ART 116 Basic Design: Color

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces the basic principles of design, visual perception, and organization of visual elements in works of art. Focuses on color and two-dimensional design.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate understanding of terminology as used in design projects and critiques.
Use each stage of the design process to generate design content, ideas, and strategies.
Apply to the color design problems the elements and principles of compositional organization to solve two-dimensional design problems and/or to meaning (content).
Analyze and evaluate, in both written and verbal modes, the effectiveness of color in two-dimensional designs/works of art (part- and whole- analysis, and critique process).
Demonstrate the ability to control color, to create contrasts and unity, color interactions, emotional qualities, and spatial effects through the employment of principles and practices of color theory.
Research historical and contemporary examples of art/design from culturally diverse sources and present conclusions in written form: analyze, critique, summarize.
Examine issues of sustainability and explain the effects of materials in artwork.
Examine the effect of media choices upon artwork: traditional and digital media.
Demonstrate a sustained work ethic and exhibit a sense of craft.

Additional Statewide General Education Outcomes

Interpret and engage in the Arts and Letters, making use of the creative process to enrich the quality of life.
Critically analyze values and ethics within a range of human experience and expression to engage more fully in local and global issues.

Content Outline

Design Process
- Define - clarification of goals, restrictions, or limitations of design problem.
- Brainstorm - non-judgmental series of written or roughly drawn “thumbnail” ideas, encouraging intuitive discovery and free association
- Analyze - testing the brainstorm designs against the goals and restrictions in Step 1
- Revise - modification to clarify or simplify the design [developing “roughs”]
- Refine - execution of finished work with the expected degree of craftsmanship
Critique: Analysis using both written and verbal forms
- Separate ego and taste from design success
- Test finished work against original design problem requirements
- Articulate areas of success and areas of insufficiency
- Suggest solutions
Revisions
- Adap and adopt critique information
- Provide more solutions or variations
- Reworking the piece
Color Basics
- Subtractive and Reflective color wheel (pigment colors)
- Additive and Transmitted color wheel (light based colors)
- Color perception
- Psychological effects
- Cultural perceptions and use of color
- Content - artistic intent, cultural and symbolic meaning
Color
- Color schemes and patterns
- Color interactions
Color Theories
- Compare and contrast various color theorists
Color Notations
- Subtractive - traditional and process
- Additive
Media
- Additive media
- Subtractive media
- Integrity of materials
- Effects of medium on design and finish
- Appropriate medium for purpose
- Sustainability
- Safe disposal practice
Elements and Principles of Art
- Elements of art
- Principles of organization
Visual Literacy and Cultural Diversity
- Introduction to world art traditions, popular art, and commercial art
- Research project in one of these areas