Color Theory Beehives
Color Theory is an important basic concept to learn as an artist. While it is not always relevant to the artworks, color theory can certainly add a lot of depth to a project when properly applied. Take Seurat for example, known for his paintings done in the style of Pointillism (lots and lots of dots!). His art would not have been so successful without his observation and application of complimentary color schemes. For example, if enough tiny blue and yellow dots are placed together, the eye can kind of be fooled into “reading” that area as green if looked at correctly.
The focus of this lesson is complimentary colors. After drawing on our beehives and bees and outlining them with sharpie markers, students must apply the correct color schemes to each segment of the hive and on the stripes of the bees. We do this by placing dashed lines of oil pastel on first and then selecting the compliment of that color in watercolor and brushing it over. Each segment is then two toned in a complimentary color scheme. The bees, instead of the traditional black and yellow, are striped in complimentary colors as well.
Minnesota State Visual Art Standards:
2. Describe how the principles of visual art such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation, presentation or response to visual artworks. (4.1.1.5.2)1. Describe the characteristics of the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space. (4.1.1.5.1)
1. Create original two- and-three-dimensional artworks to express specific artistic ideas. (4.2.1.5.1)
2. Revise artworks based on the feedback of others and self-reflection. (4.2.1.5.2)
1. Justify personal interpretations and reactions to works of visual art. (4.4.1.5.1)
The focus of this lesson is complimentary colors. After drawing on our beehives and bees and outlining them with sharpie markers, students must apply the correct color schemes to each segment of the hive and on the stripes of the bees. We do this by placing dashed lines of oil pastel on first and then selecting the compliment of that color in watercolor and brushing it over. Each segment is then two toned in a complimentary color scheme. The bees, instead of the traditional black and yellow, are striped in complimentary colors as well.
Minnesota State Visual Art Standards:
2. Describe how the principles of visual art such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation, presentation or response to visual artworks. (4.1.1.5.2)1. Describe the characteristics of the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space. (4.1.1.5.1)
1. Create original two- and-three-dimensional artworks to express specific artistic ideas. (4.2.1.5.1)
2. Revise artworks based on the feedback of others and self-reflection. (4.2.1.5.2)
1. Justify personal interpretations and reactions to works of visual art. (4.4.1.5.1)