1. Visual Imagination
Instructors: Sandy Hancock & Olivia Hancock
Fall 2013
Assignment #7
COLOR HARMONIES
The goal of this assignment is to gain a better understanding of color harmonies
through practical application.
You are to illustrate the relationship of colors in six of eight color harmonies listed
below.
• Monochromatic (5 values)
• Analogous (3 to 5 colors)
• Complementary
• Split complementary
• Double (split) Complementary
• Triadic (Triad)
• Tetradic (Tetrad)
• Accented neutral
Here are specific criteria for the project.
1. Render the project on a 9” x 10” kyd finish Bristol board as in the previous
assignment.
2. The border or margin outline should form a square, and be drawn in fine tip
Sharpie, following instructions on the Assignment Format sheet.
3. Draw a 2 x 3 grid (6 rectangles) within the outlined square with an extra fine
Sharpie.
4. Use the lettering and spacing requirements as indicated on the Assignment
Format sheet.
5. The title of the project, COLOR HARMONIES, will be on the bottom left,
and your name should be on the right along the same line.
6. You are to draw a different color harmony in each of the 6 rectangles.
7. Every color in each color harmony you choose, must be painted in the shape
of a regular geometric shape such as a circle, triangle, square, etc. (see
example)
8. The shapes may overlap, but the colors must not blend on the paper. (see
example).
9. Arrange the colored shapes into visually pleasing compositions.
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2. 10. The colored shapes must fit comfortably within the rectangles, but not touch
any sides,
11. Allow space below the colored shapes in each rectangle to identify the color
harmony. (See example.)
12. Note the lettering instructions on the example sheet.
13. The colors must be painted with watercolors.
14. It is recommended that the project be first outlined lightly in pencil. In this
case, the light pencil marks need not be erased.
15. Your color harmonies do not need to be complex or difficult to be effective.
Use the skill level you are comfortable with. Your talent is welcome and
appreciated, but it is not graded. Remember what counts:
a. meeting the criteria
b. accuracy
c. neatness – do not use whiteout.
16. Watercolor can be messy. Mix your colors on a separate piece of paper and
learn to control the brush strokes.
17. Asking for opinions and advice to solve a problem is very acceptable, in fact it
is encouraged. Having someone do your project is fraud just like plagiarism.
See assignment due date on your Syllabus.
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