Comparison Boxes
Juxtaposing Colors
Donna, see art class 4 page 56
Supplies
1. quality mixable paint in the colors: red, blue, and yellow
2. paint brushes
3. paint mixing trays or small cups
4.
water
5.
paper towels
For Complementary Colors: How to use Comparison Boxes
1. Choose a color, such as red, and paint the two
2. Next paint one outer box the *complementary color.
3. Paint the other box the *split complementary.
*Terms defined at Exploring Color Theory
Two Examples of Comparison Boxes Below
Example One - Red
In the first example, red is in the inner squares.
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Red's complement, green, is painted in the first outer square.
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Red's split complement, yellow-green is painted in the second outer square.
Compare the brightness of red when surrounded by it complement green and when red is surrounded by its split complement, yellow-green.
Example Two - Blue
Blue is the primary color used and blue is painted in the two inner boxes.
The first outer box is painted with orange- blue's complementary color.
The second outer box is painted with yellow-orange- blue's split complementary color.
And interesting point about blue- Blue letters in a illuminated sign appear blurry. Why is that?
Application
Artists use color groups for their palette to make a visually pleasing color scheme.
Consider these two paintings by Van Gogh. The first one uses, more or less, a complementary palette and the second one uses a split complementary palette.
The Printable Comparison Boxes
Print on paper that is heavy enough for the paint you are using. We used 32lb. paper for liquid paint.
To use the exact paper that you prefer, which also does not work with a printer, draw the boxes on the paper.
Assignment Suggestions
Practice mixing the 3 primary colors and paint the color wheel, printables below.
Draw a simple still life. Paint the still life using one color, such as shades of blue.
Draw an animal. Paint the animal using an intensity scale (a color plus its complement.) You can use tints and shades for lighter and darker values.
Choose a set of at least 4 analogous colors to paint a self-portrait. It does not have to be realistic. It can be painterly or you can cut out painted pieces and glue them. It can be a cartoon, animé style, a mosaic ... just have fun expressing yourself in analogous colors. Criteria: Use variety in your colors. They do not need to be straight from the color wheel. Variation is interesting (tints, shades, mixes of the colors, and subtle differences)
Create a still life, landscape or figure painting. The color scheme will be triadic. You may choose to use a primary, secondary or tertiary triad.
