Assignment #1: Color Chart

ART 130 Painting I

Assignment #1 Color mixing

Stevenson, professor

You are to make a color chart illustrating the three parts of color: chroma, hue, value.  Use the posted “Color Notes” for reference, if needed.  Divide an 18x24 canvas board into six equal sections. Each section belongs to either one of the primary or secondary colors (red, yellow, blue, green, purple, orange). On the left side of each labeled section, lightly draw two vertical columns of roughly one half inch squares (see example page 1).

*************************************************************************

In the left hand vertical column of each section, mix an even step sequence of ten gray tones from off white to off black and place it in order.  The lightest tone should be on top and the darkest tone should be on the bottom.  In all, make 6 identical gray tonal scales—one in each section as described on example page 4.  To the right of each gray tonal scale there should be a blank vertical column

 (These will be the color columns).  Be sure to mix enough of each gray to fill in the left columns in all six sections.  By the beginning of class next week you are to get up to this point.  If you do not have the value columns finished you will not be able to get an A on this project.

Once the gray scales are completed, compare the corresponding pure hue (cadmium red light, cobalt blue, etc.) to the gray scale and decide which box most closely resembles the value of the pure hue.  For example, Cadmium Yellow Light has a very high value and will therefore be placed near the top of the gray scale, whereas Cobalt Blue is much darker and will be much placed much lower on the column.  In each color column, fill in the box next to the correct value with the pure hue.  As described on example page 5, mix the appropriate tints or shades of each color to match the ascending or descending values of the gray tonal scales next to each color tonal scale.

On the right side of the color column in each section construct a row of the appropriate number of (4 to 8) connected squares of similar size attached to where you decided to put the pure color block (see example page 2).  Construct a second row of squares unattached to the vertical stack in the open space to right of the columns. Use the same number of blocks as in the example.  Be sure each unattached row has the same number of squares as its attached counterpart. 

Now, at the value where each pure color finds itself to be the highest chroma, attach the horizontal row (mentioned above) and mix a row of tones in descending order from the highest chroma to neutral chroma.  Be sure that the value of these tones remains constant.

So far, the hues within each section have not changed at all—only the value and the intensity of the colors.

In the remaining unattached row of boxes you are to start with the pure color on the left, and then make a gradation of steps of descending chroma (but constant value) by “breaking” both the hue and intensity of the color by using the appropriate color complement (for example, in the red section gradually mix in green to eventually make a neutral color—but be sure to do it in the correct number of steps).  In sections where this will also affect the value of the resulting color, use the tint or shade of the complement that most closely corresponds to the value of the color.  So to keep each unattached row a constant value, you will have to mix in the appropriate tint or shade of the compliment, not the pure color (in the yellow section for example you would probably use the second highest purple tint). 

A large part of the grade will come from issues of craftsmanship.  Be sure to keep it as neat and clean as possible.  Be sure to make the transitions from one box to the next as clean and sharp as possible.  Also, do NOT use white paint to cover up smears and errant marks on the remaining white areas of the panel.  Instead, wipe off the marks with an eraser or spirits soaked rag (or don’t make them in the first place).  Good luck.

For the beginning of class on Wednesday you are to have the six sections laid out with all twelve columns of ten boxes drawn in as shown on the first example sheet.  If you do not have this done or are in any way unprepared, the best you will be able to get in this assignment is a B.