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Lesson 4 of 7
Revisiting colour theory: the science and emotion of colour
I can use the principles of colour theory for technical and expressive purposes.
Lesson 4 of 7
New
New
Revisiting colour theory: the science and emotion of colour
I can use the principles of colour theory for technical and expressive purposes.
Lesson details
Key learning 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.
- Using colour with purpose to create a painting that communicates a specific feeling, idea, or concept.
Keywords
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 misconception
Pupils may think that colour has universal meanings.
Remind pupils that colour has different symbolic meaning around the world.
Keep a dual focus: the science of colour and the emotional impact it can have. This means helping students to, first, understand the technical language and principles of colour theory and then connect this knowledge to how colour choices affect mood, atmosphere, and meaning in painting.
Teacher tip
Equipment
A range of brushes, palette knives, sponges, or improvised tools such as card and sticks; acrylic paints in a variety of colours; mixing palettes or trays; water pots; sketchbooks or paper towels.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
Download quiz pdf
6 Questions
Q1.Tone is about how light or dark a colour appears.
Tone is about how light or dark a colour appears.
Q2.Which components make up colour in art and design?
Which components make up colour in art and design?
contrast, value, and pattern
tint, shade, and gradient
light, shadow, and reflection
Q3.Value (light and dark) helps create depth and can make objects appear three-dimensional.
Value (light and dark) helps create depth and can make objects appear three-dimensional.
False
Q4.Which of these statements about colour temperature is correct?
Which of these statements about colour temperature is correct?
Colour temperature has no effect on depth in a painting.
Q5.Which of these are examples of colour harmony schemes?
Which of these are examples of colour harmony schemes?
monochrome only
Q6.How might an artist use colour to change the mood of a painting?
How might an artist use colour to change the mood of a painting?
using only one colour so the painting has no feeling