Course Description
Introduction to the organizing principles of two-dimensional design and color theory. Students will learn to effectively manipulate the elements and principles of design in non- representational and representational compositions. They will be introduced to basic color theory and its creative application in the service of effective visual communication.
Athena Title
Color/Composition
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Upon course completion, students will gain the ability to effectively manipulate the elements and principles of design in non-representational and representational compositions. They will demonstrate understanding of basic color theory and its creative application in the service of effective visual communication. Students will be enabled to experiment with idea generation strategies for problem-solving and have increased awareness of modern and contemporary two-dimensional art and design. Students will also be enabled to speak and write critically about their personal and peer artworks. Through projects, lectures, demonstrations, and studio work students will be introduced to organizing concepts of visual order. This includes topics such as repetition, unity and variety, contrast, emphasis, balance, rhythm and movement, positive and negative space, and illusionistic and non-objective spatial compositions. During the course of the term, students will explore color theory and the properties and dimensions of color. This includes an introduction to primary, secondary, and tertiary colors; saturation and desaturation; value and color; color schemes such as monochromatic, analogous, and complementary color interactions, additive and subtractive color, color mixing, and spatial effects of color temperature. Students should be introduced to the physics of color, the physiological and optical aspects of color, and the psychological aspects of color (the objective and subjective meaning in relation to color.) By the end of the course, students will be enabled to manipulate elements of design and color to communicate their ideas visually. They will demonstrate an increased level of craftsmanship in manipulating visual media and be trained to consider professional presentation of their design work.
Topical Outline
The course will cover the following topics in relation to two- dimensional design: • The organizing principles of design in non-representational and representational compositions. • Concepts of visual order, such as repetition, unity and variety, contrast, emphasis, balance, rhythm and movement, positive and negative space, and illusionistic and non-objective spatial compositions. • Color theory and the properties and dimensions of color. This includes an introduction to primary, secondary, and tertiary colors; saturation and desaturation; value and color; color schemes such as monochromatic, analogous, and complementary, additive and subtractive color, color mixing, and spatial effects of color temperature. • The physics of color. • The physiological and optical aspects of color. • The psychological aspects of color (the objective and subjective meaning in relation to color.)
Syllabus