Element of Colour

KQED: Element of Colour

This video talks about the element of colour and the important role in plays when artists are creating their work. I would share this video with an upper elementary/ middle school audience. There is a lot of great information!

Some Definitions!

Primary Colours: colours from which all other colours can be created by mixing.

Secondary Colours: made from mixing two primary colours.

Monochromatic Colours: created by using its shades, tones, and tints (mix with black or white).

Warm Colours: some examples are shades of red, yellow, and orange.

Cool Colours: some examples are shades of green, blue, and violet.

Complementary Colours: colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel.

Analogous Colours: colours beside each other on the colour wheel.

Tertiary Colours: result of a primary and secondary colour mixture.

*All Definitions are from the colour cover page and from class discussions.

Colour Terminology in Elementary School

Kindergarten – Grade 1: Primary Colours

Grade 2 – Grade 3: Secondary Colours, Monochromatic Colours, Warm/ Cool Colours

Grade 4 – Grade 5: Monochromatic Colours, Complementary Colours

Grade 6 – Grade 7: Complementary Colours, Analogous Colours, Tertiary Colours

My Artwork

Instructions for practice activity: First, colour the “Introduction to Colour Theory” worksheet according to the instructions. Then, use your clay to practice mixing some colours to become familiar with the colour theory chart!

Materials:

• Intro to colour theory worksheet
• Markers or pencil crayons
• Clay

Instructions for plasticine relief: Create a plasticine relief image with a colour scheme tinted with white or shaded with grey to create a piece of artwork with feeling!

Materials:

• Cardstock paper or bristol board
• Clay

I was inspired by my sister to create this piece of artwork, as she gave me the idea to add a dinosaur on a cloud! While creating this art, I focused on the feelings of happiness, fun, and adding a whimsical touch! I also mixed all my colours with white to give the colours a softer look. I loved mixing and experimenting with the clay, and I think bringing this activity in the classroom would be really enjoyable for kids!

Critical Analysis

Barbara Reid

Barbara Reid’s art can be used for a critical analysis that talks about colour, and how colours can create certain feelings. It can also be used to talk about texture (which is another element of design in this sketchbook). I would use Barbara Reid’s art in a Grade 3-5 classroom.

Some More Resources!

Here is a unit plan my friend Sarah and I created for the element of colour! It is a for a Grade 2 classroom and has a lot of fun activities to introduce this element of design!

I also found this webpage that talks about different activities you can use to talk about colours to kids of all ages (ranging from Kindergarten to upper elementary). There are so many great activities!

Another resource I found talks about steps you can take to introduce the colour wheel while still allowing for children to explore and experiment! This is a really fun approach to teaching the colour wheel, especially for older students (i.e., middle school).