Revisiting colour theory: the science and emotion of colour
I can use the principles of colour theory for technical and expressive purposes.
Revisiting colour theory: the science and emotion of colour
I can use the principles of colour theory for technical and expressive purposes.
These resources were made for remote use during the pandemic, not classroom teaching.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
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.
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
Lesson video
Loading...
