    3. materials
  7. Additive and subtractive color 
    1. light and paint
  8. Color and composition
  9. Identifying and understanding color mixtures
  10. Cultural influences on color usage
    1. symbolism
    2. emotional contexts
  11. Color usage in contemporary art and design
  12. Color and Technology
    1. additive
    2. subtractive 
  13. Critical evaluation 
    1. critique of class projects
    2. master works
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Group and individual critiques in oral or written formats
  2. Portfolio Development
  3. Written assignments
  4. Demonstration
  5. Laboratory
  6. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Create paintings which demonstrate knowledge and skill in the use of the principles of color theory.
  2. Create research projects that look historically at color systems and application techniques appropriate for different art historical periods and styles.
  3. Develop an initial proficiency with color theory through color mixing and creation of a color chart.
  4. Create and understand information present in a color map or color model.
  5. Create projects that show how colors are related to each other and their positions on the color maps reflect their mixing traits.
  6. Explore the expressive qualities of color through projects that the symbolism and meaning in color.
  1. Critique
  2. Class Participation
  3. Laboratory exercises
  4. Portfolios
  5. Exams/Tests
  6. Written assignments
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. develop a basic working understanding of the visual nature, behavior, and interaction of color including color dimensions of hue, value, and intensity in both additive and subtractive modes;
  2. develop a foundational understanding of the role and application of color in the history of art and design and color’s cultural and emotional dimensions;
  3. develop a basic understanding of color as relates to the elements of art and Principles of design;
  4. develop a basic knowledge and understanding of prominent color theorists and their writings regarding color;
  5. develop a vocabulary for discussing color as pertains to art and design.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Finlay, Victoria (2014). The Brilliant History of Color in Art J. Paul Getty Museum.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
A study of the principles, theories, and applications of additive and subtractive color in two dimensions. Topics will include major historical and contemporary color systems, production of projects in applied color, and the elements of design as they apply to color.